What is a RINO?

The term RINO is often used by some conservative Republicans to describe those who do not sufficiently adhere to what they believe are the ideological principles of the Republican party. It is an acronym for Republican In Name Only.

But the Republican party has moved further and further to the right in recent years, becoming less hospitable for moderates and liberals, even mainstream conservatives such as Bob Dole. I remember when there were many moderate and liberal Republicans in the leadership of the party. When I lived in Oregon in the 1970s, my two senators were Mark Hatfield, a leading opponent of the Vietnam war, and Bob Packwood, who was strong on women's rights (although he was later accused of sexually harassing his female employees). Both may have been more conservative on domestic economic issues, but there was room in the party for different views. Tom McCall was governor, and strong on protecting the environment. Now such politicians would all be "RINOs".

As the two parties have become increasingly polarized, there is less room for independent thought, for basing one's views and actions not on an ideological agenda, but on what works best for the country. Congress has become a circus. Using the term RINO reinforces ideological purging in the GOP.