This is a commentary on “RIPCON” society and Republican moderates,” by columnist John David Dyche.

I’m a lifetime Republican, one of “the establishment Republicans,” being a proud “Young Republican” in high school. I remember when the Rockefeller wing of the party was decimated. It was a time of renewal. The party grew, going from a fat-cat country club to becoming the party of patriots. The Republicans went from “moderation” (progressive) to a party of the ordinary working man, stealing the position once held by Democrats.

Furthermore in 1968 the Progressive (socialists/communists) joined the Democrats and took over the party. That’s why true Republicans should never vote for Democrats at all. That’s why we must never moderate and become one of them.

Mr. Dyche sees it opportune to return to the elitist “moderate” Republican Party and become a “me too” party: If the Democrats say it, we can do it. That’s self defeating. Republicans don’t give a flip about being part of a turn-coat party. We are conservatives first and Republican secondly. If the Republican Party moderates just to win elections, it will go the way of the Whigs. For me and my household, give us pro-life, traditional family, anti-drug, truthful Judea-Christian candidates and not only will Republicans prosper, but so will America. I knew Ronald Reagan and Republican moderates are no Ronald Reagan.

Larry R. Herrin 

Franklin