To the editor:

It’s time we end the political party divide in the United States, and even more so in our region. Republicans, Democrats, independents, all of us have become so entrenched in our views of policy and action that we have forgotten who we really are. Before ever being introduced to the nitty gritty of politics, kids are taught to love our country by waving flags, learning songs such as “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and wearing red, white and blue straw hats, and appreciating Uncle Sam.

Nowadays, we are accustomed to choosing our friends based on whom they voted for in previous elections and how they feel about certain issues. Lifelong friends and family have been lost because of their political affiliations. We are so busy arguing over health care, foreign policy and gun control that we forget that we were all taught to love our country, and believe in it, rather than disliking your neighbor because of their vote.

What most tend to forget is that we are all Americans first. We are all Adirondackers; we are all Upstaters; we are all Tri-Lakers. We are in one of the tightest-knit communities, and yet we still divide ourselves among party lines, just because that’s the new norm.

We must put aside our politics, our arguments, our disagreements, and understand that each other just wants what is the absolute best for our country. That shouldn’t change who they are as a person, and that shouldn’t change how we feel about people who have differing opinions.

That’s what makes the USA great! The ability to have discussion and talk about different ways to attack problems. But at the end of the day, it’s just a discussion. It shouldn’t change your friends list or whom you invite for dinner. We are all Americans first, so let’s return to our values and work together for our nation.

Colin Hayes

Lake Placid