O.C. Republicanism Thrives Despite Media ‘Distortions’

The intellectuals in The Los Angeles Times ivory tower editorial department just don’t get it when it comes to Orange County GOP voters electing conservative Republican candidates. In fact, the Times’ mean-spirited description of GOP county officeholders and county GOP chairman exemplifies the Times’ hostility toward the free enterprise, strong defense, law and order, and traditional values philosophy that swept President Reagan into office.

As a grass-roots Republican volunteer and member of the California Republican Party Central Committee, it is my position that the Republican Party is open to all individuals. GOP membership comprises a healthy diversity of ideas and beliefs. Most subscribe to fewer governmental regulations on business and free enterprise. Others may be more defense-oriented and support peace through strength, while others are concerned with law and order or strong traditional values. Overall, however, most Republicans subscribe to all of the above party platforms.

Arrogantly, the liberal, Democrat-oriented Times thinks it knows better about GOP politics and can tell others how to run the party. Interestingly, however, the Times success rate in meddling in intra-party affairs is dismal. For example, nearly all Republican candidates who receive The Times endorsement lose, causing many Republican activists to call The Times endorsement a “kiss of death” for Republican candidates.

STEPHEN R. SHELDON

Anaheim