More immediate peril

As we begin to move into the next election cycle, we need to have a discussion about the Tea Party. It is acknowledged that they are on the far-right wing of the Republican Party. As in the case of most ideologues, they are highly motivated and very organized. They are supported by right-wing organizations like the Club for Growth and the Heritage Foundation. They are financially backed by the Koch brothers, two of the wealthiest people in our country.

They obtain public office by running in primaries in “safe” Republican districts by positioning themselves to the right of Republican incumbents, using campaign tactics that would leave you to believe that the incumbents are left-wingers.

They have gained control of the House Republican Caucus to the chagrin of Speaker John Boehner. This has resulted in 40-plus bills to defund the Affordable Care Act. The good news is the Senate has stopped those bills. Their frustration led to the shutdown of the government.

They are opposed to women’s reproductive rights and Social Security and Medicare. They would like to downsize our state and federal governments so they could no longer serve the people.

If you go back and read the first two paragraphs you should be concerned. Here in Arkansas, they are represented by Tom Cotton, who is running for the Senate.

If you are a moderate Republican, be careful who you are voting for in the next primaries. Many pundits are saying the Tea Party could destroy the Republican Party.

BOB WATERS Hot Springs Village