Conspiracy Theory

Have you heard the latest conspiracy theory? Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck have secretly been on the DNC payroll for years. Every time they open their mouths another group of moderate conservatives disavow the GOP—even some Southern ones. Yesterday, someone asked me if I have always been a Democrat. I answered that I have voted for several Republicans over the years, the first being Eisenhower in '52. Although I grew to admire Adlai Stevenson, Ike's interstate highway system and prophetic admonition to “beware the military-industrial complex” proves I was a pretty good 'president picker' even at a tender age. As a child, I was terrified that Wendell Wilkie might defeat President Roosevelt, therefor, allowing the Nazis to overrun our country. Growing up in my Chicago neighborhood meant that not being a Democrat was tantamount to not being a Catholic, which increased (if not assured) the likelihood of going to hell. As I grew older my politics moved a little to the center-- but not too much. I thought William F. Buckley, Jr. was hilarious and Senator Everett Dirkson's voice made me feel secure and fuzzy all over. I owe a great deal to several staunch Republicans I have known over the years. However, beginning with Reagan's union busting and deregulation of critical institutions, then, through the disastrous years of Bush-Cheney and Halliburton, I am now a very proud liberal Democrat—a lover of God and Country and avid reader of the New York Times Editorial Page. On those few occasions when I start to question Democratic policies or leadership I subject myself to an hour of Fox News and, thereby, replenish my resolve.
Terry Tynan