RINO: The 'real' party isn't GOP

I’m writing in response to the Friday editorial entitled, “Real RINOS show selves.” I take issue with the editor’s description of what a “real” Republican looks like.

The editor states that real Republicans revere individual rights. That’s a comforting thought only when you ignore the Republicans’ progressive intrusion into the most personal matters of the heart, the bedroom and the doctor’s office. Real Republicans apparently believe that the government should be the third person in the room when you are with the person you love, and even when a woman is discussing private medical decisions with her physician.

The editor asserts that a real Republican insists on limiting, not eliminating, government. Why, then, do Republicans continually pursue efforts to privatize essential governmental functions, such as incarcerating criminals, fighting our wars and educating our children?

The editor states that a real Republican embraces the concept of union and the benefits of cooperation between the different layers of government. That’s hard to accept when anything federal is vilified and when state Republicans progressively shift their constitutional obligation to support public education from the general fund to local property taxes.

The editor goes on to state that a real Republican is fiscally responsible. If so, how do you explain the transformation of a budget surplus from the Clinton administration to budget deficits in the Bush years? How do you justify passing two tax cuts while America is waging war in two Asian nations?

The editor concludes that a real Republican helps those in need. How do you square that with the Republicans’ refusal to extend Medicaid benefits to working families?

In wistfully describing what real Republicans look like, the editor has, ironically, described the Idaho Democratic Party. If open, inclusive and balanced governance is what you’re looking for, you’re more likely to find it with the Democrats.

EDWARD LOCKWOOD

Worley