GOP Diversity and Principles

Re “Diversity for a Grand New Party,” Commentary, Dec. 22:

Ed Davis trumpets “benchmark” principles of the GOP, such as lower taxes, and “our optimistic belief in Americans’ ability to take care of themselves.” He then labels those of us “unwilling to budge on issues such as abortion” as narrow-minded, prejudiced bigots.

Have we sunk so low that those of us who are appalled at the death of between 25 million and 40 million unborn are characterized by the likes of Davis as “extreme fringe factions”? If so, we are happy to be on the fringes.

Just remember, Mr. Davis, that as Thomas Jefferson once reminded us, we are all “created” equal and endowed by our “Creator” (not our legislators) with a number of inalienable rights. Some of those rights are nonnegotiable and may not be bargained away based upon polling numbers, most-favored-nation status or electoral victories. I sincerely hope that the “Grand New Party” of the third millennium remains the party of Lincoln; a party unafraid of principle, a party that would not sacrifice the rights of slaves in the 19th century, nor the rights of the defenseless in the 21st century, all on the altar of economics.

GREGORY N. WEILER

Irvine

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Davis is the sole reason I remain in the Republican Party as a moderate. My parents introduced me to a party that had reason, morals and was designed for all the people to share, as Abraham Lincoln intended. Unfortunately the party has become a group of militia supporters, gun activists, anti-abortion demonstrators, culture-dividing, religious right and big-business activists. They (including Gov. Pete Wilson) have rejected any hope of moderation in the party in support of fanatics such as the Garden Grove three in the Assembly (one who remains a tried felon).

Many are doing a mass exodus and registering Democratic. After speaking to state Sen. Richard Polanco last September, whom I greatly admire, I nearly became one of those. Currently, I support many Democrats for the future offices for state, including governor. However, if my old boss Ed Davis decides to campaign, I will surely give him my support.

STAN NELSON

Redondo Beach