Reject the pretenders

Independents, this is your call to arms. We mean that in a First Amendment sense.

Step forward and be counted in the May 15 primary. The closer the election gets, the more convinced we are that those who succeeded in closing the Republican primary to only registered Republicans are getting what they wanted: A diminished voting pool comprised of the most narrow perspectives, rather than a broad cross-section of Republican sentiments.

Under the affiliation of Republican, in Kootenai County you will find candidates on your ballotwho run the entire political spectrum of Democrat (one candidate was a Democrat in a previous election, then leaned toward Independent before filing as a Republican for this election) to Constitution Party member or sympathist.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that Constitution Party members/sympathizers, blending with a strain of Libertarian, have taken command of the Kootenai County Central Committee. Some of you may be thinking, "It's about time." But to others, that is not the Republicanism they thought they'd signed up for.

If you look up the Constitution Party platform, here's how its Preamble opens:

The Constitution Party gratefully acknowledges the blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the Universe and of these United States. We hereby appeal to Him for mercy, aid, comfort, guidance and the protection of His Providence as we work to restore and preserve these United States.

This great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been and are afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.

This might be fitting rhetoric for people bowing their heads in a Christian church pew this morning, but in setting the stage for an alleged political agenda, it is nothing short of alarming. A party platform that begins with such a clear violation of what the Constitution's creators envisioned - merging church and state - cannot help but lead its followers astray from the stated goal. We encourage you to look up "Constitution Party platform" and discover where the party stands on key issues.

If it all makes sense and represents your views on the issues, fine. The Republican Central Committee is watching out for you. But if you're an independent voter whose views strongly differ, don't wait any longer to contact the Kootenai County elections office and opt to affiliate with the Republican Party for this election. Just make sure you're voting for actual Republicans. Support the people who are committed to representing their constituents, not their ideologies.