Letter: Republican’ use of phrases often belies the truth

Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998 | 11:37 a.m.

I just hope they also are starting to realize all this phony talk by Republicans about "saving Social Security" and "strengthening Medicare" mean turning the retirement program into a Wall Street scam and the medical insurance program for the elderly over to cherry-picking insurance companies and HMOs!

I also hope they realize that "more freedom" and "fewer regulations" mean allowing polluters a free hand to poison the air and water while allowing the devastation of our forests and streams by profiteering lumber and mining interests. I am sure Republicans sincerely believe all these ideas will "promote economic growth" and "improve retirement programs" but either fail to realize or just don't care about the harm to people and the environment they would cause.

Of course, then you hear about "school choice," which means subsidizing religious schools with public money and "the right to life," which means taking "choice" away from women regarding their own bodies. Oh, don't forget "school prayer," which would be the beginning of intrusion into and ultimate takeover of the government by fanatical religious forces.

The Republican Party has been captured by these religious fanatics, leading to a tail-wagging-the-dog scenario which will eventually destroy it, in my opinion.

Daniel F. Oliver