I feel sorry for Republicans.

It seems to me that in the last 10 to 20 years the national party has turned into a collection of mean-spirited, ethically challenged bullies. I personally have to wonder about the moral character of anyone who would align themselves with a party that only stands up for Big Oil, Big Insurance and other corporations dedicated to standing on the backs of the American people.

When I think of conservative Republicans, my thoughts go to the past. I think of Jack Kemp, Bob Dole, Barry Goldwater, Nelson Rockefeller, William F. Buckley, Richard Nixon and even Ronald Reagan. Those men had character and resolve.

Many of them came from humble origins. They knew what it was like to work for a living, to grow up poor. They cared for working people. Today, the best the Republicans can manage is Sarah Palin. Need I say more?

If I were a Republican, I would be ashamed to hear Palin and Grassley talk about “death panels.” I would be ashamed to be thrown into the same category as Dick Armey, who pays morons to interrupt congressional listening post sessions or, even worse, parade around with pictures of our president painted with a Hitler mustache.

Is this what these people consider funny? Is this truly the best they can do?

My parents were quiet, loyal Americans. They would have found no amusement in hearing the president compared to Hitler. They would have found Roy Blunt’s joking around with Joe Wilson in Springfield a few days ago to be shameful.

Today we are faced with a huge debate over health care. Will we be content to leave 30 million Americans uninsured? Will we keep on letting people with hospital bills be sued or forced into bankruptcy?

I hope Republicans, one day, will find the courage to repudiate the lunatic fringe. I am waiting for one brave conservative to look around at his colleagues and say, “Have you no shame?” I hope that will happen, but I am not holding my breath.

Stephen Smith

Carthage