I found this in a small town newspaper. I don't know if it's appropriate
to name the writer in a public forum, but the words ring too true to
ignore ... Thanks, H.S., I couldn't agree with you more.
When is enough?
The term "conservative" is defined as tending to preserve established
traditions or institutions and to resist or oppose changes in these
institutions. Conservative politicians have always opposed fiscal
irresponsibility in government and have worked for balanced budgets.
They tend to lean toward moderation and common sense in legislative action.
The far-right wing of the Republican Party is misnamed and definitively
incorrect when they call themselves "conservative." What we see is the
radical extremism that was soundly defeated by the Republican Party
during the Goldwater era. Under the guise of conservatism, this group
has infiltrated the party to such a degree that moderates no longer have
a voice in the GOP. It's hard to believe that the majority of the
Republicans want to be called extremist.
The right wing published its platform and agenda in Texas in the 1980s:
to abolish social programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,
minimum wage and programs protecting wild life and environment. Their
sole purpose is power and wealth with no concern for the less
privileged. They campaign on moral issues to gain public support, yet
they use slander and intimidation to win elections from both Republican
and Democrat moderates.
The leaders responsible for the far-right takeover have been operating
under the threat of indictments or censure because of their blatant
disregard for state and federal laws and common decency - Karl Rove,
Bush's right-hand man; Ralph Reed, the former head of the Christian
Coalition; and Tom DeLay, U.S. Representative from Texas. Additionally,
Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell have harmed and embarrassed this country
with their racist and malicious statements and consider themselves above
the law.
We see attacks on our judges, our educators, our legislators and our
freedoms. We see our national debt at record highs with no end in sight,
and we have lost credibility with our allies. At what point will
American citizens say they've had enough?
H.S.
.
|
