Thank you, Jimmy Pappas, for your insightful letter to the editor - "GOP: Fear isn't ideal motivator," Aug. 29.

The current Republican Party is a fragmented, frustrated joke staggering to find themselves in any dirty way they can, and to get some traction after losing big in ‘08. They try to convince themselves that they are the true Patriots, followers of the American Constitution, but what party of any conviction would sabotage their own country and citizens by adopting a "NO" strategy that obstructs every move the majority-elected party attempts? That flies in the face of everything our Democracy stands for!

Conservative leadership now appears to be media "heroes" - such as the opportunistic "Soundbite Sarah" and other in-your-face screamers who are making millions by ranting to the angry losers of the election. And "Faux" News tops the list for dishonesty with their agendized news and programming which they dare to call "fair and balanced." What a joke! Mr. Pappas is right - voters are lazy, and look for convenient media-blowhard sound bites to support their anger and votes against the current administration, which is struggling to turn around the almost insurmountable mess left by the last administration, with their reckless spending and special favors for their wealthy buddies. Our founders would be SO ashamed!

I. SMITH

Coeur d'Alene