People sometimes think that we Democrats relish the notion of Republican party infighting. But that's not the case, especially since the chairman of our local GOP is quoted as calling for party unity to defeat the "real enemy" -- Democrats.

Believe me, there's little comfort to be had in watching two Republican groups fight over which can inflict the most pain upon us Democrats. Sometimes, I wonder whether Democrats should be arming themselves. When folks think of their neighbors as the enemy, civil war can't be far behind.

I recently finished reading Adam Johnson's book, "The Orphan Master's Son," about the work of a North Korean intelligence officer who compiles biographies of the prisoners he interrogates and tortures. Along the way, he comes to recognize that his fellow North Koreans live in a society ruled by paranoia and fear and hate. Opposing viewpoints are not permitted and considered treasonous.

It's hard not to see the parallels in political rhetoric here labeling Democrats as the enemy. North Koreans have their dictator; we have Rush and O'Reilly. Those who think out of step here are deemed the enemy and their demise is a widely welcomed event.

Steve Zorbaugh

West Manchester Twp.