Divisiveness Among Members Poses Threat to GOP’s Success

The Times article (“Ferguson Now Preaches Pragmatism,” Dec. 27) and editorial (“It’s Bad for Party Business,” Dec. 29) concerning my hope that the Republican Party, both conservative and moderate elements, be more open and accepting of each other and others who have differing opinions on abortion, homosexuality and family values have ignited some dynamic debate.

If the letters to the editor (“Ferguson Is Sacrificing Morality for Political Expediency,” Jan. 10) and those I’ve been receiving are any indication, there isn’t about to be any “closing of the ranks” in the party. However, I don’t accept that those quick reactions are a reflection of thoughtful party members.

This debate, difficult or not, is absolutely necessary for the success of our party. Unfortunately, these issues, especially abortion, are highly emotional and continue to provide an opportunity for divisiveness in our party alone.

I happen to be pro-life. The article clearly stated that and expressed my encouragement for the activists and supporters of the movement. That apparently became background static to my call for unity.

The Republican Party is a party of principle with an acknowledged philosophy which has been most clearly expressed by Ronald Reagan, Jack Kemp, William Bennett, etc. I and many elected Republicans and party members, especially from Orange County, are closely in agreement with it.

However, in the last few years, many who are strong supporters of the Reagan philosophy adopted an attitude toward fellow Republicans who did not go along with them on each and every issue.

This feeling widened and deepened as religious groups became more active in the party and as issues of abortion, homosexuals and family values became more heated.

In turn, some Republicans who were being made to feel alienated began to support alternative Republican candidates or even pull away from the party.

I have come to the conclusion that a political party based on principle is, in some ways, like a religion. Some members of a church or synagogue are dedicated and true believers in all the tenets. Others go most every Sabbath, even more miss now and then, some go once a month and many just during the holidays. A vast number hardly ever attend, but they believe themselves to be part of that religion--even though they certainly don’t believe in each and every tenet.

The Republican Party, especially its leaders, must accept that not everyone in the party is in total support or agreement with all the planks in the party. The views of these Republicans must be respected, and the members must all be accepted as vital to the party. The party need not back off its position on the “gay” issue, yet fully accept Republican gays. It need not give up its belief in the sanctity of life or its opposition to abortion to accept that not all “good” Republicans are with them on that issue.

The party must adhere to the goals and principles which define and unify us.

And we must all appeal to single-issue Republicans among us to stop being divisive in their attitude and their rhetoric to others among us.

GIL FERGUSON

Assemblyman, 70th District

Newport Beach