[Secret Agent Man]

I like your point about the party and the republic.

In that same vein, I like to think of Martin Luther (Not KING) when he had to give defense for his writings and beliefs before the Holy Roman Emperor and was asked to recant his writings. I will paraphrase:

These are my beliefs. What have I said that is not correct? What I have taught and written, to recant them would cause me to go against what the church and the Bible teach. To force me to do so would make me go against my conscience. To go against conscience, is neither right or sane. If you can prove to me that I am wrong, then I will recant, but if not, then I can not and I will not recant. Here I stand. God help me.

[ImpBill]

Thank you. One would hope that each and every one of us make our decisions with that principle in mind. I simply find it reprehensible that one throws the “traitor” label around so callously and yes with invective.

[Tree of Liberty]

Beautifully recounted.