Letter: Polis' approach makes him a man to watch, for both parties
A few evenings ago, I had the privilege of a brief handshake and momentary exchange with Rep. Jared Polis. I asked — abruptly, I'm afraid — "What would you say is probably the most urgent aspect of the coming national elections?" I was surprised by his answer, which seemed to indicate that he has thought beyond campaign slogans.
He took the opportunity and spent a moment to warmly convince me that the "opposition" party, the Republicans, were historically a sensible and much-needed conservative voice in national affairs; that they engaged in responsible dialogue regarding the problems of national governance; and that they needed support now in their own intramural struggle with radical elements bent on an almost bizarre obstructionism. Those radical elements, he indicated, comprise the most urgent aspect of the mid-terms.
The critical issue is the citizens' response to those radical candidates who appear to have no respect for governance and no real desire to govern, who have spent their time in Washington endlessly repeating symbolic opposition to national health care, especially as it concerns women (e.g. abortion), voting 52 times to rescind "Obamacare" (which — including the "individual mandate" — began as a Republican idea at the Heritage Foundation and in Gov. Romney's Massachusetts plan), neglecting nearly every other national concern, even bringing government operations to a halt.
As a moderate Democrat who has sometimes — gasp! — voted Republican, I share Rep. Polis's concern. Polis is a man to watch.
Al Heath, Fort Collins