The American Spectator

p>Ain’t it grand? br> — Rick br> Minnesota /p>

On what planet are you living? In my 50 odd years I have seen “ups and downs” but it is now clear that the Republican Party has been drifting farther and farther away from its “values.” They clearly made a HUGE mistake with George W. Four years after 9/11 we have yet to find bin Laden and are barely “in control” in Afghanistan. Iraq is increasingly OUT of control, a meat grinder that we may never escape.

The “conservative” view of limited government has been a joke with EXPANSION, INCOMPETENCE and WASTE beyond measure. We have spent MORE on government, and gotten LESS for our money than in any past administration.

Having worked hard in my life to achieve the “American Dream” I see it floating away and expect it will be beyond the grasp of my children who will be paying the cost of this administration’s financial excesses.

The Republican Party I know runs LOCAL government competently and efficiently, providing reasonably good value and service for our taxes — obscene as they are. Yet I cannot say the same of ANY level of government beyond the village level.

It is clear that the Republican Party I was a member of is gone. Limited government staying OUT of MY life, financially prudent, COMPETENT in providing necessary functions. Anyone else remember those days?

I expect that I am not alone in feeling NOBODY represents ME and the rest “in the middle” anymore. Rhetoric over religious issues does not take the place of real accomplishments. Frankly I believe in the separation of church and state. I do not want religious issues spilling into politics. Government should stay OUT of my personal life, and that of others.

I find the lack of real “leadership” in this country appalling. This current administration seems to have perfected “image” over substance, but the image is now shot. Reality has intruded. Inept political appointees and skilled “spin doctors” cannot deal with REAL problems where competence in government is necessary.

I have the sickening feeling that I am witness to the decline and fall of the United States of America. At least in the past another party could have broken off and given us, the majority, a chance to make our voices heard. But the powers that be do not want competition so we are stuck with a “two party” system that represents a minority and accomplishes nothing.

p>T.R.’s Bull Moose Party was 100 years too early. br> —