The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 6 of 11)

/p> p> While you make cogent points, there is another glaring problem facing the GOP. For a time, many of us believed the party to be a more adult, realistic, truthful and effectual alternative to what is really the Democratic Socialist Party of America. But the fact of the post-Reagan era is the sad perception that politics is not a calling directed toward some higher and nobler course of state. It is simply a business, a career alternative offering some very luxurious perks. Today, participation in government, especially representative government, is like gaining a seat on some kind of exalted Futures Market, where the commodities traded are money and power. In this context, one really does not like to compromise one's essential working relationships with one's peers, regardless of their ideology; and in fact, ideology can become a hindrance to one's staying in office and doing business. Thus the GOP has become adept at hand-wringing, and utterance of stock-phrases such as "oh golly gee whiz" when faced with serious national and cultural issues. Oh, they can get on TV and rant over Terri Schiavo (who?) in order to get some face time while looking like nice guys. But when it comes to issues like the Necessary Rebuilding of our Military, True Intelligence Reform, Realistic Dealings with the UN, Energy Independence, Border Security, Social Security, True Education Reform, Tax Reform, Restraining the Headlong Growth and Cost of Government, etc. etc. the GOP can be found in the cloak room exchanging French Wine Lists with the Ted Kennedy's while making golf dates with the Joe Bidens. Cosi fan tutti. So one must consider this additional problem, perhaps the greatest one the GOP now is facing: People like me voted for George W. Bush only because there was no alternative last year. With his escalating absence of leadership of a party which itself is dedicated only to its own office-holding while making as few waves as possible, people like me now have nowhere to go. br> -- Gene Wright br> Laguna Niguel, California /p>

The author states that Republicans are now involved in things they used to think the government should not be involved in.

The question must be asked who bought those things before the government? Not the Republicans. Most, not all, and a handful of Democrats are defending the decency our country always stood for. There are certain issues that may not be compromised. Life, and the protection of traditional marriage. Embryonic stem cell research will never work. A scientist has pointed out that embryonic stem cells promote growth and development while adult cells promote health and healing.

The crisis as I see it is that the Republicans, even after ten years, do not seem to know that they are in charge. Hence you have stupid things happen like deposing Senator Lott. That was disgraceful. Democrats have done far worse by giving at times aid and comfort to the enemy, with no consequences.

p>If the Republicans don't wake up and stand up on their hind legs and let those extreme liberal Republicans as well as Democrats know who is charge these bad guys, yes I said bad guys, will be back in power. After all if they can control what judges we get, and who we send to the U.N. they are already in charge. br> -- Patricia Tobin Kennedy br> Poughkeepsie, New York

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