TO THE EDITOR:

The Democratic Party did a great injustice to the American people for decades by throwing money at problems. Because throwing money at what the government did poorly broke the bond of public trust and rightfully so.

The Republican Party responded in kind with think tanks and media outlets, cajoling the American public into accepting their "take no prisoners," infinite reductionism in government, "no new taxes" philosophy.

Unfortunately, both arrogant and heavy-handed approaches undermine what government and people do well.

For me, the poignant message of the 35W bridge collapse is this colossal failure by both parties. So, throw out any nonsense about assigning blame -- there is plenty to go around.

The good news is when we come together, we can do great things.

We witnessed hundreds of acts of individual heroism along-side the best in government disaster preparedness. We witnessed human solidarity -- government and its people -- shining in the midst of tragedy and grief.

And perhaps something more profound; a shift away from our conservative versus liberal paradigm -- a bridge long over due.

Governor Tim Pawlenty is showing real leadership with great political risk, unmasking the reasonable side of his nature that defined his earlier legislative career going back to his service as an aid to Dave Durenberger.

We must mourn the losses and respond with humility. But we must witness that God is at work in our midst turning this, our human catastrophe, into something good and pleasing to Him.

This gives me hope.

Wade Vitalis
Shafer