Partisanship

Congratulations to Rep. Pete Starks. Finally, a Democrat with the courage to call a spade a spade. Respect and authority should never be considered "rights" of any office, even the Presidency. They must be earned by appropriate behavior, something George Bush has rarely manifested.

Ultimately, using the word "partisan" as a pejorative derives from a major flaw in our decidedly dysfunctional democracy: namely, the idea that freedom of speech means that different viewpoints are all equally worthy. Some issues are, of course, open to compromise. Others, including lying to justify war, torturing and spying on American citizens are contemptible, and should be condemned and prosecuted, as provided by the constitution. The failure of Democratic leadership to do their duty is inexcusable. Starks' frustration is entirely understandable.

Adequate healthcare is a basic human right. Denying it to children in order to demonstrate his "relevance" is just one more demonstration by Bush of his unsuitability for office. Thank God at least one Democrat has given voice to the feelings of many, if not most Americans.