The Republican Lie

In his recent column "Free speech on life support" George Will states, "Traducing the Constitution and disgracing conservatism, they [Republicans] used their power for their only remaining purpose -- to cling to power."  His complaint points to the U.S. House passing H.R. 513.

Will's characterization of Republicans using their power to cling to power was also evident when President Bush and the GOP-controlled Congress pushed through the Medicare prescription-drug benefit -- the largest expansion of the federal government since the creation of Medicare itself.  During the run-up to the vote, Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform held a meeting to rally support for it.  Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke at that gathering.

During his opening remarks Gingrich said, "There are probably some people in this room who don't want Medicare at all."  I softly applauded showing that he was correct.  He looked my way and snapped, "If we would listen to people like you, we wouldn't be in power!"

So the Republicans get in power for what?  To expand the size, scope, power and expense of the federal government that even FDR couldn't have imagined?  To squelch freedom of speech that even Stalin would have approved?

George Will correctly concludes that on April 5, 2006 the U.S. House Republicans shed "what little remains of their ballast of belief in freedom and limited government...."  The Republican refrain of "freedom and limited government" is a lie.  The party faithful should be honest and admit it.  That admission would be the first step to reclaim our freedom.

Kent Snyder