Suggestions for Republican leaders

The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll found that only 20 percent of Americans now identify themselves as Republicans (http://snipurl.com/sn15y). A few of my suggestions for Republican leaders:

1. Start distrusting corporations as much as you distrust government.

2. Stand for a balanced budget, even if it means no more tax cuts for the wealthy.

3. Admit that all government programs are not bad, especially those that help the Americans hurt by your policies.

4. Stop obstructing all meaningful change. Suggest positive ideas.

5. Put the American people first, above the special interests of insurance and petroleum industries, war contractors and large corporations.

6. Stop the “fear and smear” - death panels and killing grandma - and try intelligent debate.

7. Stop catering to the kooks on the fringe.

Harold Eschert

Cedar Rapids