The American Spectator

It’s simultaneously amusing and appalling to see the Republicans’ bumbling behavior about and management of everything they’ve touched since the inauguration. It’s becoming more apparent as they unravel — and they are surely and quickly — that they lack the grit and loyalty to speak with one voice and govern. As much as I hate to say this, I think the Democrats outmatch them.

p>Don’t the elephants understand that conservatives, as well as some of their own, are very disappointed in the majority’s to-date performance? If GOP botches Social Security and doesn’t handle immigration favorably, 2006 and 2008 elections could be nightmarish for the party, regardless of what transpires in Iraq and with the economy. br> — C. Kenna Amos Jr. br> Princeton, West Virginia /p> p> Whoever is “The Prowler” seems more concerned with what is happening to people in the Republican Party and what a failure of the Bolton nomination will mean to Bush and his minions than they are about how such a distasteful and wrongful attempt to appoint such a man who would affect the UN and world conditions. If it is true that the UN needs a remake, Bolton is not the man to do it. There are too many accusations that ring true, especially those of Mr. Ford. The Democrats on the committee and those Republicans who have doubts seem to be thoughtful and concerned about the UN and its future. The rest of this motley bunch just wants someone at the UN who will throw around American power, threaten, bully, insult, and act like he is God. br> — MPM /p>

I watch the Republican Party with unabashed amazement. What the heck is going on in Congress? The Republican Party is in control of the White House and both the House and Senate. And they seem to be unable to advance any of their agenda.

Look at the leadership, or lack of it, in Congress. First they grant Arlen Specter the Chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee even after his remarks concerning judicial appointments and his appointment of a Democratic operative to the majority staff. Senators Lugar and Hagel seem unable to control the Republican members of their committee and have possibly lost the confirmation of John Bolton. Senator Frist seems to be a marginal leader at best. The most effective Republican in a leadership role is Representative Tom Delay, which, considering the baggage he is carrying, is kind of scary when you think about it.

This party has just come off of a major victory at the polls and have done virtually nothing but shoot themselves in the foot since. If they don’t get their act together soon, there is likely to be a Democratic majority in Congress again and a Democratic White House as well. And if the Republicans think that a Democratic majority is going to be as kind, gentle and compassionate as the Republicans are, then they haven’t studied recent history.

It is high time for the Republican leadership in this country to start kicking some membership butt and start presenting a unified front. They should also lose the attitude that they are going to be in the minority again or they surely will be.

p>A winner wins even when he loses, but a loser is always a loser.