My dear Republican friends confuse me. First, I'm confused that many are so quick to call me "stupid" or "unpatriotic" when I disagree with their political views.

Second, I'm genuinely confused that they believe some things:

• Why don't they see that tax cuts, combined with unfunded wars, turned the nation from surpluses to deficits and are a major reason we're deeply in debt?

• Why do they believe that additional tax cuts, combined with more military spending, will help get rid of the debt?

• Why are they willing to cut programs that will hurt millions of poor, disabled or elderly Americans but are unwilling to ask the more fortunate to pay a little more as we pay down our national debt?

• Why do they want the government to control women's health issues, when the woman and her doctor are in a much better position to do so?

Finally, this election has caused a lot of anxiety and even anger. When it's all over, I hope we can still be friends.

Carl B. "Ben" Clark

Magna