The demonstration in Virginia had nothing to do with statues; the hate groups were not chanting about saving statues.

The beating of a young black man wasn't about statues, a car being driven into a crowd wasn't about statues!

Most Americans seem to be ambivalent about the removal of statues, and the Democratic party cannot focus on that issue. Jobs, wages, health care, defense, reasonable border control, college costs are all bread and butter issues most people really care about, and still wait for a Democratic alternative to emerge.

Who is going to lead the Democratic party into the midterm elections and what is the message going to be? Getting rid of Trump should not be the goal, because with Pence you have a much stronger chance of having the Republican agenda being put into effect.

The Democrats need a leader and a strong platform that addresses the needs of middle class America, decent people who voted for Trump because they felt no one addressed their legitimate needs.

Democrats are still reacting to Trump's actions instead of being pro-active and focusing on issues! Moderate Democrats must say how they would address these issues and give people a reason to vote for them.

Robert Lamperelli

Stonington