Which kind of republican are you?

To the editor:

Recently, Pam Kelso of Jackson praised Teddy Roosevelt for being a Republican. The republican idea is evident in antiquity, particularly in the expression of the Greek philosopher Plato. In the early 1950s, noted newsman Edward R. Morrow addressed the Missouri General Assembly in Jefferson City. He opened his address by expressing his gratitude and pride to be a citizen of this democratic republic. Even though America is most often thought of as a democracy, it is essentially a republic.

Since the establishment of the Republican Party in the mid-19th century, struggle has taken place within the party to establish and depict what kind of party is should be. The struggle continues.

There are, perhaps, imperialist republics and democratic republics, among others. Which one are you?

GILBERT DEGENHARDT, Cape Girardeau