I usually don’t waste my time reading articles by Democrats about Democrats, but the op-ed, “‘Democratic values’ shouldn’t be an oxymoron” (BDN, Nov. 19) caught my eye.

I guess the election results have caused some soul-searching on the left. They should also consider that the margin of victory would have been even greater if not for the constant caterwauling by the anti-Bush media.

Jimmy Carter has the distinction of being the last Democrat I voted for. I changed my party affiliation about the time Ronald Reagan convinced me there was a better way in American politics. Among conservatives whom I have known there is a sense of priority that goes something like this: God, country and political party.

Over the last two decades, I have noticed one thing about the liberal Democrats – party comes first.

Am I questioning their patriotism? Yes. There are many liberals who would gleefully fling the country into the toilet over three issues – abortion, abortion and abortion.

Mark J. Gibson

Bangor