George,

I can't say whether or not I am a "new age" Republican - since this is a new term for me, but let's assume that I am in regards to Harry Tenney's email. I feel obliged say that everything he mentions must be attributed to members of both major political parties.

Just as Mr. Tenney mentions that when Republicans say 'liberal', I found in the past that most liberals tend to have the 'lip-curling, vitriol-flowing' whenever one mentions Ollie North (I just happen to term it as a 'I smell cat-shit sneer'). As far as epithets go, Republicans seem to have been given ones such as 'thugs', 'nazis', 'facists' and 'wackos'.

The Republican Party (nor the Democratic Party) has been bereft of contributions to promote the general welfare of our nation. Both parties have made this great country what it is today. Both parties have also contributed to problems. Problems which, over time, we will all strive to work out.

I can see why Mr. Tenney may feel that Republicans spew an "unending stream of vituperatives and general vindictiveness". I believe he has an indisputable right to say this.

In all fairness, I must respond with the fact that Democrats perpetually twist and distort truths, lie in order to discredit others (or their opinions) and deal out missives of disinformation to people who are extremely susceptible to their brain-washing techniques.

I am not a member of the 'anti-liberal faction', but as Mr. Tenney must mean that any conservative is anti-liberal, I will let you know that on my own behalf, my heroes are listed on my bio-page here on George's site and I feel that they are, indeed credible and real American heroes in anyone's mind and they certainly are reason to celebrate as a part of United States history. (Jesse Owens, Charles Lindbergh, Chuck Yeager and anyone who has defied those who said it couldn't be done.)

In summary, (American) history is on the side of Americans.

Will Lyster (electronic mail, March 21, 2001).