Real Republican principles

As a long-time Republican – one who believes sincerely in smaller government, responsible spending, no borrowing and a concern for the less fortunate in our great nation – I have been quite critical of the Bush administration and their disregard of everything I hold dear.

This criticism, however, has brought recrimination from some fellow Republicans – those who I really thought knew better.

Although they concede that this administration has indeed followed a course completely at odds with real Republican principles, they nevertheless see my criticism as somehow “disloyal.”

I ask you – how can one be disloyal to a politician? One can be disloyal to one’s country, to his spouse – but how can one be disloyal to a politician who evades “humane” principles to which we all aspire?

Does anyone in our party agree that it’s okay to favor major corporations over the welfare of the people? A belief in equality is not Communism or even Utopian – it’s actually long-standing GOP policy. Or, at least, it used to be!

I’m not calling for a welfare state, and I certainly believe that those who work hard and honestly should be able to feed, clothe and educate their families. Neither do I argue with entrepreneurs risking their assets to make a fair profit. What I don’t support is government by “big money” to the detriment of the people. Are such sentiments wrong?

Robert F. Green