There are factions in the GOP who have moved so far to the right that they can no longer be called Republicans. These extremists, led by Texas Senator Ted Cruz, have dismantled our government. This small group would have considered Ronald Reagan a Democrat, or at the very least a liberal Republican.

Although Reagan initially reduced taxes, he was forced to raise them and the economy experienced a downturn. Reagan was a Democrat who became a Republican. During his second term he moved farther to the right in support of the wealthiest Americans. When he left office, his successor George H.W. Bush, inherited a three trillion dollar deficit and an employment rate of ten percent.

Even with these facts, the TEA Party or Freedom Caucus would consider Reagan a moderate; more aligned with liberals than conservatives.

This division within the GOP is dangerous to both the party and our nation. Today, more than ever in our nation’s history, we need a strong government which is serious about serving all of the American people, and one which will work together, across the aisle, to address both international and domestic issues. Those who would ‘take their ball and go home’ if they don’t get their way must be eliminated from Congress.

I complain a great deal about the GOP and their support of the one-percent, support for a bloated military, and the destruction of social programs desperately needed by millions of Americans. I also condemn the actions of the Christian religious right whose sole desire is to institute a national religion. For that I do not apologize.

However, I admit that little of these faults would exist if Republicans were in control of their party. For more than two centuries our nation flourished as the two parties worked with each other, not always without loud dissent, but compromise worked. Many on opposite sides of the aisle became close personal friends. Today some on the right refuse to engage in any conversation with those on the left. Some have gone so far as to call all liberals ‘evil demons.’

The biggest problem with extremists is that the do not represent the majority of the American people. They sought political office for their own personal advancement. They do not care what the American people want from their government, as proven by the polls. When they say ‘what the American people want,’ they are in fact saying ‘what I and my cronies are going to do.’

This small group of spoiled children have destroyed our Democratic Republic, and replaced it with an oligarchy. This oligarchy is moving towards a plutocracy.

Only a well-informed electorate can save our nation. We must cease voting for parties and once again vote for candidates who have values and the ability to perform the job for which they are to be elected. We can no longer tolerate those we elect to miss 40 percent of their votes for the sake of personal ambition.

If lobbyists are allowed to continue their unfair influence over our legislators; if our leaders in Washington continue to be allowed to accept campaign contributions ten times larger than their base pay of $174,000; if Representatives and Senators continue to become millionaires after a couple of terms in office, they will continue to support the wealthy in lieu of the working class.

The American people need ‘Mr. Smith to come to Washington.’

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of Edalisse Hirst

Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2