There are no Republicans remaining in the GOP. Not one of them has the courage and leadership of their predecessors to deserve wearing the label ‘Republican.’ Since 2010 and the infiltration of a third party who called themselves the “Taxed Enough Already” Party, the GOP has surrendered to extremist policies which resulted in a broken government. Today the leading candidate for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination is a self-proclaimed bigot who lies, exaggerates, spews hatred, and yet continues to see his numbers rise in the polls.
Abraham Lincoln was a great Republican. He led our nation with a quiet and eloquent intellect through the most difficult time in our nation’s history. He truly believed in ‘liberty and justice for all.’ He displayed great strength and leadership when necessary, and compromised when it was required.
Teddy Roosevelt inspired the American people with his energy and determination. He governed by three principles; “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” He was a man of ideas who believed in a progressive agenda, driving congress to act quickly and decisively.
As both a Congressman and our 41st president, George H.W. Bush focused on domestic problems. He expanded the Clean Air Act, signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, gave amnesty to thousands of undocumented workers, and extended child care funding. He crossed party lines when he believed the action was necessary and conscionable. His foreign policy focused on diplomacy, establishing relationships with both our friends and enemies.
Can any of the GOP presidential wannabees be compared these three; can any of them be called patriots? These men were representative of the Republican Party; Trump stands for Trump. I don’t believe that he represents the majority of GOP voters; at least I pray not. With no knowledge and no ability to lead our nation, I am baffled that his numbers continue to rise.
Then I had an epiphany. The polls tell us that voters are not necessarily in support of Trump, they are saying ‘we don’t like any of the other candidates.’ That makes sense. Lack of qualifications and experience describe the other dozen candidates. The three TEA Party darlings are negative about our nation, and offer extremism as the manner in which they would govern. Ben Carson is fading away, as he should. Carly Fiorina failed in business, failed in her bid for a seat in the Senate, and now wants to move up to the presidency. Jeb Bush is a carbon copy of his older brother, and would reinstitute the same failed policies which destroyed our nation morally and economically. The remainder have such low poll numbers that it would be a waste of time to discuss them.
Reince Priebus and others in the GOP continue to ask why they lose general elections. The reasons are obvious, but they are in denial about them. They must represent the working class and ignore special interests and the one-percent. They must control the rebellious movement in the party, and restore common sense. They must cease to campaign by attacking everyone else and stand for something, some idea which the American people can support. And they must address issues important to blacks, Hispanics, and women.
There; I’ve fixed a decimated party. It’s so easy, I’m certain they won’t listen.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of http://www.GlynLowe.com
Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2
The Truth With No Restrictions 