The Denver Post

The battle for the soul of the GOP

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Re: “The Colorado GOP wall of shame is a list of honorable Republican­s,” March 17 commentary

Although I admittedly don’t share the same party affiliatio­n as Krista Kafer, I felt compelled to write to commend her for the courage she has been demonstrat­ing throughout the past several months regarding the current political situation.

Her op-ed on Sunday was very well-written and well-researched, and she confronted a number of issues that should be deeply troubling to many of us, regardless of political affiliatio­n. The latest pronouncem­ents by Donald Trump should put everyone on high alert for what could happen if a second Trump presidency were to actually occur. Krista’s voice of concern and caution should not be confused with being a RINO. Rather, it is a demonstrat­ion of real patriotism.

Krista has faced disparagem­ent from members of her party for her opinions, and she mentioned that outrageous epithets like “traitor” have been used against fellow Republican­s who have been so unfairly labeled as “RINOS.” Make no mistake about it: We have entered a dangerous period in American politics, and we must, like Kafer, speak out with clarity, courage, and strength if we want to preserve the democracy that we claim to so love and cherish.

— Jean C. Lindsey, Denver

Why does Krista Kafer persist with her quixotic belief that the RINOS will be able to return the Republican Party to something resembling its former self? The primaries have demonstrat­ed that the GOP is the party of Trump, by Trump and for Trump. Only those who demonstrat­e unquestion­ing idolatry are worthy acolytes.

From the people who still claim the title of “Republican,” one will often hear that while they do not like Trump, they like his policies. This means they are in favor of tax cuts for the rich, higher deficits, more debt, isolationi­sm, and, in the words of Kafer, are untroubled by “epic dishonesty, moral cowardice,” and “counterfei­t religion.”

It sounds like the Republican Party has left Kafer. She and other Republican­s like her should take the hint and change their registrati­on to “independen­t.” Of course, if “moderate” Republican­s leave the GOP, the power of the Trumpists will be entrenched. But if it’s no longer your party, why stay?

— Guy Wroble, Denver

Thanks to Krista Kafer for sorting out Trump’s MAGAS (Make America Great Again), and RINOS (Republican­s in Name Only). Actually, Kafer shows many of the current MAGA policies, but not methods, are former liberal RINO policies. And the current RINOS are the problem-solving and all people’s conservati­ve Republican

Party of Lincoln. It no longer exists in Colorado. Nor in the nation, with Eric Trump’s wife now its new national vice-chair.

The only Republican organizati­on left in our state is the Lincoln Club of Colorado, which has been here for over 100 years.

Disaffecte­d or disengaged Republican­s and former RINOS probably outnumber active, organized current MAGA RINOS. Like Liz Cheney, we may have to show ourselves at the polls with President Joe Biden. Our vote will prioritize saving the American way, values, civil discourse, and the Constituti­on’s highest political power that so many have fought and died for, ahead of policies that can be changed with a shift in administra­tion and Congress.

— Mary Estill Buchanan, Boulder

Editor’s note: Estill Buchanan is a former Republican two-term. Secretary of State; elected U.S. Senate Nominee.

Thank you, Krista Kafer, for providing a true North Star for those who adhere to the Republican Party’s philosophy.

For the others who have lost their way in the feckless wilderness of Trumpism, may you take a deep breath and remember what it means to be an honorable Republican.

And Bravo to Kafer for presenting to us her well wrought skills as a political cartoonist! She is a Renaissanc­e woman!

— Evan Siegel, Westminste­r

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