It is difficult to concentrate on what America was, is or will be when the leadership choice is between two individuals that are so devoid of ethical character. Republicans backing Trump despite his despicable behavior, lack of intellectual depth, inquisitiveness or basic moral values. Democrats backing Hillary despite years of lackluster performance while her conduct continuously verges on the cusp of questionable with an inbred disregard for the truth.

Our willingness to accept either one is a comment on how far we have strayed from our core values. It appears that we as democrats and republicans, conservatives and liberals are prepared to sacrifice those values as we fence with each other over the “virtues of our” candidate when deep down we know instinctively that it is a devil’s bargain.

At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin was queried as he left Independence Hall on the final day of deliberation . . . by a lady who asked Dr. Franklin: “Well Doctor what have we got, a republic or a monarchy.” Franklin replied, “A republic . . . if you can keep it.”

The only conclusion is that our republic is broken as evidenced by the choice of Trump and Hillary as the two most worthy citizens in the entire United States of America for the most important position in the world. I am at a loss, however, as to how to fix it. Can we talk . . .?

John V. Loeffler

Shepherdstown