Posted on 11/14/2008 5:34:13 AM PST by philman_36
Apparently "Fox and Friends" were having some of the Republican governors on their show today after their meeting in Florida.I didn't get to catch all of their guests but I did tune in just in time to see Charlie Christ's interview. As I was watching him and listening to him speak I realized that there was an easy way to spot a RINO.
To paraphrase Gov. Christ..."I want a GOP that's inclusive. I want to allow anything and anyone under the big tent."
Well guess what, Gov. Christ, conservatism is inclusive, with a caveat. Conservatives want to associate with other conservatives no matter their race or ethnicity. The key there is conservatism. Without that base of shared beliefs and values what you get is a shifting foundation whereupon nothing can be built. "Inclusiveness" will get the GOP exactly what they have now, a watered down GOP that will continue to lose it's base because people like you are willing to sacrifice their conservative base at the altar of political correctness. Your "Big Tent" compromise is what turned the GOP into the laughing stock of conservatives everywhere and you are yet one more Republican who just doesn't seem to get it.
Perhaps you should listen to the man who was on the show before you who espoused conservatism. I didn't get to see or listen to him, but he did get a mention so I know he was on with, according to the hostess, a completely different view...called conservatism.
Saw it, too, and could not believe my ears. After all that has been said about the Repub. melt-down WHYS, these guys still don’t get it, and go on national television to confirm it. ‘BETTER TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND APPEAR STUPID THAN OPEN IT AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT’. What will the new conservative party be called?
We never asked her opinion about a host of issues. We never imposed a litmus test on her ideology. She was willing, however, to be identified as a Republican.
Our county has been a red county in the past six election cycles. Are you suggesting that we are all RINOs because we were willing to include her in our party?
I like "Conservative Party" myself.
...the “RINO” charge (nice pun)...
You caught me out!
I think the key is to have an approach that is consistent with conservative principles, then we can discuss it.
I did say..."Without that base of shared beliefs and values what you get is a shifting foundation whereupon nothing can be built."
I quite agree that there will be minor disagreements. The sacrifice of base, core principals is IMO what is being sacrificed. The little things won't matter a bit if those are gone.
It is political suicide to tell people they have to agree with me on everything before they can be part of my party.
It is also political suicide to tell people that their core principles will be upheld when the party never had the intention of doing so to begin with and only stated as much simply to get elected.
This is a problem for me. I think this is how we got to the state we are in now. We need core principles that are identified and YES! - I think we need a litmus test! The Democrats won't let people speak at their conventions unless they support abortion - THEY have litmus tests!
Personally, I don't want to be a member of a club that lets any "Tom, Dick or Harry" in - you get a lot of riff-raff that way - and eventually, it turns into a club you don't want to be in anymore.
We just went there and it failed miserably, to the tune of loosing the Whitehouse and further slides in both houses of Congress. It's time for Crist and his ilk who think this way to walk the plank right across the aisle. They'd be much happier as DemocRats.....
I would question the Conservative smarts of the action. If your candidate is a liberal, then what ever her label her actions would not be conducive to promoting the Conservative agenda.
The Dems say whatever they think will win an election, and put up candidates that are not in line with what the party wants. They then shut them out of power and the decision making process. Do you really want your local politics run that way?
Wasn’t it Perry?
Are you suggesting that we are all RINOs because we were willing to include her in our party?
Perhaps your seeming indignation is answer enough.
I'm not going to flame you, but I will say that you are taking this to the point of silly. You are FOR vouchers and we we can quibble about the extent. Don't look for small reasons to feel unwanted or unappreciated.
Reasonable people know that everyone in an organization as large as a national political party are not going to agree on everything 100% of the time. But there are conservative principles that should not be compromised. You might still be welcomed to stand under the tent, but when you want to begin sawing on the poles holding up the tent, you need to find shelter elsewhere.
It was funny watching Rick Santorum last night on Fox News Channel complaining that the GOP wasn’t conservative enough anymore.
Why then did Rick Santorum lose the election?
GOP used to stand for Peace & Prosperity.
Great post...and about time!
We need to “reach across the aisle” WITH-IN our own party.
We have good conservatives that disagree on some topics and agree on otheres. The RINO lable is just silly.....we share some fundamental core beliefs (lower taxes/limited government/no abortion)...but smart people can have many opions on what needs to be done in schools/health care/immigration...and should be welcomed...not shunned.
To do otherwise makes us look radical/foolish/narrow...and who’d want to sign up for that? Our goal is bring MORE people around to our fundamental beliefs....not to exclude them from the discussions!
“My way or the highway”...will get you the “highway”.
You might still be welcomed to stand under the tent, but when you want to begin sawing on the poles holding up the tent, you need to find shelter elsewhere.
Great analogy, consider it stolen.
“It is also political suicide to tell people that their core principles will be upheld when the party never had the intention of doing so to begin with and only stated as much simply to get elected.”
IMO...our “core’ principals are: no abortion/lowerspending and taxes/spoort the military/support capitalism.
MCain did and does all of the above and continues to be trashed by a number of freepers.
The problem appears to be that we can HAVE a canidate with the CORE we want...but if they dare to disagree on ANYTHING....we call them a RINO and kick them out.
Makes for a VERY small voting pool. Perhaps you guys SHOULD form your own party and see how it goes?
Anyway, what does his losing the election have to do with the GOP not being conservative enough anymore? Are you implying that his loss refutes his comments?
Go for it, with my appreciation.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.