Letter: Two-party system is failing America

Political polarization is tearing our nation apart and should be discussed by candidates in the November election.

In the book "The Politics Industry," Katherine Gehl, a former CEO, and Michael Porter, a Harvard Business School professor, write that hyper-partisanship and the two-party system are failing America. They argue that our political duopoly is focused primarily on protecting itself and is dragging the U.S. down on many economic measures. As Gehl and Porter put it, "The parties differentiate themselves by competing on tribal ideology, NOT on solutions to our nation's most pressing problems."

A September Gallup poll measured Congress' approval rating at 23%, a dismal rating often attributed to partisan bickering. Instead of accomplishment and civility, we get gridlock, inaction, negative campaigning and contemptuous political communications. Younger Americans in particular feel the effect of polarization. Gallup also reported that 52% of millennials and a steady share of Generation X identify as independents - and those two groups combined account for over 56% of registered voters.

Nasty political behavior has taken root at all levels of government, from Congress down to local school boards. If we are to move forward as a nation, our elected representatives must work on fixing our toxic political divide. News, editorial and citizen organizations should demand that candidates address the issue of party over country. Several organizations, such as Braver Angels, the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, and The Association of Former Members of Congress, have put forth experience-based recommendations that elected representatives can implement to lower the temperature in politics.

I implore the Daily Herald, and all media outlets, to ask candidates about these proven techniques and solutions. Our children are watching and will benefit from our mending the torn fabric of our nation.

Donna Limper

Bloomingdale