Failed parties

EDITOR: Given the tone in Don Morris' letter ("Independent voters," May 7), it's doubtful anyone can satisfactorily explain independents to him. I'll try. Independents represent a fact: The supply of political choice in our political arena no longer satisfies the demand for political options.

Most Americans are angry, not only at the examples Morris cites but the fact that no matter which party wins, nothing really changes. Today politics — both ideologies — all but prohibit government from functioning as most Americans would like.

Independents represent, if only unconsciously, the truth that a plurality (at least) of voters yearn for another political option. It isn't a matter of conservative vs. liberal; it's a matter of Republican vs. Democrat vs. America.

Until some credible potential challenge is formulated, articulated and promoted in opposition to these two parties and their ideologically slanted approaches to governing, nothing in Washington is liable to change.

Until — and unless — this happens, the protest message of being an independent will remain powerless, and voter options at the polls will continue to be "our way or the highway," Democrat or Republican.

Today, compromise or cooperation between them doesn't appear possible.

THOMAS RICHARD HARRY

Windsor