Ron Stitzer's letter, “Political Lines Blur” (April 8) sizzles through the fluff, landing squarely on the truth. Neither party truly represents the best interests of the average citizen or acts in the best interest of the nation. Their governing principle is the sustenance of the parties themselves, regardless of the consequences to us.

It appears that most of our elected lawmakers care about themselves first, the party second, special interests who contribute to the cause — both above and below the table — third, and at the end of the train, in the caboose, maybe it's you.

Both parties are adept at the shell game, promising us new visions of the future, and change we can believe in, all distractions used to hide the fact they control the bounty to their and their moneyed supporters' advantage, leaving a few crumbs for the rest of us.

The present economic black hole is a direct result of their incompetent and prostituted legislation, lack of oversight and biased positions. Ultimately, you and I are responsible to a large degree if we continue to believe and accept the awful and subpar performance these guys are providing to us. We need to monitor the bills and legislation they propose and pass, communicate our wishes and thoughts to them, and if they do not act in our best interest vote them out at election time regardless of party affiliation. Why do we have to be accountable and they do not?

Pat Hudgins
Brass Beds of Virginia
Richmond