Blame the voters, not GOP

Kathleen Parker ("Why did Republicans lose on Nov. 6? Well, duh," Nov. 11) blames the GOP's election losses on their failure to embrace women's reproductive rights and compassionate immigration reform.

However, there are more disturbing reasons for the results. Chief among them is the failure of our re-education camps, formerly known as public schools, to educate students about the founding principles of our nation.

Second, the media has abdicated its responsibility to inform the public in an even-handed manner about candidates, as evidenced in the second presidential debate when the moderator wrongly sided with the president regarding the Libyan terrorist attack. What the media should have asked is why did the president leave Washington to party with Hollywood glitterati in Las Vegas the day after our ambassador was killed? Did the media in California report on Gov. Jerry Brown's thinly veiled extortion to withhold money for schools and safety services unless his tax initiative was passed?

Finally, it's apparent the majority has learned they can "vote for largesse from the public treasury" and support the party promising cradle-to-grave amenities. We need an informed electorate so everyone has equal opportunity to succeed rather than promoting equal outcomes. If we don't, we will become just another failed nation.

JAMES SANDNER

Ripon