How Jim Jeffords Saved the Constitution
(06-04-2001)

I don't know what his real motives were. After reading his reasons on his website, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of his motives, Jim Jeffords' recent withdrawal from the Republican Party may accomplish one good thing: it may postpone more damage to the U.S. Constitution.

Independently, the national Republican and Democratic parties both seem bent on destroying our system of free government. When they disagree about how to do it, the destruction doesn't stop, but at least it moves less quickly sometimes. I won't get my hopes up, but I wish this situation would remind Republican leaders that principle must come before party and personality.

How did Jim Jeffords last so long in the Republican party? If he disagrees with basic elements of the Republican platform, why did they keep supporting him? My simple answer is that Republicans like to be in power. If winning takes a little compromise, a little forgetfulness of principle, they seem willing to sacrifice freedom on the altar of "success". But being in power is good only if you use it for good. Republican abuse of the Constitution is no better than Democratic abuse.

Maybe party hopping will become a fad. That would be fun. :-)