Letter to the editor: We're lacking leaders on both sides

I have read my share of letters written here by those who condemn Democrats or who denounce Republicans. Such criticism can lead to a vacuum of leadership. What young and bright upcoming politician would want to step into the vitriol of the partisan divide that affects our politics today? What we are sorely lacking are good leaders.

Good leaders are not good because of their political party. They are good in spite of their party. Is a lawmaker who always votes the party line a leader? What about those who refuse to communicate with the other party on important issues?

If smart young people refuse to enter politics because of its nastiness, who can blame them? What happens then is those people on the extreme rush in to fill the leadership void, making the political divide even worse.

But then the fault is our own if we keep voting in the same lawmakers time and time again. Shame on us.

Richard Patton

Franklin Township, Beaver County