The following are taken from the Republican Party platform of 1956, the year of the re-election of Dwight D. Eisenhower:

“We are proud of and shall continue our far-reaching and sound advances in matters of basic human needs — expansion of social security — broadened coverage in unemployment insurance — improved housing — and better health protection for all of our people. We are determined that our government remain warmly responsive to the urgent social and economic needs of our people.”

Also:

“We shall ever build anew, that our children and their children, without distinction because of race, creed or color, may know the blessings of our free land.”

Now, 60 years later, the man selected by a plurality of Republican primary voters to present the ideals of their party wants to 1) wall out Mexicans, 2) deport the parents and children of immigrant families who sought out our free land, 3) dismantle health care that brought new coverage to millions of our fellow citizens, and 4) forbid the free travel of human beings based solely upon their religious affiliation.

The Republican delegates of 1956 would roll over in their graves. RIP GOP.

Dennis J. Perkins

Winslow