My life partner recently bought us pickleball lessons for our anniversary. There is an insightful rule in the game that we should all consider when going to the polls next. If you hit a shot and your opponent calls it out, then the shot is out. The one exception would be that if the opponent’s partner contradicted the call by calling it in, then the shot is in. No dispute is allowed. The rule keeps the game friendly because everyone accepts it.

This rule used to apply to politics. We can all blame those who broke the rules first, but Republicans have taken breaking the rules to a criminal level. If the ransacking of our capital, defending free speech by defending violence and judging what women must do to their bodies is not evidence, then I don’t know what is.

Far too few Republicans correct the inciting and chaotic behavior of their partners in politics. Without the voices of decent Republicans and independents, our democracy is undoubtedly doomed. Please think of this when voting next week. And vote Democratic.

Tracy Floyd
Cape Elizabeth