Independent voters could eliminate extremists from both major parties

Both major political parties and those elected officials in Washington who represent them have allowed themselves to be taken over by their extreme factions. The tea party has taken over the Republican Party and the progressives are turning the Democratic Party into a fantasy land. Empty wagons always make the most noise and it seems both parties are paying more attention to the noise while the country goes down in flames. It's time for independent voters to speak up at the ballot box and get this mess cleaned up.

Both major political parties are dysfunctional. We can start by allowing registered independents to vote in primaries in every state. Independent voters willing to put country first voting in primaries could be the first step in eliminating the extremists from both major parties immediately. Perhaps at that point we could find a qualified individual willing to put country before party and self.

James Mitchell, Oklahoma City