Sperry: Republican Party is an endangered species

I grew up in a Republican family. My dad was head of the New York Young Republican Club. When Jacob Javits ran for the Senate as a Republican, my father was his campaign manager. He was a moderate Republican. He would turn over in his grave to see the character of the two men running at the top of the Republican ticket for the presidency now. Those Republicans of character who support the Constitution — e.g., the Liz Cheneys and Adam Kinzingers — have been drummed out of the party for not having sold their souls to Donald Trump.

The question is, what kind of country do we want to leave for our children and grandchildren? Do we want a leader who is ethical and moral, who will stand up for all of us and support the Constitution, or do we want a man who is a liar, grifter and cheater, and who is only out for himself and, we must add, his only opportunity to stay out of jail?

The popular reality show, “The Apprentice,” created the image of Trump as a successful businessman, which he is not. His list of failed ventures includes, but is not limited to, the Trump Shuttle; an Atlantic City, New Jersey, casino; and Trump University. And, even now, he manages to find the time to “shake down” his “base” by hawking such things as Bibles, watches, sneakers and commemorative coins. In reality, he is a gifted snake-oil salesman. Is this the man we want as an example for our children, let alone representing our country?

Trump has singlehandedly wrecked the Republican Party and replaced it with a personality cult ironically known as “Make America Great Again.” When Trump leaves the political scene — hopefully, this November — what will he leave behind? We desperately need the few real Republicans who are left — the remnant, if you will — to help the party heal. The healing process will not be easy, as any ex-cult member can tell you. But, if the old GOP is once again to be a party my dad would recognize, than it must return to its roots, its sanity and its ethics. Our country desperately needs a functioning two-party system.

Julia Sperry

Hockessin

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.