To the editor:

Thanks to David Guth for his thoughtful comments about giving up on the Republican Party and, after much soul-searching, registering as an Independent. My question is, what took him so long? He’s right, of course. The present GOP is a shadow of its former self when great statesmen like Bob Dole, Jacob Javits and Everett Dirksen walked the halls of Congress. These men were faithful spokesmen for their party and its principles, but they never forgot they were Americans first. Although I am presently a Democrat, my political affiliation does not detract from the fact that the GOP was once a Grand Old Party and garnered a great deal of respect. Sadly, it can no longer claim that worthy title.

I would disagree with Mr. Guth on one point. Although we like to label politicians as the bad players in this game of politics, I would suggest the electorate take a good look at itself and consider whether we all deserve a big share of the blame for the disfunctionality. Who, after all, hires these people to serve as representatives and senators? Let’s admit that we are pretty ineffective in the hiring and firing department. If we were entrusted to hire people with the best qualifications and the best resumes to manage our businesses, I suspect we would be pretty careful. It’s a shame we don’t pay as much attention when we elect those who will manage the business of America.

I’ll admit that I’m weary when I hear the relentless moaning and groaning from an electorate who refuses to take responsibility for sending uncompromising, incompetent representatives to Congress. One could say that it’s garbage in, garbage out in the political arena also. Could we all take some time to educate ourselves and vote intelligently?