Hidden in the middle of the article “Justice pick navigated `old boys’ network” (Dec. 25) were the following facts the Tribune has not chosen to reveal to its readers at an earlier date: When Ronald Reagan took office, the Justice Department had half the number of employees it now has. Also, the Justice Department’s budget was only about one-fifth of what it is now.
During the same period, the cost of living index rose about 52 percent. The crime rate per 100,000 population increased by 116.5 percent.
These figures have nothing to do with national security. These figures represent the very grave indication of how the Republicans have let us down during their stewardship.
I have long considered myself a “lifelong Republican,” but I no longer point with pride to this. While the Republicans presumably point with disdain to the “tax and spend” Democrats, these figures are from a department of the executive branch. The Congress basically had nothing to do with it. It was purely a Republican show.
This is really intended for the eyes of the so-called leaders of the Republican Party. Unless they straighten out their act, they are not going to have me back in their fold.
