John, you post many valid arguments. Unfortunately one can not argue with the those who have been inundated with years and years of successful attempts to revise history, and erase what the founding fathers intended for this country. Since it is no longer taught in our institutes of "higher learning", what was "intended" is now replaced by "what they meant" in the circle of education. Sadly, the damage seems almost irreversible.

I can only quote history for where this country is headed. Those in power have done a great job in incorporating non republic related manners in our system of government that are not only appalling, but frightening as well:

Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes. (Hello imminent domain)

A heavy progressive or graduated income tax. (Happening right now)

Abolition of all rights of inheritance. (Death tax)

Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels. (Hello imminent domain, again)

Centralization of credit in the banks of the state, by means of a national bank with state capital and an exclusive monopoly.( Don't even need to comment on this one. Happening everywhere)

Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the state. (Government take-over of private industry, (GM) and mass media high school crush on present regime.)

Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the state; the bringing into cultivation of waste lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan. ( GM bail-out anyone?)

Equal obligation of all to work. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture. (Unions)

Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of all the distinction between town and country by a more equable distribution of the populace over the country.(Farm subsidlies)

Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production, etc. (941 billion spent on education where 50% of the population doesn't graduate high school)

All this taken from the Communist Manifesto (circa 1848). Are we crazy? I don't think so. This is exactly what is happening now. This isn't a "party" problem, but a government problem, but largely promoted from the left instead of the right.

I thank you however for all you do in the OHV and political community to help us all, to save what little we have left. I would not have known about Jeff Flake if it wasn't for your post about him. I should be more informed about my local candidates, and broaden my focus beyond the presidential race.

There are areas of my state and this country that used to be crossed by horse and wagon. Yet if we dare glance upon the paths of our predecessors, we are somehow enemies of the planet. Truly a tragedy for those of us who enjoy the the world "Because it was grassy and wanted wear."