Letters: The Republicans’ small tent

Re “Not a club for Christians,” Opinion, Dec. 11

I applaud Jonah Goldberg for questioning the GOP’s approach to non-Christians and other minorities. It is a positive development that he recognizes the exclusion so many feel from the GOP.

But while the GOP may be very strong in proclaiming its Christianity for all to see, it doesn’t fare as well in following many of Jesus’ teachings, including helping the poor, healing the sick, turning the other cheek and valuing the peacemakers.

The Republicans’ brand of Christianity is rejected by many Christians, to say nothing of Jews and non-Christians. The fact that Asian Americans or Jews may have high average incomes does not ensure they will believe in the GOP’s values, regardless of whether Republicans tone down the Christian rhetoric.

I suggest the Republicans’ problems with these groups is larger than the prayers they recite before their events.

Larry Spiro

Claremont

Today’s right-wing Republicans and “tea party” types can trace their roots to Richard Nixon’s “Southern strategy,” which appealed to the racism of the former Dixiecrats to win their votes. Dixiecrats also tended to be fundamentalist Christians and poorly disguised secessionists who trumpeted states’ rights — note the calls for secession among losing red-state conservatives.

It’s no wonder that minorities who might have some philosophical agreements with Republicans flee the party.

Dan Branstrom

Desert Hot Springs

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