Republicans Ascendant

“GOP Seeks Lasting Majority” (July 21) is depressing and disheartening for anyone who really cares about the future of our country and our planet.

Why in the name of God (or GOP?) would anyone other than rich people and public officials with an “R” designation after their names want a permanent Republican control of the U.S.-- and permanent budget deficits, permanent war, the permanent trashing of the environment (while it lasts), the permanent alienation of most of our allies, a permanent 20.7-mpg auto fuel-efficiency standard that wastes gasoline and drives global warming and Middle Eastern oil wars, the permanent decline of every noncorporate institution and activity in the U.S. and the permanent and continuous shoveling of wealth up to the people who already have most of it?

Your article notes that the Democratic Party was the dominant party for much of the 20th century. That century has been called “the American Century.” That’s a connection, not a coincidence -- and American voters should keep that in mind as they go to the polls in 2004, 2006, 2008 ... well, permanently.

Gregory Wright

Sherman Oaks

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Your article refers to “Democrats’ hegemony for much of the 20th century.” Republican myth-making aside, no such thing happened. Republicans sat in the White House for 53 years of the century versus 47 for Democrats. In Congress, the Democrats have dominated since 1933, true, but not without periods of Republican leadership.

Bart Mills

Manhattan Beach

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A little discipline will go a long way. It is my impression that too many Americans have grown lazy. We have lost our way, in that we have forgotten that genuine rights are not something to which any person should be entitled by virtue of birth or naturalization alone. Genuine rights are earned by virtue of hard work, personal sacrifice and responsible behavior. That’s what separates mature adults from children.

This great country was founded by mature adults. Through the generations, though, we have been pampered back to childhood. We have become idealistic and naive. The surrounding woods are still full of wolves, and we think our technological and financial might will keep us safe. There is a world out there that is largely hostile to us and our way of life, and our wealth is envied as well. The lazy and naive will be trampled in such realities.

I see the GOP as a party that most closely represents the mentality of the guys who originally built this place. I wouldn’t mind it being in command for the next generation or two. I wouldn’t mind it at all.

Arthur Saginian

Saugus

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As we anticipate the 2004 elections, we should be asking ourselves the proverbial question, “Am I better off now than I was four years ago?”

Our nation has gone from a sizable budget surplus to a $455-billion deficit. Next year, the projection climbs to $475 billion. Our troops are sitting ducks in a guerrilla “war on terror” with no end in sight. Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden are still at large. The Patriot Act has caused dangerous erosions of civil liberties in our nation. Our president has gutted environmental laws. Overtime pay could soon be relegated to the trash heap of “liberal” thinking.

At least we have our massive tax cuts. The wealthiest Americans gain more spending cash while the rest of the nation struggles through a jobless recovery: Nine million Americans are out of work. And let’s not forget that under our current leadership, America is reviled around the world. If this is the lasting majority the GOP seeks, God help us all.

Dan Freedland

Rolling Hills Estates

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I have a suggestion for the Democratic Party as a whole regarding the presidential race: Don’t do it. There doesn’t seem to be an electable candidate in the pack. So, save the money for the next time around.

Things seem like they’re going to get much worse before they get better. Let President Bush and the Republicans have it. They made the mess. Let them stay in office for the next four years to do what they will. They control Congress anyway. Why share the blame?

John Christy Ewing

Pacific Palisades

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Soon, most of us will be receiving checks that most of us didn’t ask for, courtesy of a president most of us didn’t vote for. Bush seems to feel that the individual citizen knows how to spend that money a lot better than those in government. Perhaps he’s sincere. Perhaps he’s right.

Let’s test the theory. Take the check, keep a third for your own individual crisis or joy. Give a third to the struggling school or day-care center nearest you. And with payback in your heart, give a third to the Democratic presidential candidate of your choice. Who knows, maybe we can keep a runaway democracy in check.

Pat Carraher

Alhambra