Letter: Suffering in the name of GOP 'philosophy'

I have in view the amazing antics of our state-level Republican representatives in the ongoing debacle surrounding the expansion of Medicaid in Utah. This has raised a particular question in my mind, to wit: when elected, is there a requirement for these folks to turn in their souls? If so, that might account for the closely related query concerning how some sort of "political philosophy" could trump the immediate, often critical needs of a great many constituents?

As ugly as this situation has become, at least as untenable is what seems to be the driving force for such foolishness. That is a near constant, anti-federal frenzy combined with a strident, mind­-locked, extreme hatred for all things Obama, including, of course, his quite workable health care system.

What this has led to in terms of the leadership and empathy required to help people in obvious need is incredible, shameful, and wholly irresponsible (but so very easily remedied). Save for the potential of immediate human suffering, this is a situation somewhat akin to the attempt, orchestrated by the same group, to steal the public lands from those of us who want only to enjoy them.

Gardiner F. Dailey

Cedar City