Religious Fanatics
Hijacked the GOP

For a great many years I have been disposed to see the fundamental question in American politics one of respecting the individual versus a more collectivist viewpoint. Growing up in the ‘40s and ‘50s, our country seemed to stand for this ideal and be opposed to various forms of totalitarianism.

That led me to align myself with the Republican party although on many issues I did not concur with the party platform. I even went so far as to offer myself as the party candidate for governor of Vermont in 1996 despite the obvious truth that the incumbent Democrat could easily win. It just seemed as though Vermonters needed to hear the idea that each of us is ultimately responsible for our actions and that the role for government, beyond the basics of protection from enemies foreign and domestic, was to gently help the playing field become more level.

As time has passed I have had to reconsider my position. It is not that I see the state as now more important than each of its citizens. I certainly do not. It is that I have seen a very dangerous form of collectivist thinking invade the Republican party. In direct contradiction to the sixth article of our constitution, candidates have been asked to offer their views on religion in general and the Christian Bible specifically. What is worse, instead of simply stating that such a question is in violation of the letter and spirit of our constitution, they have attempted to provide answers.

There is no difference between the fanatical mullahs of Islam and the fundamentalists of the US. Both provide an excuse for unethical and bad behavior. Both fly in the face of reason and the foundation of my country.

Many thoughtful people have been asking where are the moderates within the Muslim faith? We need to ask where are the moderates among us?

Our people suffered and died to create a haven from tyranny and, over the generations, to defend it. I believe it is in dreadful jeopardy from within today.

Unless persons of reason speak out strongly, we have lost the struggle.

John Gropper

Los Angeles, Cal.

(John Gropper was a resident of Rochester for many years, including 1996 when he ran for governor as a Republican candidate.)