A New Confederate Republican Party

Because of this election I have reconsidered my affiliation with the GOP.
My first presidential vote was in Georgia for Sen. Barry Goldwater. For decades thereafter not only was there pride in Republican philosophy but also there was an adherence to those principals.
For generations, notables such as William Buckley and the many Republican Noble Peace Prize winners in economics were showcased as intellectuals. They were elitist that represented a creative, forward thinking party that understood all the complexities of government.
Now, after eight years of W., the moral rise, then tainted decline of the religious right, the showcase of an old warlord candidate, his naive VP choice and Joe the plumber, the party has redefined itself as the historic Southern white "Dixiecrat Party" of Republican Strom Thurmond.
Sadly, it appears that the red swath from Texas upward to Canada not only represents most of the South, but also states with significant high school drop out rates.
I feel pride for those Southern states that have confronted their biases and I have respect for those Southerners that listen to more than just one national news network. I have faith that the moderate Christian leaders will reel in the preachers whose views breach the teachings of Christ.
And with this new administration I have renewed faith in America.
Robert W Dobes
Santa Rosa Beach