Re "Ryan's Hope" and "How Will Obama Handle Ryancare?" [April 18]: For many decades, the

Republican Party has cherished three sacred principles: Crucify the weak, decimate the middle class,

and worship the wealthy. Congressman Paul Ryan's "daring plan" inserts itself perfectly into this unholy

trinity. It would slash top corporate and individual taxes from 35% to 25% (for the wealthy), doesn't dare

tinker with the Pentagon (the powerful) and will punish the old and the poor with much higher health costs.

That used to be called bullying.