A little advice for my friends on the right

Let me begin by stating that I have no affiliation with any political party. I personally have an enigmatic perspective. I support many charities and am a big supporter of the food bank and those less fortunate, yet believe that welfare recipients should be drug tested and made to work for the community in which they live while on benefits. I believe in giving somebody a hand yet want to see them help themselves at the same time. As such I am an independent and support the politicians who broadly represent the middle ground.

I wonder why those on the right use the word "liberal" in a derogatory sense. If by being caring and compassionate and wanting to help someone, I am a liberal, then so be it. You see, the Republicans just don't get it! As long as you get quotes from the Reagan Republicans (CDA Press 7/17) referring to sodomites and while you have the tea party continuing to bicker and divide, then polarization continues.

My point is, if you want a Republican president, then nominate someone that the independents, like me, can feel comfortable with. For it is the independents who will elect the next president and that crucial middle ground is where the battle will be fought.

Yet look at the current slate of prospective Republican candidates; there is not one who does not polarize, not one who does not pander to the GOP faithful, not one who is willing to bridge the divide. All I ever hear is divisiveness. I don't hear any sounds of acceptance or harmony, just negativity.

For example, gay marriage is here to stay. Instead of exploding with indignation, how about showing compassion, tolerance and acceptance?

Gay people are just like you and me - surprise - normal people. I will not judge others because they choose a different path. My only criteria is, are they good people? The LGBT movement should be regarded as an intrinsic part of what makes humans unique. We are all different and as such because their lifestyle may be different to yours, it does not mean that they are lesser human beings.

So my friends on the right, you have a choice! You can continue to find chapter and verse in the Bible to support your cause, you can continue to go to church and profess love yet once you step outside continue to hate, or you can find a middle ground where we can all, not necessarily agree but tolerate. For as long as the status quo continues you will forever have a Democratic president.

Jim Myers is a Coeur d'Alene resident and founder of the local nonprofit Turkeys for All, which provides meals for the needy at Thanksgiving.