The American Spectator

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p> GOOD DAY FOR PESSIMISTS br> Re: Quin Hillyer's Bad News Everywhere I Look : /p>

I must confess I have been feeling down in the dumps for the same reasons as Mr. Hillyer. The Republicans, when they control the House, the Senate and the White House, turn into spineless jellyfish who are worried only about getting re-elected. Doing what is best for the country is a secondary concern. I never even thought I would see the day when Republicans controlled the House, the Senate, and the White House. Well, it happened, but my wildest dreams about a government that is responsible with our hard-earned tax dollars remains tragically unfulfilled. We will never get another chance like this again. In the end, the Republicans have shown themselves to be as power-hungry and corrupt as any Democrat. Their number one priority is re-election, and they seem to think that acting more like liberal Democrats is the way to do that. They will be very disappointed this fall when they see that their "generosity" with our tax dollars does not lead to continued control of the House and Senate.

Republicans did a great job of keeping spending down when Clinton was in the White House, even if Clinton gets all the credit for it. Maybe Bush will finally raise the veto pen when Congress is no longer controlled by Republicans. If only term limits could be placed on both the Senate and House. Imagine if Representatives could only be elected once, with four-year terms, staggered so that one-fourth are elected every year, and if Senators could only be elected to one eight-year term, with state elections staggered every two years. Imagine how they could, once elected, do what is best for the country, rather than trying to please everybody and buy votes by spending other people's money. Before we all break out into a John Lennon song, let's try to imagine that a Constitutional amendment to make these changes will be put to a state vote, with our current congressman, Republican and/or Democrat, and the judicial branches do not find a way to declare it "unconstitutional" and prevent a vote on the amendment. Now imagine that three-fourths of the states pass it, and our Congress becomes full of one-timers, and our tax dollars are suddenly treated with respect.

I sure wouldn't bet my 401K on all this happening, but I am just trying to avoid falling into the great abyss of cynicism (you know -- all politicians are and always will be corrupt and power hungry, etc.)... Quick -- somebody throw me a rope! Too late!

p>You won't see me actively working to get Republican incumbents re-elected this fall. Why bother? Sigh... My pride will still make sure I vote, but I no longer have any positive expectations. br> -- Mike Spencer br> Midland, Michigan /p> p> Quin Hillyer's solution for all the ails of the world boils down to victory in Iraq. I agree. However, that might take some time. In the meantime, the U.S. must win at home and that can only be accomplished if the GOP can somehow find the backbone to adopt a strict immigration policy, which includes enhanced border security, the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records, the immediate expulsion of illegals displaying foreign flags, the promise of no amnesty, and a guarantee to the American people that citizenship and the right to vote will never be granted to an illegal immigrant. It could be presented as Contract With America II.

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