It's rather lengthy, but here is the text of a letter I sent to my congressman Vern Buchanan on July 29, 2013 ...
The Honorable Vern Buchanan United States House of Representatives
Dear Representative:
Allow me to preface my comments by stating my appreciation for your service as Congressman for the district in which I have resided for more than 45 years. I fully approve of your voting record (and your adherence to conservative principles) in virtually all instances, and I also appreciate the e-mails that you provide, along with your frequent Insta-polls (that "survey" the pulse of your constituents).
Without a doubt, I am among the staunchest conservatives in our district, and I have consitently voted Republican -- at least in presidential and congressional races -- since I became eligible to vote 50 years ago. However, based on your vote (and the House approval) with regard to the "fiscal cliff" legislation, I am hereby renouncing all ties to the Republican Party, effective immediately.
Within the next few days, I will go to Kathy Dent's Supervisor of Elections office in order to change my affiliation. I haven't decided whether I will change my affiliation to Independent or another party; however, I no longer wish to be identified with the Republican Party. Further, I have no intention to ever vote for a GOP presidential or congressional candidate in the future.
I will forever retain strong conservative principles and values, and although I will have abandoned the GOP, I would never vote for a liberal, either. Obviously, that reduces my options, and in fact, it likely means that I will never vote in a national or statewide election again.
The reason for my decision isn't based nearly as much on you (or your "fiscal cliff" vote) as it is the status of the Republican Party. Let's face it. I can state, with near-certainty, that no future American president will ever be elected under the Republican banner. And after going along with Obama on the "fiscal cliff" issue, it means that the Republicans are no longer a major part of what should be "the checks and balances" as envisioned and enacted by this nation's Founding Fathers.
I am totally tired of politicians who are making decisions based on "too big to fail" or "too risky" rather than considering the long-term health of the country. In case you haven't noticed, this country has already gone over a "fiscal cliff" in that -- because of a series of long-term failures by past and current administrations, and especially Congress -- we will never be able to pay off the national debt.
"Kicking the can down the road" does absolutely no good, and anyone who thinks that the Republicans will be able to take part in enacting any significant spending-cuts legislation is delusional. With the "fiscal cliff" vote behind us, Obama and the Democrats now know that it will be easy to "steamroll" over the Republicans, who obviously won't pose any significant obstacle(s) to whatever the Democrats demand.
Some say that the Republicans will be able to accomplish something when debt-limit discussions take place in the next month or so, but is there any doubt that when push comes to shove, the Democrats will convince some "sheeple" Republicans -- probably including yourself -- that we have no choice but to up the limit (whether or not spending cuts are part of the package)? So again -- because of your vote on the "fiscal cliff" and even though I am one of the staunchest conservatives anywhere -- I respectfully say goodbye to you and the inept Republican Party. Sincerely, WILLIAM S. HERALD
