Party Differences are Set-Aside for Veterans

Four New Hampshire officials set aside political differences to establish a full-service hospital for military veterans in their state.

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(HARRISVILLE, N.H.) - Anyone who has regularly read my opinion pieces knows that I tend to be a critic of most Washington politicians. The regular collusion, corruption, and selfishness that exist in and regularly emanates from our nation’s capitol are shameful at best. The two major parties pulling and tugging to better their own self-interest and acquire the majority of power-broking positions continues non-stop.

Party interests usually take precedence over the interest of the country and its citizens. However, every now and then we witness an anomaly that gives one reason to hope that maybe... just maybe, a sliver of humanity remains among those elected to office. Only rarely are we are given reason to hope that party differences can be set aside in favor of our citizenry.

Well, one such occurrence has just happened. The four elected officials who represent New Hampshire in Washington managed to set aside their political differences long enough to create and submit bills in the House and Senate to establish a full-service hospital for military veterans in New Hampshire.

Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Rep. Charles Bass, Rep. Frank Guinta, and Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen managed to set-aside their differences on issues such as health care and tax policy long enough to work together in an effort to promote the creation of what would be the first and only veteran’s hospital in the state of New Hampshire.

Now I am not naive enough and not yet delusional enough to believe that this rare occurrence is a harbinger of a new and wonderful era of intra-party cooperation targeting the common good of the electorate but it is a refreshing change from the norm. It is a small but meaningful dab of proof that differences in some issues can still allow for cooperative effort for the good of the whole.

The four representatives of the people of New Hampshire deserve accolades for their effort. An effort that will benefit those individuals who have placed themselves in harm’s way for others... our veterans... the all too often forgotten few who have sacrificed so much for so many, Keep it up ladies and gentlemen...

PLEASE! Do not give-up on this one. It is just too important and much needed but... that is just my opinion!

Writer Robert Collinsworth is an American who isn't hesitant to talk about the good side of his country, and that is a welcome thing in this day and age. Salem-News.com admittedly, is very critical of both American politics, as well as those of other nations that we perceive is being wrong in their motives and actions. At the same time, within these structures we criticize, are many outstanding people who make each day a better place for all those around them. They embody and personify the American spirit that is sometimes fleeting, but always present.

These are some of the things Robert takes into account when writing commentary that is designed reach people, to "get them thinking" in his words, and indeed it does. Salem-News.com's goal is for all people to be on the same page, we appreciate Bob's more conservative approach toward that same goal."

You can write to Bob Collingsworth at this email address: colli2@webryders.net