To All My Friends.

Thursday's defection of a little-known Republican Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont bolted the GOP and became an independent.

Is this not tantamount to being traitor? Has he not betrayed a trust to his constituents and to his/our country especially??

Wake up America! This man should and must be SHUNNED! Declared a non person to be avoided forever. And that is my opinion!

James

-- James (triquest@about.com), May 25, 2001

Answers

James, I don't think it matters. That is my opinion.

I think Ashcroft is the biggest traitor du jour. Over 4,ooo documents and no extension on the stay. They've had enough time...bunk.I am not saying McVeigh isn't guilty, but if we kill the man who knows what really went down we will never really know, will we?

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), May 25, 2001.

I agree with Doreen. It shouldn't make a real large difference.It will open more dialogs and possibly soften some dems to GOP proposals. As a republic with democratic influance, our system of government is actually designed to function better without total party control. Even with my consevative views, I dislike seeing either party having it all sewed up. The political balance is extremely important. That balance and attempts to sway it were a major factor in President Bush being elected. That same balance will be a major factor in guaranteeeing President Bush oppurtunity to function to his full potential, proving that he is a contender for re- election based on his actions instead of left over emotions from a previous administration. I always keep in mind that when our system of government was designed, a king held control of all government.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), May 25, 2001.

Personally I welcome the change, maybe it will slow down Bush's rape of our country. Here in Florida we where dumb enough to elect the other Bush and now we are paying for it. Daryll

-- Daryll (twincrk@hotmail.com), May 25, 2001.

Well don't fret, Daryll. I understand Janet Reno is most likely going to run against Jeb for the honored seat of Governor next time. She will most assuredly be totally different.

-- Doreen (bisquit@ here.com), May 26, 2001.

What a choice, one kills children and the other one kills the future. It sure is a beautiful day here in northwest Florida. I hope I didn't offend anyone,I try not to be political. Just my take on this situation. Daryll

-- Daryll (twincrk@hotmail.com), May 26, 2001.

Daryll, you didn't offend me any at all. I hope I didn't offend you! I'm not a big supporter of either of the mainstream political parties as I think they are really pretty much the same. One is more socialist, but the pubs are becoming more that way, too. It's hard to find a politician that fits the role of being decent any more....if it was ever really possible. I am really happy that Ron Paul is my congressman and have to say he is just the best there is!

I really have to say that I don't quite understand why it is such a big deal that this guy is now independent. I do understand it gives the dems a majority, but don't these people vote for what is best for the country regardless of party?? There I go dreaming again, huh? Anyway, that's what they are supposed to do. Maybe someone can explain how a moderate republican is soooo much better than a conservative democrat, or a moderate independent? Thanks!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), May 26, 2001.

First off, since when does using or not using a certain label constitute being a traitor???

Jeffords has more balls than any other person in today's political arena. He didn't jump from Republican to Democrat. His votes, feelings, alliances, etc have not changed. He simply made a statement. I applaude his courage and his integrity.

Second of all, his constituents are the people who should care. Period. And, he consulted with them through letters, phone banks and a personal speech with question period after he made his decision, and BEFORE he made his official announcement. If those people think he made a good decision, then who are we to say any different???

Third, Jeffords' is only getting this sort of attention because the SUPPOSED balance of power has SUPPOSEDLY been altered. There are many MANY instances of people switching parties, both prior to AND after election. Its not like this is the first time, and it certainly won't be the last. We should be greatful that there are still people out there that will make a statement and stand up forfor what they are SUPPOSED to believe in!

Fourth, members of his own former party have commended his actions, AND stated very real, very informed and very intelligent reasons for him having done so. Though there are no others following his lead, several high-ranking republicans in DC have stated that they not only understand, but also support his actions.

Think about it... would you support ANYTHING that went against what you stand for??? Why should he?

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), May 27, 2001.

Well said Sue ! Oh no! Does that make me a stepford wife from hell? It's ok to be pissed off about this James but if he is not your representative there is not much you can bitch about.Traitor is a very strong word and it does not apply here.He was exercising his rights as a citizen.If you want to throw the appelation of traitor around we have an exprez that it will stick to quite nicely.

-- XtheUnknown (Youknowwho@silly .com), May 27, 2001.

does anyone in this forum use sound logic? You cannot logically defend the "decision" jeffords made, regardless of how many points you include. The fact is and will remain that mr. jeffords was elected as a republican and therefore had an obligation to vermont voters and the entire legislature to serve the party which he claimed to represent on election day. If he had so many "issues" with the GOP, he should have finished his term as an elected republican and switched parties in his run for re-election. That I could respect.

-- truth (dorrward@hotmail.com), May 27, 2002.

I try not to pay attention to party affiliation when I vote--I am more interested in the person's stance on various issues. Obviously, some issues are more important to some people than others.

And most of the time it is, alas, a choice NOT between good and better, but bad and worse....

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), May 27, 2002.