Every night before we go to bed, and every morning when we get up, it seems President Donald Trump is engaged in another controversy. There seems to be no end to claims against him and charges he makes. It’s a political battle that gives no signs of ending soon.The latest is that the president claims Barack Obama tapped Trump’s telephones during the last election campaign. President Trump offered no evidence and his charge brought immediate denials.The intelligence community is involved. Almost immediately FBI Director James Comey reportedly asked the Justice Department to dispute the Trump claim because he believed the allegations to be false. It must be noted that the intelligence network has been under fire from Trump, and it’s upset by remarks made by the president that it has been inept in its responsibilities.With these constant charges and countercharges, one cannot help but wonder whether the nation’s business is being tended to by our elected and appointed officials.There is no question that the Democrats are out to discredit President Trump in any way possible. They want him to fail, but what about the nation and its people? The Republicans are just as bad as the Democrats. It’s politics 24/7. It’s the party that counts with both sides — the parties are the No. 1 priority.The truth is that more and more people are becoming independents. People have quit the parties. Some say the parties left them. Radical elements in both parties have forced people out. The extremists seem to have a tight grip on the parties, especially in the Democratic Party.We remember the days when the two political parties were strong, and their events drew large numbers of people. Many of those middle-of-the-road leaders have passed on. They were respected in their political work and took the high road.Will the parties ever return to what they once were? Will the membership return? What will it take to right both ships?