Reading Veronica Hessler’s letter on the two-party system lacking honesty and integrity in county politics, I could not help but agree and also feel the same applies to state and national politics as well. It is a sad comment on the state of our nation to think how much scandal has rocked us on every level during the last 15 years or so, with ample mudslinging from both parties.

Watching the Democrats and Republicans during the last few years, I begin to feel like I’m watching "Punch and Judy" for adults. Meanwhile, nothing is accomplished, and we descend into an ever-deepening morass. Perhaps a big part of the problem stems from the fact that the same corporations and lobbies make huge contributions to both parties, making sure that whoever wins owes them favors. Like Ms. Hessler, I would love to see the Green Party start winning elections.

At least they put the environment first and, let’s face it, if the environment is not protected — and protected well — from big-money corporations thirsty for profit at all costs, we are all in big trouble.

Is the need for profit really more important than the air we breathe and the water we drink? Would you like to live long enough to see your grandchildren graduate? Do you want future generations to suffer the disease and maladies which increase with each new blow to the ecosystem? Think long and hard about these questions, and make sure those who receive your vote do more than pay lip service to these vital issues.

Alex Brewer

Long Branch