Republican reaction to President Barack Obama's latest State of the Union address has been predictable. It has been so predictable I did a little research.

On Oct. 13, 1948 (five days before I was born), President Harry Truman was in St. Paul, Minn., gearing up for the final stretch of his presidential campaign.

Truman told the crowd that night that for many years he had observed the following about the Republican Party:

"They think modern medical care and hospitals are fine -- for people who can afford them."

"They endorse educational opportunity for all -- but they won't spend money for teachers or for schools."

"They are strong for labor, but they are stronger for restricting labor's rights."

"They favor a minimum wage -- the smaller the minimum the better."

I know the Republicans are conservative, but I would have thought their positions might have shifted some over the past 65 years. Come to think of it, the Democrats have evolved little over my lifetime. No wonder we are in such a sad position today. We need leaders with fresh ideas who can break from party orthodoxy.

Steve Nousen

Sun City Hilton Head