To the Editor:

For the most part, family traditions have been important in helping to bind families together. There are times; however, when some of these traditions need to be reevaluated.

Political loyalties fall into this group. Political parties can and have changed their entire philosophies. Many of your ancestors were politically active during the 1930s through the 1960s. Early on the country was mired into a time when jobs and opportunity were scarce. FDR came into office and created jobs for thousands of patriotic, hard-working  individuals who had begun to lose hope and had always been proud of their work ethic and were proud to support their families. Democratic Party initiatives built a base of party supporters that stayed strong and were dedicated Democrats. When they heard John Kennedy’s inaugural address he united and energized the country with his now famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

This challenge ushered in a time of scientific discovery, medical advancements, space exploration and built international respect for America during the Cuban missile crisis. His strong leadership in defense of our country and foreign relations initiatives built allies all around the world.

The philosophy of the Democratic Party was turned on its head with the assassination of President Kennedy. The Democratic Party had championed work ethic, individualism and self-respect. Lyndon Johnson and his “New Society” corrupted that philosophy and began to reestablish the base made up of people who could be made dependent on government through social welfare programs. Fatherless homes destroyed the family unit by subsidizing single motherhood, especially in the African-American community. The party then continued to build this new base using programs like the enormous expansion of the food stamp program. The party has been built on making more and more people dependent on government and giving them a hand out versus a hand up. All this is at the expense of future generations.

The conclusion here is that the Democratic Party that your ancestors strongly supported no longer exists.

Bruce Gardner

Waynesville