Some political pundits who ignore history believe that Donald Trump’s success began the destruction the Republican Party. They would be sorely mistaken. The Republican Party has existed in name only for nearly eight years.

The once Grand Old Party began to fracture during the 2008 campaign season. Sarah Palin and her supporters envisioned a party of extremists and complete obstruction to deliberation and compromise in Washington. She used clever names to attack a government which worked before Republicans separated into multiple factions.

The last time a Republican president was effective was during the administration of George H.W. Bush. He would be labeled a ‘moderate Democrat’ today. He held conservative principles, but was not a reactionary as are many in the GOP today.

Although there are two main factions within the Republican Party’s politicians; true Republicans and the TEA Party; there are more differences among Republican voters.

All of these positions support the wealthy and special interests.

Some on the right believe that a completely free market is the answer to America’s future success. These would be the same individuals who rejected all accountability from Wall Street, and supported bloated profits for the one-percent.

Billionaires seek additional profit and reject any action in Congress which would deny that and improve the lives of the majority. A minimum wage increase, universal healthcare, the legalization of undocumented immigrants, and equal pay for equal work are all opposed by the super-wealthy. Their lobbyists have poisoned Congress.

Some call themselves Libertarians, and oppose any government control. They would eliminate all social programs, and all licenses among multiple other existing conditions now supported by government.

The right wing is in collusion with the Christian religious right, and therefore is opposed to abortion, same-sex marriage, and all science. Christian leaders have become lobbyists, promising votes in exchange for support of their issues. The sad truth is that they are not following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Finally, Trump supporters prove that a very dark side exists within the Republican Party. This group of predominately white, working-class men and women are convinced that the greatest dangers to their way of life are blacks, Hispanics, and Muslims. Their lack of knowledge and refusal to seek understanding is a threat to our once great nation.

GOP politicians have used emotional warfare to control the minds of Republican voters and win elections. Fear, anger, and hatred have succeeded in poisoning the minds of the electorate. Assisting them are individuals such as Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich, and Rudy Giuliani. Add to them the right wing propaganda machine, FOX Noise, and the brainwashing of a large group of Americans is complete.

Those who only watch television for their news and information are failing to do their duty as American citizens. The only weapon 320 million Americans have is their right to vote. Use it wisely; America needs you to overthrow ambitious and deceptive politicians.

And only you can bring back the Republican Party; we need it. We need the ideas and principles of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. There are people are out there, but they are not taking money from the super-rich and corporations to fund their campaigns.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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