Just how long is the American public going to stand for the tactics of the Republican Party while it is control of the House and Senate?

If you are a Republican, you should be deeply ashamed of the people you have put in Washington. This is not to say that the Democratic Party doesn’t use the same tactics; it is just that the tobacco issue is currently in the headlines.

First of all, the Republican Party does not want the tobacco industry hit with a $516 billion dollar settlement. Trent Lott and other leaders in the party have stated this.

At the same time they must express concern for the youth of America since their staying in office depends on them receiving the votes of the parents of the children.

But, how can they ‘appear’ to be concerned and still get votes. Also, their party has the majority in both the House and the Senate; therefore, if the bill passed, it would be at the chagrin of the tobacco interests.

The industry might even be so upset that they would cut off the part’s funding. I doubt it but the potential is still there.

How to do it? Just as they always have when dealing with a bill the leaders in the party didn’t want passed. If the bill is over-loaded with clauses that aren't concerned with the primary issue, then the controversy will be so extreme the bill would never be put to vote on a pass-fail basis.

Instead, it would be voted to be laid aside with it being likely it would be the last we hear of it for many, many months, if ever. In doing it this way in the case of the current tobacco industry issue, the industry Republican leaders love, the industry will continue doing business as usual and the youth of America be damned.

The issue will be laid to rest with the industry continuing to attract young people using the same methodology it always has. There won’t be a blackmark against the party as the industry knows Republicans controlled the outcome.

The Republican party has stressed the phrase "the American people deserve the truth".

My question is - if the party is so interested in the truth, why doesn’t it tell the people the truth concerning the tobacco bill, that they don’t want to affect an industry that has contributed millions and millions to their campaign efforts and, quite possibly, to its individual members who have legislated in their favor.

Here is a suggestion. If you do not like the likelihood that this bill will be squelched, don’t just complain to your neighbors and friends. Write or call your legislators and make your thoughts known.

That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the only way to assure that Congress acts properly.

Just a thought - Distorting bills beyond all recognition as to the original intent wastes the time of Congress and tax dollars. Keeping the bills on topic and in simple language removes much of the potential of being able to mislead the public. Therefore, negative party politics and the influence of special interest groups could be lessened.

If you don’t like this political tactic, then write or call your legislators and let them know of your concerns.