"That's a negative": I could not agree with the Boston Globe more in its August 27, 2008 editorial. Jim Leach, the Iowa Republican, who spoke at the Democratic convention was one of the best most informative speakers of the night. It was well worth listening to him as he articulated so well the rationale for why Republicans ought to eschew their party. His reasons for abandoning his party were exactly correct. The Republican party, as it exists today, bears absolutely no resemblance to the ideals it once articulated. Unfortunately, it is sometimes testament, I believe, to the nature of the American public who needs fiery speeches, heavy on platitudes, which say little, to capture its attention. Jim Leach said so much albeit with not too much pizazz. Everyone could have learned something if they only listened!