Jim Hollingsworth seems to have a third Testament; the two which Christians learn about in Sunday School and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. That sounds shocking but he writes, “He (Hollingsworth) simply supports the Idaho Republican Party Platform without reservation.” No human institution is perfect. Even if Hollingsworth claimed that the current Platform was perfect, he still must have doubts that people might add unacceptable planks.

He claims that there was no intent to decree a loyalty vote. Then he argues that only “pure” Republicans can be allowed to run. He says “we were concerned those who run as Republicans actually reflect Republican values.” However, this shows a dangerous factionalism. The bottom line is that only ideologically pure are admitted to run for the party, those who accept 99 percent are excluded. Even Ronald Reagan was satisfied with 80 percent.

This leads to his next scary thought. He asks, “Why would any Republican knowingly vote for a Democrat?” That’s easy to answer. A moderate Republican might well vote for a conservative Democrat rather than a Reactionary Republican. The loyalty oath demanded of Republican candidates excludes many but those elected are lockstep candidates who will vote as told regardless of the issue.

They wish to restore state legislatures ability to appoint Senators. His reasoning is that it will fulfill the wishes of the Founders. The Writers of the Constitution designed a factor to change the Constitution by the amendment process. If you disapprove of an amendment, issue a counter amendment. That was the procedure used on Prohibition.

He claims that the 10th Amendment is overused. The Supreme Court is empowered to interpret cases of Constitutional Law. If the case law supports the government’s position there is still the amendment process.

He writes, “Republicans want to go on record as wanting to help (Law Enforcement) in any way possible.” Really, Mr. Hollingsworth, do you believe that all requests by Law Enforcement personnel are moral or even legal? Consider the Southern sheriffs who looked the other way during the Klan’s lynchings. If one had asked you to keep an eye out would you do it without asking why?

He sums it up well.  “… they will reach the goal quicker without being corrupted from within.” If Hollingsworth does worry about internal corruption, he’s wise. The question is, who would accept without reservation an organization prone to internal corruption? 

JEFFREY E. BOURGET

Coeur d’Alene