While Thomas Shields seeks to enhance the status of the Republican Party, here are a few facts.

To win elections the Republicans are placing roadblocks to voting, affecting mostly elderly and poor Americans. Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania have laws with specific forms of identification now required to vote. People without ID must spend time and money to get their right to vote back. Spending money to vote is called a poll tax, outlawed by the 24th Amendment.

Republicans claim the reason for such laws is voter fraud. In reality, it does not exist. Some claim that such laws could ensure Republican victories. Republicans want more votes but will stop people from voting for other candidates (so much for following the Constitution).

Why not become the kind of party Americans want to be part of instead of keeping people from voting?

From the Huffington Post, the national budget proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan takes $170 million from poor college students (so much for an educated populace).

Social Security and Medicaid are entitlements attacked by Republicans. These are entitlements because Americans paid into those programs and are entitled to a return on their investment. How about sensible allowances and rules?

According to ABC News, Republicans have voted more than 30 times to end Obama Care since 2010, but not one on a jobs plan. And, according to online sources, Senate Republicans refused to end $24 billion in tax breaks for big oil.

That’s great for the county? Not likely, but great for Republicans.

David Marquis, Lewiston

Copy the Story Link