Jeffords Leaves GOP to Become Independent

Sen. James M. Jeffords’ “defection” from the Republican Party (May 24) is actually the ultimate in bipartisanship. With both parties’ leaders putting such extreme pressure on their members to toe the party line, what chance does the nation have of bipartisanship, cooperation and unity unless politicians have the courage to think for themselves and to do what’s in their hearts?

If our president truly was a “uniter,” he would respect Jeffords’ decision and, instead of promoting primarily Republican policies, he would equally promote ideas that might be seen as “Democratic.”

Howard Schlossberg

Woodland Hills

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Jeffords is not a man of principle. He is the ultimate politician. Jeffords was elected as a Republican in Vermont last year knowing well what that party’s agenda and platform are all about, but he still used the Republican Party’s political machine to satisfy his personal ambition. If he really were a man of principle, he would resign from the Senate and allow the other duly elected official in Vermont, Gov. Howard Dean (a Democrat), to appoint a Democrat as his replacement, which would have the same effect as Jeffords leaving the Republican Party.

Hamid Bahadori

Mission Viejo

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Jeffords represents a lot of us lifelong, moderate Republicans who feel increasingly alienated in the ever-more-conservative Republican Party. By catering to the right-wing element by promoting exclusionary social agendas, widening the scope of law enforcement to infringe on personal freedoms, encouraging isolationist world policies, giving free rein to corporate entities and persecuting any moderate with differing views, they are encouraging moderates to feel that they aren’t welcome. We, and many friends, have long felt what Jeffords articulated. We did not leave the Republican Party; it left us.

They need to get over the “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” slash-and-burn philosophy. It is difficult to be heard over the cacophony of conservative rhetoric, but if Republican moderates don’t at least open their mouths and attempt to steer toward center, Jeffords won’t be the “lone traitor,” he’ll be leading the parade!

Patricia and Harry Bray

Huntington Beach

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Against the advice of so many, President Bush ignored the results of the election. He ignored his own self-identification as a compassionate conservative. He decided to govern as if he had a mandate. He chose to propose and fight for right-wing ideological positions and appoint right-wing ideologues to significant positions.

He took a major political risk. In doing so, he grossly misread those who wanted to support him as a new president. Because of his own actions and those of his most conservative supporters to enforce ideological purity, he has now lost the Senate to the Democrats without an election. There is justice in the president who was appointed by the courts suffering such a massive political loss with no election being held.

Rick Zimmer

Anaheim

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Poor Ethan Allen must be spinning in his grave. First Benedict Arnold and now Jim Jeffords.

Rob Bronson

Port Hueneme