Leaders are great in spite of their party affiliation - not because of it
Editor:
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An inscription of one of his own quotes appears on the headstone at President Reagan's final resting place. It reads: "I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."
President Ronald Reagan was a great leader. He can arguably be said to have torn down the Soviet Union. He was a Republican. Two decades earlier President John F. Kennedy, who was also a great leader, stared down the Soviet Union. He was a Democrat. Neither president sent a single person to his or her death in battle to achieve the missions that were thrust upon them.
President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, was impeached for lying, among other things. Two decades earlier President Richard Nixon, a Republican, resigned to keep from being impeached for lying, among other things.
President Gerald Ford, a Republican, was an ineffective president, as was Jimmy Carter, a Democrat.
Democrats lie, and Republicans lie. Republicans commit adultery, and Democrats commit adultery. Democrats accept and spend illegal campaign contributions, and Republicans accept and spend illegal campaign contributions. Republicans cater to special interests to the detriment of the people and the country, and Democrats cater to special interests to the detriment of the people and the country.
Democrats vote for the Democrats' legislation because it is what the Democrats want, and Republicans vote for the Republicans' legislation because it is what the Republicans want. Rarely do either or both vote for legislation because of any Constitutional mandate or because it is what is right for the country.
The last three presidents we buried were Republicans. One was ineffective. One shamed himself, his family, his office and his country. The other helped make us proud and respected.
Republican does not a great leader make. Democrat does not a great leader make. Great leaders are great leaders, not because of, but rather in spite of their party affiliation.
Ted Hood Jr.
Harlem