The loudest critics of Democrats and President Obama are the very people who gave us 9/11, two wars, another entitlement, the Great Recession and huge deficits when they elected George W. Bush. Why should we believe anything they have to say?

Contrary to Republican Internet myths, Obama has not violated the Constitution. What do you call warrantless wiretaps, torture, extraordinary rendition and leaking the covert CIA status of Valarie Plame? GOP violations of the Constitution.

Republican leaders, who complain about spending and big government, are the same hypocrites who helped President Bush spend and expand government more than any president since FDR.

The ongoing gun debate isn't about the Second Amendment. It's all about gun lobby blood money going into the pockets of Wayne LaPierre ($961,000 a year) and Republican politicians ($48,575 for John Boehner's last election)

The Second Amendment begins with "A well-regulated militia." Those regulations already prohibit automatic weapons and sawed-off shotguns. These guns, semi-automatic guns and 30-round magazines are a public safety issue, just as barrels of cyanide or nerve gas would be. No individual can guarantee his security.

For the past six years, the GOP has blocked appointment of a permanent ATF director. They've also underfunded and understaffed the agency for three decades while hypocritically calling for tougher enforcement of existing gun laws. Whose side are they really on? The law, or lawbreakers?

Gene Robke

Carlyle