For those who are as appalled and disgusted as I am at the growing partisanship, divisiveness, ugliness, and worst of all, lack of shared accountability from our two major political parties – especially in light of the recent banking and finance disaster – I have a unique suggestion. Please join me in writing in Obama-Palin as a national protest vote and clear statement to both parties.

In lieu of a substantive and much-needed third party of influence in our great country, perhaps we would be wise and “purple” to revert to how we ran things in the old days, where administrations were mixed and balanced and VPs were the second highest and most likable vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation and idealogical differences. I, for one, would have no problem with the youthful, creative and charismatic team of Obama-Palin running things for a while and let Biden effect his bombastic verbiage as secretary of state and McCain should be honored to serve as secretary of defense.

Is effective government having either party, neither of which deserves such trust and power these days, in control of all branches, everything? Would an executive branch not be more effective and more representative if it was forced by the people to be more diverse and eclectic? Will Obama have as many Republicans in his administration as McCain has at least proposed? Fair questions.

As a proud Independent, who feels comfortable and unencumbered in supporting good people, not blame-game parties, whether they be elephants, donkeys, greens, Anguses or others, nothing would make me prouder than seeing Maine lead the nation in Obama-Palin write-in ratios.

Don Russell

South Portland