How the Republican Party Lost Its Way

'The Party's Over': Readers overwhelmingly lamented America's course over the last seven years under the stewardship of George W. Bush. One said, "It is sad to find out just how much damage has been done to our prestige, our military forces and the financial resources of our country." Another added, "Of course the Democrats have proved to be no better, allowing the administration to make a mockery of the Constitution and loot our national treasury. Their lack of guts makes them complicit in letting Bush wreck our country."

On 'Finding Meaning In Each Mouthful': "After enjoying a plant-based diet for a year, I've learned to cook colorful new foods, seen my skin improve and felt new energy; I now go to sleep knowing I did something for the environment and didn't cause an animal to suffer."
Victoria L. Schmitt, Durango, Colo.

The GOP ' s Post-Bush Prospects
I read your excerpt from "The Bush Tragedy" by Jacob Weisberg ("Fishing for a Way to Change the World," Jan. 28). Tragedy requires the downfall of a hero, someone more than life-size destroyed by a fatal flaw. Few could argue that George W. Bush would qualify as heroic or larger than life despite awkward attempts to package him as such. (Who can forget the flight suit of the unfortunate "Mission Accomplished" moment?) Many of us are flawed. We may exhibit pride, greed or a penchant for denying obvious facts, but such shortcomings do not make us tragic, only ordinary. A great nation peopled by generous and energetic citizens brought to its knees by an administration whose hallmarks have proved to be arrogance, acquisitiveness and denial is truly a great tragedy.
Ken Winkes
Conway, Wash.

There are many of us who simply don't see Bush's years in office as a "tragedy." We could be in far different circumstances post-9/11 than where we are now. I was able to buy my first home because of the strong housing market we had along with the great economy. You'll never rewrite my perception of the last seven years.
Carol Hono
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

What we are living with today is not "The Bush Tragedy," as Jacob Weisberg calls it, but an American tragedy. After all, Bush's children are not being maimed or killed in Iraq. Bush and his extended family have not lost their homes as victims of predatory lending policies. Bush and his friends have not had to declare bankruptcy because of our economic decline. And it is an American tragedy because we elected him. No matter how one feels about the 2000 election, Bush got a majority of American votes in 2004 to continue what he had already started. Those who voted for Bush or didn't vote even though they disliked what he was doing bear some responsibility. And since none of the major Republican candidates has repudiated Bush's leadership, the next election provides Americans an opportunity to end this tragedy or to perpetuate it.
Kent Koppelman
La Crosse, Wis.

Michael Gerson, former senior adviser to President Bush, states that the Medicare prescription-drug-care plan was implemented smoothly and is wildly popular among the elderly ("How My Party Lost Its Way"). Nothing could be farther from the truth. The plan was a mishmash of confusion for the elderly. Every insurance company offered a different plan. Elders who were not computer-savvy were totally lost. Many others were so confused that they had to turn to elder help groups or their pharmacists to help them navigate the maze. The program is now in its third year and both my wife and I have changed companies each year because the companies change their formularies and increase the monthly fees. For 2008, the provider that we had used in 2007 doubled the monthly fee. Lucky for me, I have been able to use the government Web site to find a provider who best fits our needs.
Don Prillaman
Roanoke, Va.