As one who spent most of my adult life in building the Republican party into a dominant force in the South and the nation, I've had it.

This is my official announcement of going into exile from the Republican party.

My party and its leader have defiled the Constitution of these United States all too often for me to remain comfortable in the company of those who betray their oath of office. It's time for a change.

Current news causes me to cite more reasons than I have room to list here. Here are some of them for you to think about.

Doug Thompson in Capital Hill Blue has reported President Bush went into hysterics recently in a meeting with members of Congress. Thompson reports three people who attended the meeting quote Bush as saying, "Don't throw the Constitution at me, it's just a g**dam piece of paper."

The story hasn't been verified. The three so-called witnesses haven't identified themselves. The story needs to be either confirmed or totally refuted.

Whether it is or isn't won't affect what I heard the president say in an interview this weekend. He said, "The Constitution is a living document."

Where have we heard that before? I believe my first experience was in reviewing Marxist propaganda designed to overthrow the U. S. from within. You hear more and more of the same quote from leading leftists in America today.

The hardcore left is determined to lull the population into a belief that the basic principles defined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights which is part and parcel of it, are flexible and can be changed to suit the purposes of the occasion of the moment.

Forget about the provisions for amending the Constitution. That's too difficult, particularly when the changes being pushed represent the views of only a fraction of the people.

Under the living document ideology a very small minority can dictate over a self-afflicted 'unconscious' group of too-busy Americans to know what they don't know. Unfortunately, many don't care that they don't know what they don't know.

Under the living document theory, just change it in the minds of the people. Don't worry about a "g**dam piece of paper."

Just to validate the the flexibility and elasticity of the living document, place the question before the right selected federal court. Some will not only interpret the flexibility over strict construction, they'll usurp the powers of Congress and create legislation to support the opportunity of the moment.

Under the current spell overtaking Congress, they don't seem to care. They welcome someone else like the courts taking the issues they would like to avoid. After all, re-election is more important than fidelity to the Constitution.

The current mentality of most Republicans is support the party position regardless of the consequences to the nation.

It's time for a change.

In order to make prudent and effective change citizens have a couple of responsibilities. Excuse me, these have now become obligations.

First, check the voting record of your members of Congress. You may be surprised that your Congressman is one of those that voted to continue The controversial and anti-Constitutional provisions of the Patriot Act. The reason I say this is because only 17 Republican members of the House voted in opposition to Big Brother spying on you. Fortunately, a few real patriots ( not brownshirts ) have temporarily slowed the bill in the Senate.

Secondly, get the courage of your forefathers and challenge these editors and talk show moderators who are trying to convince the public that in the time of a war on terrorism we need to give up our Constitutional liberty. After all, it's a living document, they say.

Check also the voting record of your congressman on CAFTA. You may be surprised.

Then look at the record and comments about stopping illegal immigration. You need to apply the GHC Truth Meter also known as the BS Meter, to ascertain how someone can talk one way and vote another. We have some Georgians who have become good at it.

Finally, stop being fooled by these peddlers of political propaganda who claim to be conservatives. Anyone who desecrates the Constitution is no conservative. Call them what they are, the dirtiest word I know today, Republicans.

If you get the impression I am embarrassed about what I have worked toward for years has become, you're right. It is time for me and you to be honest and put our nation's principles above party considerations.

It's time for a change.

Jeff Davis is a retired radio-TV journalist living in Gainesville, GA. Active in civic and political affairs, he is past president of the Georgia Jaycees, former vice president of the US and the world Jaycees, former campaign chairman of the Georgia Republican party. He voluntarily serves as chairman of the Georgia Heritage Council. He is a collateral descendant of President Jefferson Davis.

Related Links
Forget Party! Vote for REAL Conservatives - J.A. Davis

Confusing 'Republican' and 'conservative' - J.A. Davis

Citizens Arise, but when? - J.A. Davis

Separating the Wheat from the Chaff - J.A. Davis

The "Whatcha Gonna Do About It?" Game - Steve Scroggins

Republicans have abandoned small government. Why shouldn't voters abandon them? - Brendan Miniter

Nov. 2 Another Choiceless Referendum? - Steve Scroggins

Sonny's Non-Sunny Forecast: A severe Secrecy Front - X-Files