January 14, 2026 Letter to the Editor: Partisanship Poison

Partisanship poisonous

Charleston metro columnist Brian Hicks’ Sunday column nails the mindless partisanship that is breaking American politics and driving voters away. While the column’s focus concerned Charleston County Council, the rot is everywhere. Partisan poison now crowds out problem-solving at every level of government, from library boards and local councils to last fall’s pointless 43-day federal government shutdown.

It’s no surprise that independent voters now outnumber Republicans and Democrats combined, according to a 2024 Gallup poll. Americans want ideas and results, not party loyalty tests. Charlestonians applaud competition and vision in our leaders, but partisanship rewards only the insider politicians and parties, not the electorate.

CLINT EISENHAUER

Charleston