Allan Neff writes that he is a “lifelong political conservative” and can’t believe so many of his fellow Republicans are supporting Donald Trump, who he calls “a carnival barker” (“Letter to the editor: Conservative mystified by Republicans for Trump,” Aug. 14).

Perhaps Trump is doing our country a great favor. If he gets rational Republicans like Allan Neff to open their eyes to the dangers of the extremists who have taken over the Republican Party, then perhaps some good can come from Trump spewing hatred, ignorance and intolerance.

Everyone should read the 1956 Eisenhower platform and see what the Republican Party used to stand for. Among their many constructive, positive platform positions were (just to list a few):

• Peace over war;

• Expansion and improvement of health insurance;

• The extension and protection of minimum-wage laws;

• Increased protection of civil rights and equal rights;

• Protection of the rights of labor unions;

• Improved job safety;

• Providing a haven for oppressed immigrants, and

• Higher investment in education.

As a lifelong liberal, I do not pretend to believe that conservatives will ever see the world the way I do. But I sincerely hope that the rational, compassionate, thoughtful Republicans may someday take back control of their own party. Let’s hope Donald Trump is an impetus to make this happen.

Andy Wright

Cumberland

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