Should FOX declare candidates for GOP?

I watched the so-called debate Aug. 6. I say "so-called" because it bore no resemblance to a real debate where people civilly argue for or against provocative statements.

I watched "The Donald and the others" show largely to see if anyone from the GOP can successfully navigate the minefield of trigger issues that rouses the rabble and offer a reasoned and rational plan for dealing with the real issues facing our country. Alas, the answer to that question is "no."

But I find myself coming back to one overriding truth. There are six months until the first primary voters are cast and nearly 18 until the general election, yet the GOP and FOX News have already decided who will be viable candidates and who will not. That's just wrong.

A media outlet owned by foreign billionaires, one from Australia and one from Saudi Arabia, made a prior decision about who will be around to vote for in the state primaries. They did his by creating a beauty-pageant format where they decided who would be on stage during prime time and who would be relegated to what one candidate called "the Happy Hour" show. It's also troubling that a few of those on the main stage have been in the employ of that very media outlet.

Is this really what now passes as the electoral process in the U. S.? How can the GOP let FOX decide for voters?

Where is the Republican National Committee and the state GOP apparatus? Can Reince Priebus and the rest of the GOP leadership honestly present the charade as a valid debate that offers voters the ability to make an informed decision?

I don't think the Founding Fathers had this in mind or that Lincoln or Reagan would recognize their Republican party.

Tim Springer

Sugar Grove