Here's why one voter is avoiding the Democrats

In one of his many letters to the Inter Lake, our local prolific political analyst Bob McClellan from Polson proclaims, “Do the right thing: Vote Democratic.”

Well, Bob, you use some vague conspiracy theories about the Republican party being “bought out” and the Democrats are “independent and sensible, compassionate and attuned.” I will tell you that I will not be voting Democrat along with a lot of other folks who are simply fed up with the direction this great country is headed. Let me remind you, the Democrats ARE in control of the Senate and the White House, and have been for nearly six years, so it is time to take responsibility for your failed policies.

Energy: One only has to drive along U.S. 2 on the Hi-Line and Shelby to see the thousands of brand-new oil tankers headed to Seattle every day, with the best crude oil headed for China, while we pay nearly $4 a gallon for our fuel. By the way, it was $2.51 a gallon when Mr. Obama took over.

Immigration: A disaster! An unchecked flood of illegal immigrants and the lack of enforcement of current laws are creating a severe economic drain on our schools, social programs and jobs. The Democrats threaten to reduce Social Security to citizens who have paid into it their whole lives and give resident college tuition and full social program benefits to illegal immigrants who have never worked a day in the U.S. What is wrong with that picture? Our citizens have many un-met needs; fill them first.

Economy: Prices on food are at record highs and rising rapidly. I have friends and neighbors who have lost their jobs or have to commute to Alaska or North Dakota to work. The “notices” section of the Inter Lake often contains two or more pages of home foreclosure notices. Millions have given up looking for work, so are no longer included in the unemployed statistics. The U.S. dollar is losing ground rapidly and may soon be replaced with a stronger foreign currency. Our national debt and out-of-control spending show no signs of improving, and the money presses keep printing lOUs.

Foreign policy: If we have one, no one seems to know what it is. The Middle East is in total chaos and getting worse by the day. The billions of dollars and thousands of brave men and women who died there seem to be in vain as terrorists are released and the whole region is on the brink of all-out war. Our status and credibility with our allies and enemies is at an all-time low.

Attack on Second Amendment rights: Democrats have a party platform of various schemes at gun control, registration and restriction. Bob, why don’t you ask a few of your Native American neighbors how their ancestors fared with the U.S. Army after their guns were taken away? History gives us many examples of what happens to a disarmed population. I don’t want to be one of them.

Accountability: Nobody in this government — both parties — seems to be accountable. Bob suggests in prior letters that we forget the debacle in Libya, the Internal Revenue Service-targeting, the machine-gun giveaway in Mexico, the heavy hand of the Bureau of Land Management in the Southwest, and now the latest with the mismanagement of the Veterans Administration. Where will it end and when will the highly paid directors be held accountable for their actions by ALL of Congress and our representatives?

As citizens and taxpayers, these are our employees and we have a right to hold them accountable. This should be nonpartisan but seldom is. By the way, I have heard that the Department of Agriculture is taking up heavy arms. Look out, farmers’ markets.

I could go on, but I think the point is made. Unless you can come up with some very compelling arguments, I will continue to hope that the Republicans can find someone who can turn this mess around. Yes, Bob, the Democrats have promised change and we got that. As far as transparency in government, your promise falls woefully short.

Boehm is a resident of Creston.