To the Editor:
I am a democrat and it is unlikely that I will vote for whoever is chosen to represent the Republican Party, in the coming presidential election. But, more importantly, I am first an American citizen. As a citizen, I am sad and embarrassed by the demagoguery displayed by Newt Gingrich. I am eighty six years old and have lived during the administrations of fifteen presidents. And, although I often disagreed with their policies, I did not feel that any of them were morally unworthy to serve as president of our country. This is not true of my opinion of Mr. Gingrich.
It is public knowledge that Mr. Gingrich left both his first wife and his second wife while having affairs with other women, but this alone does not necessarily constitute his unacceptability. It seems obvious that he used these women for support of his political career, and he cast them aside when they were in need of his support. This constitutes both lack of commitment to his wives and exploitation of them to further his career in politics. This indicates his unworthiness. But, there is more.
Gingrich shows his arrogance and narcissism at every public appearance. He makes meaningless and unsupported statements in an authoritarian manner that leads the uninformed to cheer and offer support. It is not necessary for me to show many examples of his equivocation; one should suffice. "Obama is the greatest food-stamp president in American history," and the poor should prefer a paycheck to food stamps. The nuance before a Southern audience is palpable. In his words and demeanor he is insulting to the President and therefore to the very office of the President. There is no excuse for his lack of respect, and his unwarranted attacks are unprecedented. Disrespect of our President makes him appear weak in the eyes of other world leaders.
Governor Daniels reflected what real Republicans believe. "The status of 'loyal opposition' imposes on those out of power some serious responsibilities: to show respect for the Presidency and its occupant, to express agreement where it exists." Gingrich does not stand in that tradition, or of that of the Republican Party and leaders such as Robert Taft (Mr. Republican), Everett Dirksen, Dwight Eisenhower and Gerald Ford. As I stated, I am a Democrat, but I respect those who hold opposite views of government. One must also remember that the Republican Party once stood for civil rights and it was the Republican Party that first introduced the Equal Rights Amendment. To the real Republicans I say, please reject this counterfeit Republican, Newt Gingrich.
