Letters: Republicans warn of extremism; At least British conservatives have moral courage
Republicans warn of extremism
The Republican Party has a proud history in the United States, rooted in the transformative presidency of Abraham Lincoln. From the struggle against slavery to the culminating triumph of freedom against Soviet tyranny, American Republicans have been at the forefront in our struggle to build, grow, and protect the basic principles of liberty, the rule of law, and human dignity.
It is a conservative party, dedicated to prudent decision-making within the framework of deliberation and compromise. It has stood as a bulwark against extremism from the political left and right.
Now, nine esteemed Pennsylvania Republicans have spoken out against the extremism of gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, whose ideas fall far outside the mainstream of conservative thought. He has likened even the most modest gun regulations to Nazism. He proposes a ban on all abortions — even in cases of rape and incest — with no exceptions for the health or life of the mother. He has equated patriotism with religious nationalism, promoting policies that undermine the separation of church and state. He has fueled discord and spread unfounded conspiracy theories about the 2020 election being stolen — disinformation that culminated in the violent attack on our capitol.
As state senator, Mastriano attempted to stop the certification of presidential votes and replace electors with a fake slate.
Extremism of any kind is a danger to this state. As a growing number of Republicans are warning, Doug Mastriano is too extreme for Pennsylvania.
At least British conservatives have moral courage
According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump never experienced what Boris Johnson had to face. At no time have Republican senators, House members, governors, national or state party officials collectively confronted Trump.
Boris Johnson resigned after 59 members of Parliament resigned. They were disturbed by the actions of Johnson including nominating a known sexual abuser for office, another government official who used his office to benefit companies who paid him, a lack of vision beyond Brexit, partying during lockdown and raising taxes on workers.
Only one Republican voted for impeaching Trump the first time and ten Republicans supported impeaching Trump the second time. Ironically, these members have been viciously attacked by their GOP “colleagues.” Apparently, loyalty wins over morality.
There are 44 legal cases against Trump including civil suits from his pre-presidential business dealings. Others are defamation claims from women he allegedly assaulted, not counting the two he bribed. Recent criminal probes examine his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and witness tampering. Eleven of Trump’s associates were found guilty of abuses involving their government connections. He pardoned 26 associates. Six GOP members of congress asked Trump to pardon them after the Jan. 6 resurrection.
Did the GOP express any moral outrage to any of these abuses? What were they thinking? It’s unfair to compare the two blondies because Trump’s actions are far worse than Johnson’s. Our justice system will have to charge Trump, not the morally weak GOP.