(We are not supposed to discuss politics for fear of alienating our readership. Well, I guess I’m throwing that rule out the window! Hang on to your hats, this is going to hurt … one of us).
Dear Republican Party,
I am embarrassed to be counted among you.
What the hell is wrong with you people?
Global warming is not a hoax. Get a clue and open a window. Denying it only hurts our earth and all those who live on it (not to mention it makes all Republicans look like idiots).
I am sickened by your bigoted intolerance of gay and lesbian people marrying. It’s not all about you. It’s about humanity and doing the right thing. And stop blaming God for every narrow-minded thought you cannot suppress. God, my friends, is about love, acceptance and forgiveness. Sharing, caring, and moving forward with non judgment is the name of the game of life. Perhaps you should live it and stop telling others how to.
Why do Republicans have an obsession with standing in the way of a woman’s right to choose? I have never believed that old white men should make laws that govern women’s choice and bodies. When you grow a vagina, we’ll talk. Until then … it’s called freedom of choice, also known as the American way.
What are you thinking when you talk about deporting millions of immigrants? YES, we need stronger borders. We need a government that stands by its states and helps protect its people from renegade immigrants that cross our borders with drugs, guns and violence. But don’t lump these people in with the millions that are here seeking a better life. Even a third grader will tell you how moronic that is. I am a child of an immigrant. Most people I know are.
Instead of threatening to “round them up” (smacks of Nazism) let us use our intellect and resources to find a way to legalize the immigrants who are here, so they can contribute to the tax base, vote legally and have a stake in what happens here. Ditch the “I’m here so close the gate” mentality. America was built as a melting pot. It’s time to initiate a far more efficient system to accept immigrants into this great country or ours. Pass laws that encourage and welcome immigrants, require them to assimilate to our country, speak the language and embrace its freedoms. If they don’t like it, they can leave. It’s about choice.
And, for the love of all that is holy, get a foreign policy. The American people want a strong military; one that is at the ready to defeat any foe, but warmongering doesn’t fall in to that category. Those “boots on the ground” are someone’s sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. Deploy with great care and utter urgency. War is a losing battle for all sides but there are times when a fight must be fought. Anyone who doesn’t think so should view the footage of our troops liberating the Nazi camps.
GOP, please stop pandering to the wealthy and offering unprecedented tax cuts to them while you are threatening to cut school lunches, social security, and defunding teachers and fire fighters. If you need to make cuts, start with your inflated salaries, perks and elitists insurance policies. Stop acting like you are above the law.
It’s sickening. All of it. Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan are rolling over in their graves watching how you are systematically desecrating the GOP.
I will go on record and share that I have not always been the biggest fan of President Obama. I believe in my heart that a lot of the policies he has implemented have demeaned this country’s status, strength and respectability throughout the globe. How anyone can read the statistics about the Iran deal and still condone it is beyond my understanding. That alone could vaporize the world in the days ahead.
However, he IS our elected president. Stop being such babies, holding your breath, shutting down the government, and manipulating the masses, so you can win. Governing is not a game. Get on with the business of it.
We are sick and tired of the extremists that are running under the banner of the Tea Party. If it walks like a bigoted racist duck and talks like a bigoted racist duck, chances are pretty good it’s a bigoted racist duck.
I’m out!
Sincerely,
An apologizing former Republican (newly registered Independent)
And so it goes ….. your thoughts?
Sharon Westmoreland - Right ON! Hope you can survive the flack!
Evette Goldstein - Well said! Right on! I agree 100%!
Marilyn Tichauer - BLECK for PRESIDENT!!!!!
Melanie Kissell - I often picture other countries observing how our government is run. I see them shaking their heads and laughing … out loud … and a lot. And it’s embarrassing and humiliating.
Phyliss Rampulla-Kirk - Thank you for stating the obvious. I hope all reasonable Republicans will follow your lead, whether they stay with the party or opt out. We need both parties to work together to support our Democracy and continue to create a government for the people, by the people !!!!!!
Tammy - Marilyn, this made me laugh out loud. Thanks for that. For the record: I will not seek, nor will I accept the nomination for President of the United States. Unless there is substantial chocolate involved. xo
Tammy - Thanks, Sharon. That makes two of us! Happy to have you here!
Debbie Barnett - Preach it, Girl!
Jeanette Bishop - I’m glad to see a reformed Republican. It shows me there is at least one who can still learn, and who is honest. I was a little disappointed to see your hanging on to at least one Republican extreme view of the Iran deal though, which I, a mere onlooker, see just the opposite. The only option I can see is the bombing method. Go over there and wipe ’em out! Obama said he would try to negotiate instead of starting another 10-year war. They
Barbara Hammond - Thank you, Tammy, for ensuring I’m not the only one who has to rant about the insanity going on lately. If we can’t let it out we’ll implode!
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Toni @ Debt Free Divas - Well said. Well said. We don’t all have to agree on everything, but we can start by finding the ability to respect one another. I think the media is just as complicit in the hostility that’s so pervasive. Good old respect and decent debate doesn’t get ratings. Oh boy…what’s a political junkie who abhors the current state of discourse to do.
Here’s an idea – read great blogs like this one! Thanks!
Tammy - Toni, THANK YOU for the kind review! You are SO right and make a marvelous point; the media is culpable to the highest extreme. And the ratings go up and the coverage gets even more moronic. God help us all! Here’s hoping that respect for one another finds its way to Washington.
Bonnie K. Frogma - I think you are awesome.
Gary Siegel - Shades of coincidence. Did I once know you in a prior life? I too changed to Independent out of total disgust of the GOP. The only problem I had was not being able to figure out how fill out the change of political party form. Perhaps you should publish simple instructions and get a “grass roots” campaign going in that direction.
Beverly Diehl - You go, Tammy! While I don’t agree with everything you say, most of it strikes a chord, and I am on board. I don’t *want* there to be only two political parties, because the D’s aren’t all that and a bag of chips, but what they have going for them, is “at least they’re not ALL crazy.” It is very sad to think Eisenhower and Reagan would not be viable candidates in today’s Republican party.
Tammy - Hi Gary, go figure, that makes two of us! I have a feeling there are many more of us yet unspoken. I still believe in the mantra of less government that the Republicans hold true. If there was a grass roots effort I’d join it. We are birds of a feather, my friend, happy to have you here! Thanks for that.
Cathy Chester - This is our daily dinner conversation with our son, Tammy. But he is for women’s rights, detests Trump, Christie and a few others, and agrees on a few more issues with us. But we are really the “Family Ties” family with hubby and I as Mr. and Mrs. Keaton! I am already tired of the debates, discussions, etc. I think elections should take 3 months for campaigning and then voting time!
Cathy Chester - P.S. I think the nation is still going to vote a Republican in. History repeating itself. Hope I’m wrong…
Carol Cassara - Thank you, my darling, for this delicious post. Sad that it’s needed. Check out mine tomorrow. MIss you loads. Let’s be in touch soon.
mel glenn - Dear Tammy,
Couldn’t agree with you more! Which begs the question – how come you are a Republican? Any chance of conversion to the Democratic party? And what do you say to Donald Trump? I am not
saying that the Dems are perfect, but but the GOP
is a party without grace, hope or vision.
Sheryl - You are NOT stupid. You ARE brave. And, you are so RIGHT. (Not right-wing, but right in the sense of what you are saying makes such sense!!!)
Mary Bird Lanzavecchia - Yes, yes, yes!
Sincerely,
Raised Republican, Registered Independent
Anita Dzirne-Irlen - This is an awesome post! I’m on the other “side” but you are the kind of person I want to talk to. How can you even discuss with that extreme right? It’s frightening the lack of leadership, role models, and ethical people. Thanks for being so damn sensible.
Pia Savage - This is wonderful
Geralyn Johnson Crawford - Bravo, why would you doubt yourself? Extra credit for not jumping on the ever popular Trump wagon; although it would have been entertaining.
Tammy - Hi Mel, the fact is, I have voted Democrat almost half my life. It’s always been about the person instead of the party. However, that being said, I truly believe in the Republican’s view of less is more when it comes to government meddling, handouts and programs. I grew up just knee high from dirt poor. No one gave us anything. I learned to earn my way and it made me. Dems have taken that lesson away from so many with their liberal program offerings and tax sucking programs. Not a fan. However, you are RIGHT, the GOP is a party without grace, hope or vision. To add salt to the wound, they have lathered up a good dose of hate, bigotry and racism. From this day forward I cannot, I will not, call myself a Republican. Those are NOT my ideals. Will I ever become a Democrat? Never say never.
Tammy - Thanks, Sheryl. It makes sense to me too only because it’s so basic. Sometimes we have to go back to basics to see what is right and what is wrong. The stands the GOP are making are just WRONG. I cannot stand beside them and call them my party. Far from it! Great to hear from you!
Cheryl Nicholl - I am a fiscal conservative and a social liberal- but usually vote R. However, they really are making me sick. Why can’t the GOP just stand for a leaner (fiscal responsibility) and meaner (strong defense) take care of our infrastructure and the poor and needy and stay the hell out of all the rest? Where did they loose their way??? Congress should be fired.
Debby Schlesinger - My goodness….a THINKING (albeit Ex) Republican. Good for you for realizing that the Republican party is turning into a really warped version of a “Good ‘Ole Boy” club! I don’t see how women can stick with the republican party when their bigoted, racist, mysogonistic views are so transparent! (O.K…..maybe that last adjective was a bit strong…). I work in a science based field (nursing), with Republican co workers who are sometimes quite vocal about their views. How in the world can you believe in practicing evidence based medicine & deny global warming? I really don’t get it.
Cary Vaughn - Bless you for this.
Tam Warner Minton - Ah, a 1980s Republican! The kind I used to be able to have a discussion with. Now, I absolutely cut off, and abhor, any discussions with Republicans. I find them strident, angry, and self involved. Except for the middle and lower class Republicans, I think they are just not too bright. Why vote against yourself? That is what they do. I despise the judgmental bullshit.
Yes, I am a liberal democrat. And I voted for Obama. And I would vote for him again against people like Palin and Mitt.
Roshni AaMom - The latest batch have just taken things to such an extreme! I’m amazed that they learnt nothing from the last two elections!!
Jeffrey Davidson - I love when people express their opinions since it gives us an opportunity to understand each other’s opinions and learn. However, I will only debate politics with those who vote.
Your comments regularly stimulate thought and conversation. Agree or disagree, it would be a shame that someone would not want to read your blogs because they do not necessarily share the same view.
I have friends and business associates with whom I do not agree on everything and we are still friends and get along well.
Keep up your stimulating blogs and hopefully many more will learn and grow, agree or disagree.
Keith Graham - Well said Tammy. I’m with you. I wish more Republicans would take the blinkers off and see what their pitiful excuse for a political party is actually doing to run the country.
It’s also true that unless you have 100% Native American blood you are the offspring of an immigrant.
Lisa Carpenter - Oh, yeah! This is yet another reason (among the many) why I’m no longer affiliated with either party and, like you, recently registered as independent. Will there ever be a “common sense and compassion” party? I’ll keep dreaming…
Evelyn Marshall - BRAVO. I’M WITH YOU ALL THE WAY!
Kathleen O'Donnell - I’m a conservative Democrat who feels like I have no one to vote for. If the Republicans could come up with someone who didn’t seem like a clown or a rabid dog I’d vote for them! Best analogy I’ve heard…the Republicans are a Mad Men party in a Modern Family world. Get to together! Great post.
Doreen Mcgettigan - As a registered republican I agree with everything you said. That said I will still vote for the republican candidate whoever he or she is just like registered democrats will vote for the democrat. Thats just the way the game goes. I am not going to get anxiety over this election like I have in the past. Both sides scare me equally.
Kitt Crescendo - Honestly, my friend, I’m pretty tired of all of them. Never mind disappointed. I keep hoping that someone’s going to run at some point that I can completely get behind, but so far, no luck. I may agree with some of their views, then they’ll throw something pretty big and extreme out there that is completely the opposite of how I feel…
Kathy Gottberg - Hi Tammy! Good for you for coming out so strongly in support of women. I too cannot see how any woman can vote Republican without recognizing that, like you said in your other comment, “Any woman voting republican is in essence voting against herself.” And like you said, is bascially voting against human rights. I was raised Republican but I had to leave the party when I realized they DO NOT HAVE WOMEN’S BEST INTERESTS IN MIND. And by the way, I am not registered Democrat or Independent. I am “Declined-To-State” meaning that I withhold the right to vote anyone that i think is best for the country so I can still vote for anyone who is running. I really, really hope that more women are waking up and realizing what you’ve stated through this post. Thanks for being so vocal about it. ~Kathy
Tammy - I’m right there with you, Kitt. Perhaps it’s time to save those dollar bills for that little island in the Pacific. Then I could be my own President. If only it were that easy! So happy to see you here! Thanks for popping in and sharing with me.
Myron Holmgren - Tell me how the democrats are different for the better
t - Great article and one that made me think! I vote for the person, not the party. Having said that I will say I have no idea who I will vote for and am not thrilled with any of them. By the time the election gets here I will be so sick of the commercials I probably won’t like any of them…but I will vote. I’m a former history teacher and my dad served. I don’t understand people who don’t vote.
Have a great day Tammy and hope to see you at BAM!
Laura Lee Carter - “When you grow a vagina, we’ll talk.” LOL!!! That has been my take on women’s reproductive rights FOREVER! Except I’ve always said: “My uterus, my decisions! Stay out of it”
Jennifer Connolly - I never discuss poilitics, sex or religion online for all the same reasons. But as a registered republican, I can only ask WTF is going on?? These people are so out of touch with reality, it boggles my mind. I have to vote, but no option is appealing.
Jacqueline Tierney DeMuro - Spoken like a true Democrat, LOL!
Theresa Wiza - Great letter! I hope some of the Republican presidential candidates read it. I don’t consider myself a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent. I vote strictly on the person running. I know for sure that I will NOT be voting Republican, however, due to all the poison that has been leaking out of the mouths of people in that party. Right now, I’m leaning toward Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, and I’m looking forward to the debates to make my final decision.
Laurie Nerat - Thanks for your honest opinion – I happen to agree with many of the points you made, but even if I didn’t agree, I would still respect your right to have your own opinion and I wouldn’t have a raging meltdown because we might disagree. We need more respectuful honesty in our world and especially in politics – so thank you for being willing to throw your opinions out and risk being ravaged by hot heads and internet trolls.
Anne - Tammy,
All I can say after reading your article is “Wow”. Fantastic article!
Anne
Maryjo Morgan - Way to go, Tammy!
This thread is the most SANE political discussion I’ve seen in AGES! Good for you for engaging respectfully and truthffully. We SHOULD be able to do this! you know, talk, agree to disagree sometimes, be surprised to find ourselves in agreement or disagreement when we didn’t expect it.
What thrills me about this thread is flagrant love of country enough to have the courage to question, to seek additional information and above all, to exercise our hard-won right to vote and case knowledgable votes.
You totally ROCK, Tammy!
Tammy - I’m right there with you. I vote for the person too. Problem is, no one of great quality is stepping up. And my Grand Old Party had turned into a hate mongering, bigoted lynch mob. Good grief! We will all be sick of the process before it’s over. I’ve never officially been an Independent before and it feels a bit like a betrayal. Then I remember that it was the GOP that changed gears and betrayed us. Bah! There’s no winning this game!
Tammy - Theresa, I am leaning that direction as well. More time needs to be given to the candidates so we can get a better idea of who they are. Trump seems to take the center stage. Entertaining but not all that enlightening. Fingers crossed!
Tammy - Thanks, Anne, so happy you enjoyed the read. It was therapeutic to write. Sad for me, really. I am fiercely loyal and it feels a bit like I’m abandoning my party of choice. But the truth is, they have wandered off into crazy-ville and have abandoned many followers such as myself. I just cannot abide the hate mongering, name calling, negative nuances that pour out of their mouths. Enough! So happy to see you here, Anne. Thanks for that. xo
Tammy - Thanks, Maryjo! I’ve noticed that even the peeps that don’t agree (and I’m sure there are millions) here, at least, they are quite civil and wonderfully expressed. I’m with you….it should be like this! Truth is, it pains me to see my party of choice get so off track. I just can’t abide by their hate mongering and negative tactics towards women, gays, immigrants. It’s crazy to me. This is NOT the GOP I have faith in. Not by a long shot! I am thrilled to hear from you. Thrilled! Thanks for that. xo
Chloe Jeffreys - I admit it. I was once a registered Republican. And I was once an Evangelical Christian, too. But even then I knew that the marrying of politics to religion was a BAD IDEA. A really bad idea. And one Jesus specifically wouldn’t have approved. (He actually said that politics and religion shouldn’t mix, and that religious people shouldn’t look to politics to solve spiritual or moral problems).
I feel like as a species we’re headed off the rails. We’ve destroyed the environment, billions of humans continue living in abject poverty, and we’re in what now seems to be a perpetual war we can never win. In the meantime, and mostly in the name of religion, we’re fighting over stupid shit like whether women are really worthy or self-determination.
The gay marriage thing is a done deal. Get over it. If you don’t like gay marriage, don’t get gay married. Let’s move on. Let’s move on to the things that will save the planet and make a future and stop pining for some good ole days that never were.
Patti Fleetwood - Amen sister!
Kerry Mellin - After reading your thoughts, I’m inspired and hopeful that a new generation of enlightened republicans may emerge from this political chaos .