U.S. Rep. Paul Broun is to the Republican Party what Lowell Greenbaum is to the Democratic Party. Both parties would be far better off without either of these two men.

The Chronicle reports Broun's recent speech in Augusta, wherein he managed to insult President-elect, Barack Obama, President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain and many of his fellow Republicans. According to Broun: Obama's a Marxist; President Bush is a man from whom Republicans should separate; McCain is inept; and fellow Republicans who do not share his fanatic brand of conservatism are abandoning conservative principles.

With that sweeping condemnation of those around him, Broun succeeds in proving his narcissism, arrogance, fanaticism and contempt for all of us who don't share his views.

Republicans can expect vitriolic criticism from Greenbaum and the less than moderately inclined Democrats probably enjoy it, but the fanatically partisan Greenbaum's rantings are no match for the all-encompassing loathing Broun evinces for anyone who disagrees with him.

This Republican voted for Bobby Saxon, Democrat and Broun's recent speech validates my choice.

Gene L. Rickaby

Augusta