By Tribune-Review

Published: Monday, January 21, 2013, 8:53 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

After the Republicans caved in on the fiscal cliff issue, I started looking for another political party. There aren't many choices.

I cannot vote Democrat. The Republicans are spineless and not much better. I won't vote for communism or socialism. The Libertarians are a possibility.

I wish the tea party would break from the Republicans and put up its own candidates. I would happily vote for the tea party.

Then I realized there remains a glimmer of hope — the debt ceiling battle looms. The war's not over; the Republicans have one last chance to stop Obama's spending spree.

But they're in a bad position. When Democrats talk about compromise, they mean the Republicans must cave in to their demands, which the Republicans do repeatedly.

That is the wrong strategy.

The Republicans' current approach eventually will kill the party. GOP voters have been very patient. The party doesn't put up many truly conservative candidates. Both Republicans and Democrats keep spending our money and regulating us to death.

I will watch the debt-ceiling battle closely. The GOP must make Obama cut programs — but not the military and senior-citizen benefits — and demand he make the first compromise.

The House and Senate Republicans need to explain that standing firm on the debt ceiling is necessary to control spending. They need to keep pointing out that Obama and the Democrats are the stumbling blocks.

Don't be afraid to shut down the government. And don't cave this time.

Kathleen Bollinger

Fawn Township

1. Fox sarcasm
2. ObamaCare in action
3. Multiple Bibles: It’s OK
4. Public will win
5. Unions can, churches can’t?
6. Faulty mindset
7. Sacrament, not style
8. Belongs in prison
9. Pay it forward
10. Bad situation made worse
11. Successful? Tax it!

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