The GOP is getting what it deserves

In 2008 and 2012, the Republican Party had the chance to nominate a candidate who could grow the party from the ground up and who was opposed to massive government expansion, out-of-control military intervention overseas and honest economic and monetary policies. That candidate was Ron Paul.

But the GOP insisted upon marginalizing and insulting him in favor of candidates who "waited their turn." Now that there are no others left in line, they've turned to weak leaders like Marco Rubio to save them.

In turn, this decision left GOP voters no alternative but to turn their back on party elitists and get behind Donald Trump, a guy who has no history with the party and just tells people what they want to hear just for a chance to scratch off an item on his bucket list.

Trump is causing major schisms in the party and could signal its eminent dissolution. For those of us who fought to keep the party growing, this is bittersweet.

We realize this election could permanently shape our country's future for better or worse, but we can't help but gain a little satisfaction watching the party power brokers squirm and scramble.

Ultimately, however, they brought this on themselves. Maybe next time they'll recognize a good candidate when they see one.

JOSEPH SWINFORD

Vancleave

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 9:04 PM with the headline "The GOP is getting what it deserves ."