Mailbag:

We pride ourselves on being a democracy second to none, a shining light for the rest of the world to emulate.

The Greatest Generation fought a long and bloody war a continent away to safeguard democracy in Europe. We are currently fighting two prolonged, costly wars, ostensibly to bring democracy to another distant part of our globe — the Middle East. Some are even rattling their sabers to start a third war.

And then there is the current reality. Forty-six million Americans have no health insurance, and their rolls are increasing each day. Those lucky enough to have insurance pay ever-increasing premiums and co-pays, for progressively diminishing coverage, if they are lucky enough to stay employed. The heavy burden of health insurance costs on American businesses is crippling our competitiveness in this global economy. Health as a “for-profit” industry is an obvious oxymoron.

We had a hotly contested election about 10 months ago. Those in favor of a “change” won the election by a landslide. The forces opposing “change” now want to undo this election, by hook or by crook, but mostly by crook.

Who are these people among us who disseminate utter falsehoods, resort to intimidation, disrupt meetings, provoke violence, resort to vicious name-calling, spew hate — anything that they believe will stop progress toward a “change” that we overwhelmingly voted for?

Some of them are the cowards who eschew intelligent debate since they know that their point of view is untenable except through lies and subterfuge. Some others are the pathetic souls who declare daily on right-wing talk radio and TV, their fervent desire to see this administration fail even if it means America fails.

And then there are some, particularly in the South, who are driven crazy to see an African American in the White House. And of course, many others are in the pay of corporate interests who fear their massive profits eroding if they are required to compete in the marketplace.

However, all these diverse groups among us have one thing in common: They call themselves Republicans, and they do not appear to believe in democracy except as a commodity to export thousands of miles away from home, no matter what the cost in blood and treasure.

JAMSHED DASTUR

Newport Beach