UNCONSCIONABLE PARTISAN POLITICS - November 30, 2001

When I read the article on the front page of my issue of USA TODAY, I was aghast, indeed outraged, by the casual slide back to partisan politics as usual, and the callous disregard for the "double trouble" America is suffering.

The recession and terrorist attacks are human tolls enough without being subjected to shallow political attacks in times of crisis, even as the remains of WTC victims are still being recovered:

'WASHINGTON - Labeling the economic downturn "George Bush's recession," a key Democrat announced plans Thursday for her party's first political ad campaign against Republicans since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.'

'At a breakfast meeting with USA TODAY and Gannett New Service reporters and editors, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairwoman Nita Lowey said the time is right to make an issue of the just-confirmed recession.'

" The bottom line is, this is George Bush's recession," 'said Lowey, a veteran New York lawmaker who is overseeing Democrats' effort to win at least six additional seats and take control of the House next year...'

Now, more than ever, I feel justified in rejecting my affiliation with the failed two-party system and registering as a nonpartisan, independent voter.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
The Direct Democracy Center