Milan,

I can understand your frustration and disappointment. Your statement regarding the Republican Party deserting you was the same thing I felt and was the reason I left it years ago to become an independent. Now folks who read my posts think I'm a "leftist" because I have been so critical over the policies and actions of the party over the past 7 years.

I don't think I've ever seen a party which was so anti-science as the current Republicans. You observations and comments regarding childhood vaccinations are just one example.

A further illustration of the party's anti-science approach can be found in our government's approach to AIDS prevention in Africa. We spend a lot of tax dollars in fighting the spread of AIDS on that continent. However, our approach has been seriously flawed.  In order for the agencies in those countries to receive US funding, they have to preach abstinence from sex before marriage as the sole means to preventing the spread of the disease. They cannot talk about safe sex practices and are forbidden to talk about or distribute condoms.

I could go on and talk about the party's stand on stem cell research and climate change as well, but you get my point.:)

Milan, I don't have to tell you how important elections are. I never voted for George Bush and although I like John McCain, I won't vote for him either. There are other candidates to choose from (Barr, Obama and Nader) and it's a way you can protest the Republican option. However, I do urge you to vote, even if it is against my candidate.:)