Partisan

"Partisan Paralysis"

                                  July 26, 1997

Most Americans have leanings to either of the two
major political parties based on the direction each
want to take our country.  And historically, the two-
party system has served all Americans quite well.

But there is a growing number of Americans who are
frustrated with both parties, observing that partisan
interests more often take priority over the "business
of the people".

I have had misgivings over the political process for
several years, noticing a party's agenda getting more attention than the citizens who send elected officials
to state and federal legislated bodies. And I've become increasingly frustrated, not only in the party I support, but in the manner our elected officials conduct the work
of government.

Political parties are clearly out of control. And the
media which 'reports' the news have yet to examine and
inform the public of how legislators operate.

We need only look at how investigative hearings are
'conducted'. It isn't a senatorial or house hearing,
it is a partisan hearing with each party having legal
council. To Americans this must be confusing at best.
If Congress is conducting an 'investigation' why do
both parties require council? Why must partisan interest
be interwoven with government business?

We can debate the merits of 'reforming' campaigns and
contributions, but this takes our attention over the
real issue. Improving the performance of the Executive
and Legislative branches is what Americans want, not
which party is in the majority, or benefits from
legislation.

                                 Anthony J. Bruno