The GOP isn’t good at much of anything, but they are good at making rash decisions before evidence is presented and spewing ignorance and hatred. Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Ted Cruz all followed Trump’s lead and berated the president’s plan to accept 20,000 Syrian refugees. A nearly two year screening process must take place to insure that numbers of jihadist extremists are not added to those now living in our shores to increase the existing danger to our people. But apparently these presidential wannabees are unaware of that fact.

To deny refugees who have suffered enormous misery a chance for a better life, is in direct opposition to what once made our country great. Some in Congress are using fear tactics to prevent our President from acting in a truly American fashion.

Senator Lindsey Graham is the only qualified candidate the GOP has to offer. However, his hawkish stand on the Middle East has alienated supporters. His experience revealed itself this week as he criticized Trump and Cruz for their reactionary position regarding the refugees.

He saved his harshest criticism for Trump.

“I believe Donald Trump is destroying the Republican Party’s chances to win an election that we can’t afford to lose,” he said. “You think you’re going to win an election with that kind of garbage?”

He’s not wrong, but the GOP has brought all of this upon themselves. A lack of effective leadership has produced a party controlled by extremists. The TEA Party or Freedom Caucus, whatever they call themselves today, has refused to compromise and pass important legislation. The GOP became the party of ‘no,’ and even GOP voters are angry about our failed government. Trump is their opportunity to snub those in Washington and let them know how they feel; but they’re not listening.

The large number of unqualified candidates in 2012 and again this year have not improved the fortunes of the GOP.

Reince Priebus, John Boehner, and Mitch McConnell were poor choices to place in leadership positions. After listening to the new Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, on a morning news show today, I don’t believe things will improve. His comments about the shooting in San Bernardino are a guarantee that he will continue to protect special interests and fail to represent all of the American people.

Lindsey Graham wisely stated that if the GOP unites and makes a strong attempt to refuse asylum to Syrian refugees, it will be a guarantee of a 2016 loss. In addition, it may be the end of the GOP.

The party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and George H.W. Bush does not exist today. Can it rise from the ashes to once again be a positive force in America? They must first find a leader.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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