GOP catered to base in criticism of Hagel

You just gotta love these Republicans: Graham, McCain, Cruz, and Inhofe. The way they clubbed Chuck Hagel down and proceeded to stomp the liver out of him was a piece of political thuggery akin to the art of swift-boating. What is it with Republicans and Vietnam vets?

Never mind these “gentlemen” were angry at Hagel for his comments regarding Dubya’s lies about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq way back yonder. Or that they were swinish in their treatment of a former colleague and party member. Or that they broke long-standing Senate protocol by filibustering a nominee for Secretary of Defense. None of this matters because these goons were catering to their base. Catering to their base assures them re-election. That is the important thing in life: re-election.

No doubt these “gentlemen” will be re-elected. And in their zeal to be re-elected they will continue to appall the rest of the country. This has become standard operating procedure for Republicans — assuaging constituents and stiffing the country. President John F. Kennedy addressed this subject in his book “Profiles in Courage” but that, of course, is irrelevant. Being re-elected trumps everything else in life.

What is relevant for the country is that all of us see these Republicans for what they are — Republicans being Republicans handed Obama a second term, remember? And likely will again. Keep it up, Republicans. Show the country who/what you are so we the people can make another proper choice in 2016.

ROBERT H. WRIGHT

Sandpoint