OPINION:
The newsmedia would like us to think we voters must opt for either Democrat or Republican. Party consultants now ’scream out’ on issues,while raising a red or blue flag to make their case.
Mississippi law does not require one to be a Democrat or a Republican to register to vote. In my 81 years, I have voted as a Democrat, Yellow Dog Democrat, Blue Dog Democrat and Republican. I voted Republican simply because the line was shorter and I found that the only difference between a Democrat and a Republican was the empty space between the two registration tables.
Will Rogers once noted that he belonged to no organized political party, that he was a Democrat. Mississippi has long been without an organized Democratic Party in large part because of its failure to consider issues on their merits. This blind loyalty has led to a leadership void in the party and a loss of creditability statewide.
I would encourage voters to consider a more independent view of issues, regardless of party affiliation, and to vote accordingly.
SELBY PARKER SR.
Clinton, Miss.
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