Thanks for that posting, GRNJ. You made me feel a little better about Republicans. Like Abe L., I too, used to respect the opinions of Republicans, even though I disagreed. They seemed to have some true convictions, some strength of character, some integrity. But beginning in about 1991, just before Clinton's first election, I would see them on TV and listen to what they said: my eyes would bug out and my mouth would pop open. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It scared the crap outta me because it became painfully obvious to me that we were not dealing with rational minds. It was as if the party became so desperate, any route to victory would suffice--they would try ANY tactic--even jump on the Ralph Reed Neo Nazi bandwagon. I remember Bush even saying that he would do "anything" (and that's literally, a quote) to win the election. Very scary. I know that to Republicans, this sounds way over the top but that's the way I truly felt (and feel to this day) about Republicans--they're scary. So, back to my point, it's nice to hear a rational Republican voice here. I suspect that you, GRNJ, are more representative of the party than are the talking heads we see in positions of power.

As far as Reagan is concerned (and I'm sure after he dies, they'll re-run this), there is a documentary out there that aired a few times on PBS that shows him at a speaking engagement where the teleprompter konks out. The man stops dead, cannot think on his own AT ALL. He stops speaking and a look of vague panic crosses his blank face. No one knows what to do. Then Nancy, standing beside him, whispers something into his ear, trying, I suppose, to tell him what to say but a second or two after that the teleprompter is running again and he resumes speaking. Scariest thing I ever saw. This was long before the Alzheimer's issue was ever disclosed but it was no surprise when they finally announced it. The same teleprompter snafu has plagued Clinton also, but the guy is so sharp and knows what he wants to say in such detail that whenever it happens, it's undetectable--it's even happened during the State of the Union address and you KNOW, that's a loooong speech. Say what you will about Clinton, he is one brilliant guy and an amazing speaker.

And one last thing, speaking of Republicans--what is the deal with the hair, for Pete's sake? James Traficant?? (a 1966 bouffant) and Trent Lott?? Gives me the heebee jeebees.