One thing is seldom heard in the Republican Party; disagreement. No one has dared to have a different opinion regarding multiple issues in the GOP since 2001. Although it strengthens the party’s position on major issues, a lack of dissent is unhealthy for the party and its future.

If Republicans were truthful, many of them do not agree with every policy stated by the establishment. It is impossible to believe that the party of Lincoln is 100 percent racist or homophobic. Some of the GOP must believe in equal rights for women, they can’t all be sexist.

Dissent is what made our nation a great nation, and would allow the voting public to witness a rejuvenation of the Grand Old Party. They would be exposed to true leaders who were not afraid to have different opinions about our nation’s most important issues. Today all Republican politicians are more concerned with campaign contributions and their ‘base’ than the needs of the American people. But is that a fact?

There must be some in the party who have the ability to think for themselves. Some must have friends who are not wealthy and are experiencing difficulties thanks to growing income inequality. I cannot believe than some Republicans don’t believe in those who elected them having the same rights to healthcare and retirement as they do. Certainly there are some humane and compassionate members of the GOP.

Twelve of the thirteen Republican debates were school house brawls. Part of it was the effort to derail Donald Trump, and his expected reactions. But much of it was because there were no issues to debate. All 17 agreed on the major issues; that is dictated by the party leadership. None of them have stated a belief that a pathway to citizenship is the only logical outcome for immigration reform, although I’m certain that at least a couple of them believed that was the truth.

When our founding fathers were writing the Constitution, there were angry discussions which continued for hours. Dissent required deliberation and eventual compromise.

This is a classic example of two things; why government only works when two parties work, and why I do not believe in organized religion.

For seven years the Republican Party has failed to perform the jobs for which they were elected. Not one issue has been deliberated across the aisle thanks to a small group of extremists who call themselves the TEA Party or the Freedom Caucus.

Men have one great gift above all others; free thought. It is imperative that ideas be exchanged for our government to function. If there is no dissent inside a party or between parties, no discussion occurs, and no compromise is accomplished. No human should believe that there is one solution for every problem. If you are an intelligent man or woman, you must not allow yourself to be told what to think about anything.

In order for any organization to function properly, some loyalty must be earned; but complete resignation to the ideas of one person or one group is both idiocy and dangerous. There would be no growth, and no future.

Today’s Republican Party cannot be saved; it has strayed too far from the principles and ideals of the past. New leadership, and new ideas will reconstruct the once GOP and eliminate extremists and obstructionists.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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