Dear Editor,

Last week in your paper Roger Wiltz asked how to get our two party system to work better and specifically what can Democrats do to make our system work better? I’ve always consider myself able to look at both sides of an issue. I believe any issue in front of us that has multiple sides can be resolved by seeking common ground. Name calling and labeling the other side does nothing to reach consensus.

One of Roger’s concerns is the current gridlock over the impeachment of President Trump. Let’s look at the facts. First, if we are going to survive as Republic with free democratic elections, we need to stop foreign influence and have an open and fair system of elections. Russia and not Ukraine meddled in the 2016 Election and Donald Trump benefited from Wiki Leaks and false information that was spread on social media especially in key Electoral College States. Hush money was also spent to cover up indiscretions of Trump. The facts in the Impeachment inquiry show Trump, through his Chief of Staff and private attorney, did put pressure on Ukraine in exchange for dirt on a potential Democratic opponent. Weather that is impeachable is another question. I personally would seek another solution that lets the voters decide the issue, while at the same time making sure Trump isn’t pressuring foreign leaders to make up fake stories on any American citizen.

To Roger’s charge about Democrats, I believe Democrats have worked to make both the United States and South Dakota a better place. The current health care system that expects those with financial ability purchase insurance to lessen the burden on others was passed by Democrats. Teacher salaries would not be as good as they are in SD without the work Democrats did in the State Legislature. I can also testify that the ethanol industry would not be here if the Democrats had not pushed for this in the early 1990’s. Over the years Democrats have aggressively pushed for the Rural Electrification Administration, hydro-electric dams, rural water, and subsidies for renewable energy. Democrats will continue to work toward comprehensive immigration reform that fixes our nation’s broken immigration system, improves border security, keeps families together, and strengthens our economy.

South Dakota will likely remain a conservative Republican lead state, but the national trend is much different. I support conversations and support elected leaders that will promote common ground.

Larry Lucas

Pickstown