'Socialism' tactic

On the March 21 "Meet the Press," host David Gregory pointed out to Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele that President Barack Obama's health care reform bill is more moderate than Republican President Richard Nixon's proposal back in the '70s. Mr. Steele responded by saying that's "not the way the American people see it." This almost slipped by me. Surely, Mr. Steele is not saying that the American public remembers the Nixon proposal.

Since people do not view President Nixon as a socialist, Mr. Gregory was pushing Mr. Steele to justify the Republican Party's socialist accusations against Mr. Obama. He wanted to know if the "socialism card" is a political tactic or an important philosophical difference.

By saying it's "not the way the American people see it," Mr. Steele didn't address the point. He reframed it. As a citizen, I want him to answer the questions, not reframe them. I think it is important to know if the Republican Party thinks our president is a socialist. That's big news. It matters.

Since Mr. Steele ignored the comment, I assume that it is purely a political tactic. I am smart enough to think for myself, Mr. Steele. Quit telling me how to think and answer the questions. Then, make your point.

GREGORY WITTIG
Swisshelm Park