Les Jones

I often accuse Democrats of running a 30 year old platform against a Republican party that hasn't existed since the 60s. But sometimes the Republicans do me the disservice of living up to the Democrat's expectations.

Republicans have a bigger melting pot than they used to; one can see the Log Cabin Republicans, Cuban-American Republicans and so forth as evidence. But playing quixotically into the hands of their opponents they still do dumb things to appeal to "the base". I don't think their base is who they think anymore.

There is a cultural underpinning of social conservatism among Hispanics and African-Americans. Recent immigrants, especially from more repressed regions of Asia and Eastern Europe, arrive on our shores with an idealism the Republicans should take to heart. These folks are hungry for smaller government, more freedom, minimal intrusion into their lifeways and a strong defense.

So how do the Republicans try to woo them? At the end of last night's convention proceedings the delegates were charmed by a performance of Frank Sinatra. Yes ole blue eyes himself, long a supporter of the Republican cause, was playing pied piper to newcomers and party faithful alike...

from the grave.

Give me a break.