A Choice, Not an Echo?

The GOP touted the Barry Goldwater as offering "a choice, not an echo" during the presidential campaign of 1968.

Forty years later, as the GOP is down to 3 candidates seeking the presidency, there is not much choice among them.

How many of the three favor a woman's right to choose? None.

How many of the three favor increased civil rights and acceptance for gays and lesbians? None

How many of the three favor a more equitable distribution of income (as the gap between the rich and poor grows)? None

How many of the three recognize that invading a country that does not directly threaten our safety is morally and strategically wrong? None

How many of the three recognize the importance of the separation of church and state? None

What happened to moderate Republican candidates (prevalent until the late 1960's) who supported individual rights, good government, a non-partisan foreign policy and were willing to find common ground with Democrats?

Here's hoping the Democratic presidential nominee will run an enlightening campaign that will highlight and explain the different approaches to programs and policies between the two parties as of 2008.

With John Edwards abandoning his race for the Democratic nomination, it seems clear to me that Barack Obama offers the best chance for educating Americans about the key issues of the day during the campaign and finding common ground with Republicans after the election.