To the editor:

I was amused and saddened to read E. Kent Hayes letter, “Real patriots.” At first, I had to check the date at the top of the paper because I thought this was a letter from 1985 since it was using the same baseless rhetoric that Democrats used 20 years ago. Maybe someday they will realize that people didn’t listen to them back then, and they certainly aren’t listening now.

The bottom line is that the Republican Party is the party of opportunity. Republicans believe that every person should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. (Democrats have the philosophy if we can’t guarantee that everyone succeeds equally, then they will ensure that no one will succeed.)

Republicans believe that people should have the opportunity to decide how to spend their hard-earned money. (Democrats believe the government should decide how you spend your money.) Republicans believe that “the working poor” should have the opportunity to receive a quality education while Democrats are content to send those who need the most help to a failed educational system (see the public schools of most inner cities).

The choice is easy. If you want to continue the hopelessness and frustration that many Americans who haven’t participated in the American dream feel, continue to support the failed policies of the Democratic party. But if you want to work to create opportunities where those same people have a chance to make something for themselves and their family, support those Republicans who share those same ideals.

Craig Campbell,

Lawrence