As the Bush administration’s time winds down, and those who have been so frequently appalled with its actions count the days until it is only a sour memory, Republicans offer every indication that they will continue along the same path that has created the serious problems the nation faces that must be solved.

One of the most troubling aspects of the Bush administration has been its unwillingness to compromise, a hallmark of representative government. So many Democrats have stated since 2000 that they have no voice, and there has been a complete, utter unwillingness on the part of Republicans to compromise.

The right-wing talk radio jihad has recently been about demanding that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, John McCain, remain true-blue to a conservative dogma that is cast in stone. One must wonder why the majority of Americans who do not hold such absolutist views would support rigid Republican candidates at any level.

The central question is what conservative dogma has given to America in the first place?

While presidential candidates debate America’s next steps in Iraq after Bush is out of office, some news reports have revealed that the administration is pushing for long-term commitments with the Iraqi government that would saddle the next president with few options.

Perhaps more troubling have been statements by the remaining Republican presidential candidates, McCain and Mike Huckabee, that they would continue many of the same approaches of the Bush administration.

Mark Tardif, Waterville


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