OPEN LETTER

I usually save my political news, views, and research for Facebook, but this is one I must share, because it is so important everyone should read it (Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, etc.). Please read this before you commit to make Americans flee to Canada or other countries for their own health and safety, life, liberty, and happiness.

OPEN LETTER TO REPUBLICANS
From AddictingInfo.org

"Dear Republican Voter,

We don’t always see eye to eye. Our ideologies, opinions, and approach to governing may differ, and occasionally our passions get the best of us. But first and foremost, I hope you will agree – we are both Americans, wanting what is best for our country.

It is in this vein that I write you this letter. As a Democrat, and out of respect to you, I want to explain why I’m so emotional this election, feel so passionate about the decision ahead.

Membership within the Republican Party appears to be increasingly exclusive. So before proceeding, let’s talk about you, the intended recipient of this letter…

Although more modern , you are an “Old School” Republican, predating 1980 revisions…

*You value freedom and equality, the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

*You are fiscally conservative. You support limited government, limited taxation, and a balanced budget.

*You are not conservative socially. Regardless of opinions and traditions, you recognize supporting small government includes supporting a woman’s right to choose, to make her own healthcare decisions.

*You support the separation of church and state. You believe Leviticus should not govern American policy and citizens. Consenting adults should be free to marry who they love, regardless of sexual preference.

*You are informed and decent. You believe President Obama is a Christian, born in the United States.

You, my Old School Republican friend, are not so very different from my parents, so please understand – I respect and appreciate your America. Although I am a Democrat, I share a similar dream.

It is because of our shared values that I am reaching out to you, specifically, why I am asking you to put party affiliation aside and hear my concerns with an unfiltered ear…

The 2012 Election is not between Republicans and Democrats. This election is a testament to the character of our nation, the behavior and deeds we choose to electorally reward.

As a liberal, I’m sometimes dramatic and verbose, but I am neither when I say – The Republican Party has been hijacked by extremists, and America is under attack. It is a problem we need to address together, or the problem is going to address us.

Something happened on the road from 1992 to 2012. You are no stranger to the extremists within the Republican Party. Your greatest generals have been plucked away, replaced with preachers hell-bent on dismantling a government we built together.

Republican extremists are not sons of Lincoln or disciples of Teddy. They lack Eisenhower’s pragmatism, Goldwater’s libertarian convictions, and Ronny’s charm. They are the RINO’s on a stampede, rabid on fear sponsored by special interests. Their American ideals are misguided, leading them to believe they are preordained by God and that all citizens are not created equal.

Respectfully, I ask you to consider the following…

In 2009, Barack Obama inherited:

*The worst recession since the Great Depression, caused by deregulations in the banking and mortgage industries

*A National Debt spiraling out of control, fueled by Republican tax cuts, binge spending, and poorly managed wars.

Despite triggering the crisis and recession, GOP leadership embarked on a “party first, country be damned” strategy throughout Obama’s first term.

*Republicans publicly acknowledged wanting to make Barack Obama a one-term President.

*In refusing to compromise, they engaged in record-breaking obstructionism: rejecting bills they once sponsored, turning the Senate into minority rule, and blocking job creating efforts that prolonged high unemployment, while conservative Supreme Court Justices sold America to the highest bidder.

*Republicans incited unnecessary panic by threatening to default on debt and shut down government, causing S&P to downgrade the US credit rating, which further depressed consumer confidence and impeded economic growth and hiring…

Now, Republicans in power are asking American voters to elect a secretive man on flimsy platform, built on positions that have all changed (abortion, gay rights, healthcare, climate change, immigration, stem cell research, tax policy, etc…), and another candidate with his fingerprints all over the binge spending, financial crisis, and obstructionism.

To solve America’s problems moving forward, Romney and Ryan dismissively propose: supporting more deregulation, making the Bush tax cuts permanent, and increasing defense spending, while picking fights around the globe and dismantling the government we built together.

I understand the lure of being a Republican, wanting a government that is fiscally responsible and accountable to the American citizens. That is why I am asking you to vote Democratic, to re-elect Barack Obama.

Being an Old School Republican, take comfort in the following…

*In addition to the stock market rebounding, President Obama has had 30 months of consecutive job growth, adding 4 million jobs to the private sector.

*Under President Obama the rates of annual spending, revenue, and budget deficits have all decreased to levels not seen since before Eisenhower.

*Despite reports to the contrary, President Obama has cut taxes for middle-class families and small businesses.

Imagine where the United States would be, if Republicans had supported the elected President. If Obama’s foreign policy is any indication, we’d be in much better shape.

If you value the Republican brand, vote Democratic on November 6, 2012. Be escorted to the ballot box with the conviction of Lincoln and the bravery of Eisenhower… Reject extremism and intolerance, a government that intrudes into the lives of citizens and regulates the pursuit of happiness.

Thank you for your Republican pragmatism and consideration.

Your friend,

A Democrat"