I agree with Scot Lehigh’s assessment that the Democrats have essentially lost their way (“Two political parties, two difficult dilemmas,’’ Opinion, July 14). The Democrats were once a “big tent’’ party that appealed to all segments of society based on a set of basic ideas, best articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his second “bill of rights.’’

These included “the right to a useful and remunerative job . . . ; the right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation; . . . the right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home and abroad; the right of every family to a decent home; the right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health; the right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment; the right to a good education.’’

Roosevelt said, “We are trying to construct a more inclusive society. We are going to make a country in which no one is left out.’’ I would argue that the Democrats need again to embrace these rights as their basic goals, which would get them and the country back on the right track.

Len Solo

Marlborough