Columnist misrepresents diverse GOP

Arrogance reaches new levels every day, especially when fueled by a misguided distaste and disrespect for another person, religion or even a political party. There are great numbers of differences that separate each person from one another, but in the end we share a great deal in common. As a Republican, I take as much pride in my political beliefs as any Democrat would, but I am insulted and offended by misguided and stereotypical judgment, as America saw by DNC Chairman Howard Dean a few weeks ago and as Hoosiers saw by IDS writer Daniel Hiester on June 16th.\nHomer Simpson, Ned Flanders and Jon Stewart, the last time I checked, were not viable sources for the argument Mr. Hiester attempted to make. Challenging that Republicans are "pretty much a white, Christian party," Howard Dean opened up an argument that leaders within his own party would not support. And Mr. Hiester was right there with him, asking: "has he really said something that isn't true?" On a rare occasion, I agree with Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Joseph Biden and Sen. Harry Reid (all Democrats); Dean's comments were over the top. No one says it better than Sen. Joe Lieberman, also a Democrat: "It was divisive and wrong and I hope he apologizes for it."\nFrom the top of our party ranks, Republicans go above and beyond a party simply geared toward the Caucasian crowd. We're more than just Christians, too. From GOP Chairman Ken Mehlman, a Jewish American, to the President's cabinet, which includes the largest number of minorities ever (only one of which is not a Republican, Norman Mineta), Republicans are a party of more than just "whites" and "Christians." \nOne of the fastest growing segments of the Republican Party is the Hispanic population. Pres. Bush doubled the number of Hispanic votes he received in 2004 (from 2000), receiving 40% of the Hispanic vote last November. And according to a 2002 study conducted by the Council for Excellence in Government, 34% of Hispanic females aged 18-25 identify themselves as Republican, compared to 30% as Democrats. Young Hispanics were also one of the largest areas of gain for Republicans from 2000 to 2004.\nReality goes beyond the obvious growth of minorities in the Republican Party and includes what historically has been a legacy of greater support for minorities in the Republican Party. Democrats love to accuse conservatives of being rich elitists in their attempt to sway minority votes. A look back at history, however, could provide a different insight.\nTwo of the greatest civil rights victories in American history, arguably enough, were the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is common knowledge that the greatest proponent of the first, Abraham Lincoln, was a religious conservative and would-be Republican. A look at some voting records of Democrats in the latter, however, should surprise Howard Dean. Eighty percent of Republican Representatives voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, compared to only 61% for the Democrats. The same statistics held true in the Senate, too, with the numbers at 82% and 69%, respectively (Babson Free Press, November 2003).\nFrom the Civil War to today, Republicans have and always will be a party for all Americans. Democrats can make all the accusations in the world, but voting records and election results will prove otherwise.