In last week’s letter to the editor, Tea Party spokesperson Dr. Rich Rutkowski was correct when he said I have no kind words to say about the Tea Party.

As to the why, and this is based on the idea that in politics perceptions are everything, I feel that organization lacks compassion or empathy for those of our fellow citizens who are less fortunate. The Tea Party is all about dollars and cents without the heart. Further, they speak as though the Constitution exists solely for their benefit.

Dr. Rutkowski states that Tea Party members are standing on principle, which is admirable, but then so am I. The difference is I consider myself to be a “reasonable” person whereas such an ideal is scoffed at by Tea Partiers who are so confident they are right that respectfully and thoughtfully listening to opposing views is a sign of weakness.

I will be the first to admit I know absolutely nothing about what occurs at local Tea Party gatherings. All my assumptions are based on what I hear and read concerning Tea Party activities that occur at the national level.

Republicans, including Speaker Boehner, appear to live in fear of Tea Party repercussions. I do not endorse “standing on principle” when such action leads to being afraid.

As for the doctor taking issue with my observation that referring to Obama supporters as “low information voters” represents bigotry of thought, I do stand by this observation. I felt the same way when Mr. Romney came up with his infamous “47 percent” comment. Derogatorily pigeon-holing an entire class of people in such fashion is, in my opinion, a totally unacceptable practice.

Ending on a positive note, at least Dr. Rutkowski and I are talking in a round-about fashion: Dueling Letters to the Editor.