After President Barack Obama’s budget speech, the Republican Party seems in a greater quandary than ever. For the lack of vision, Republicans have largely retreated into objectionist rhetoric against everything constructive, any united front against the economic downturn.

Just when the nation needs cooperation and mutual support, Republicans have entrenched, black-balling Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for their insight, vision and healthy compromise.

What is their irresponsible pouting about? And what about Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal stupidly calling it irresponsible to expand unemployment insurance? Tell that to the millions who are out of work or losing their homes.

Can’t the Republicans present anything positive, other than a defensive criticism?

After eight years of being bled in Iraq with Vice President Dick Cheney’s no-bid contracts for Halliburton, how can they rationalize the sorry state this nation is in?

I’d like to hear some positive suggestions, alternatives and less useless sour grapes.

Stephen Drane, Auburn