To the editor:

During this midterm election there have been many politicians who have stated that they “will never compromise or cross party lines.” In fact many now consider it a litmus test of political purity.

Those individuals who are not disturbed by this language should consider that living in a democracy is a compromise. The Constitution of the United States of America starts, “We the People.” It does not say “we the people who believe like me,” and the Constitution’s evolution has been towards including all the people in this country of ours.

We live in a country where our government obtains its strength through being able to compromise, to include all people regardless of their sex, race, religion, national origin and yes, even their sexual orientation. If we lose the ability to compromise we have lost our nation and all for which it stands.

Bruce W. Johanning,

Lawrence