Most of the time when I bring up the subject of the GOP's antidemocratic plans, I've taken pains to put it this way: "The GOP is presently in power, so it's the GOP we have to deal with first. I expect the Democratic Party to be tempted to use the same techniques, and when they do, we have to deal with them." I've said it often enough that I have to take your screed as a deliberate misstatement of my position.

The problem is Party dominance of our electoral system. Whether in collusion (doubtful) or simply because they recognize a shared interest, the Parties have promoted hyperpartisanship and polarization in order to destroy the moderate middle that once was the power center of American politics. Once upon a time the partisans of Left and Right had insufficient power of their own, and had to make their case to moderates, and I'm convinced that that is the system the Founders had in mind (not least because it had three parts, like almost everything else the Founders designed; the boys were crazy for the number 3). By destroying the moderate middle, and interposing themselves between citizens and their government, the Parties are vying between themselves for direct control of the government, a control they could never achieve when they had to negotiate with the political middle.

The result is political volatility and escalation of hostilities commensurate with the prize of one-party control. The two Parties are engaged in all-out war for control of America, and we citizens should recognize that that means taking control of America away from us. The Parties are the enemy, both of them; not the rank-and-file members of the other Party that Party demagogues constantly harangue us to hate.

You must know, Tom, that there's widespread disaffection within the rank-and-file of the Republican Party. I think moderate Republicans (I'm sure they still exist, but they've been keeping their heads down in fear of the RINO label) recognize that something's gone badly wrong with the Party, and that forecasts that Republicans will stay home in November in large numbers are correct. I respect that choice a lot. I would never demand conversion to my religion, and frankly I'd lose respect for somebody who turns that easily; the choice to turn their backs on their Party without endorsing the Democrats is the most honorable course. It's a sacrifice worthy of respect, because I know it's gonna hurt, and those patriots will have only the comfort of having made a sacrifice for the good of their country.

Here's to the surviving moderate Republicans! May their number increase and their house prosper!