Letter to the Editor

LETTERS: SIGNS OF BIPARTISANSHIP, RIGHT?

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To the editor:

Our country is experiencing another Era of Good Feelings. We had one before in the early 19th century coinciding with the presidency of James Monroe.

During that period, partisan political differences virtually disappeared. Almost all citizens got along well. The political issues were thought to be marginal and thus the political differences were minimal.

Today, differences of opinion on political and social issues still exist but are often wildly exaggerated and made to appear much greater than they are. The end of the Cold Ward as well as the spread of democracy and freer markets signal an emerging international consensus as to how we should govern ourselves locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.

Keeping this in mind, readers must not misinterpret state Sen. Peter Kinder's recent column in which he called an area politician of another political party a "certified lightweight." This is not a criticism. It is a tribute to the politician for staying slim, trim and in good physical condition. Perhaps it was a message to many of the rest of us to get in shape.

In another portion of the column, Kinder described the politician's tactics as a "cheap political shot." This is also a compliment. The word cheap should not be interpreted to mean miserly. Rather, it means that it was not expensive -- cost efficient, if you will. Surely everyone agrees this is a good thing.

To me it is thrilling beyond words to see the spirit of bipartisanship spread to Southeast Missouri. Some have said the Bootheel region is one of the last bastions of intense, sometimes mean-spirited political partisanship. However, relationships between Missouri Republicans and Democrats in general and Kinder's column in particular prove that those days are behind us.

A gentler and kinder world? Generally, yes. A gentler and kinder United States? I think so. A gentler and kinder Missouri? It seems to be the case. And, to put it in more personal terms, a gentler and kinder Kinder? There is no doubt.

STEVE MOSLEY

Cape Girardeau