Still friends?

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

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