Fear mongering, obstructionism have gone too far

What is with the GOP these days? None of their candidates really have that edge. That spark that says to all, this is the best we can deliver. So far that spark is a dud. Why is that? No one in my opinion stands out as the next contender to challenge the incumbent.

Perhaps it is what appears to be a marriage to Frankenstein’s monster — the Tea Party. While this movement might have started off with good intent — though I honestly have my doubts — it has morphed into something else all together. This once grassroots movement has been hijacked by the powerful, the power hungry and people who are both and has morphed into something alien. Though I have commented on this before, nothing has happened to change my mind.

From the looks of things they should hold a raffle to decide who will get the nomination. Because it is absolutely clear none of these false smiling faces staring into the TV cameras is the “one” to take the GOP into the 2012 election — let alone win it.

Then there was that cheering thing that went on for Rick Perry about his state’s record of executing prisoners during one of those debates.

Cheering? Really? I was appalled. Look, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the death penalty for those who commit crimes of a sickening and heartless nature. But we must make sure the convicted is truly the right man or woman who really did the crime. And we must never cheer about it. Taking another human’s life is nothing to cheer whether it’s state sanctioned or otherwise.

The other incident that followed with Ron Paul was equally disturbing. Frankly I found the audience’s response repellent and very telling, too. They booed an active duty soldier serving in Afghanistan. It does not matter that he is a gay soldier, nor his question.

The responses from the audience and from the candidate were, in a word, disgusting.

If the GOP is going to be a serious contender in this presidential election, then they must find a serious candidate to offer even a challenge to President Obama. And the GOP must put the Tea Party back into its place. The current version of the Tea Party is nothing but a fringe group high on power and far from its well-meaning roots. Kowtowing to the tea party out of fear does nothing for the Republican party and it is plainly obvious that is exactly what has happened within the ranks.

Voter anger is one thing. I’m angry, too. But fear mongering and obstructionism to the point of bringing down the U.S. government is a far cry from that. And that appears to be what the current crop of Tea Party/Republicans want to accomplish.

It is a sign of a very bad marriage. Do we really need this? My answer is frankly. No.

I won’t bother to comment on those who appear to be waiting in the wings.

While history will decide what to make of President Barack Obama time in office, he has proving to me that he is far better candidate for election than those who oppose him.

My vote will go to him. Unless someone out there can offer something better.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.