For The GOP, A Warning

gopusa ^ | april 25, 2005 | Vincent Fiore

[prairiebreeze]

These days, it's hard to tell just who the majority party in Washington really is. But according to the last several national elections, Republicans have won the House, the Senate, and the presidency. As Bush begins his second term with increased majorities in both House and Senate chambers, it seems that the more power Republicans garner via the voters, the less resolve and political courage they display.

If you believe you sense the beginnings of a commentary that may be less than complimentary to the GOP, trust your instincts--you are right. This space is usually filled with anything but hyperventilating rants, as I leave the more exercised and vituperative prose for the posses of the Bush-hating left.

But even dormant volcanoes erupt once in a great while, and normally ground-in-fact writers can otherwise show the occasional adverse effects of frustration.

As Hillary Rodham Clinton continues to move ever-so-stealthily to the right on most every issue that is of consequence, Republicans cannot seem to find their proper voice on nearly anything.

Not just Hillary--though she stands out for the obvious reason of her future presidential run in 2008--but the entire Democratic Party. Like Hillary, the Democratic Party has acted like something they're not, and that is the majority party in Washington.

Sure, Democrats cannot muster the votes to pass their own legislation, but they do a more than credible job on blocking President Bush's agenda. Some of the success of Democrats can be chalked up to incidental events, like the always-helpful op-ed pages of the mainstream media, along with high gasoline prices and low stock market performances.

But the primary reason for the Democratic Party's success to date is its ability to adhere to partisan discipline and unity, and the GOP's unwillingness to engage them as a majority party.

Early successes aside, like the class action tort reform bill and the more recent Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005, the Republican-led Congress has had one oar in the water most of the time.

From the alleged wrong-doing of House majority leader Tom Delay, to the botched job of touting Social Security reform, to the breathtaking lack of clamorous support for United Nations nominee John Bolton, Republicans--as a party--have not done nearly enough to refute liberal propaganda and obstructionists actions.

Republicans in Congress have done a wretched job at protecting and supporting the president with regard to Social Security reform. Senate members have been capricious in their support and strategy in changing Senate rules in answer to the Democrats' unprecedented filibustering of ten Bush nominees to the Circuit Courts.

Equally at fault in this widening gap of leadership is President Bush himself. Though the vast majority of Americans want illegal immigration stopped--even to the extent of closing the borders--Bush has developed a political tin-ear on the issue. Democratic Senators Hillary Clinton and Barbara Boxer are now outflanking him by calling for tougher border protection.

I can think of no worse a party-dividing issue and majority-killer as that of America's immigration policy, and President Bush's widely perceived "back-door amnesty" for some 11 million illegal aliens in the country today. Discussions on immigration today are akin to discussions on Social Security 20 years ago: Say the wrong thing, and you may experience the fatal effects of the new "third rail" of politics.

Basically though, there is the expectation of "To the victor go the spoils" that most people are fuming over. Republicans have not had this firm a grip on Washington for over 75 years. The country has gone through a mini-realignment of sorts since the GOP captured the House in 1994. The electorate is decidedly more traditional and conservative in its social demeanor.

So it is hard to come to grips with the fact that the Republican Party--from the president on down--has behaved like a majority-in-denial, content to be acknowledged as the premiere power in Washington, but lacking the iron-will and killer instinct of latter-day Democratic majorities that dominated the American political scene for decades.

What do Republicans in Washington say to the millions who volunteered for the Bush/Cheney 2004 election, giving up their days and nights to go door-to-door and make tens of millions of "get to the polls" phone calls, while donating unprecedented millions to the campaign?

Would they say "Well, we tried, but we were cowed into submission by the op-ed pages of the New York Times and the Washington Post"?

Or would they say that the opposition was "Just too tough to overcome, so we decided to moderate our views instead of fighting upon the mandate given us by the voters"?

Republican political palsy and its effect on the party rank and file are as yet unknown. While some are monolithic in their support for a Republican majority in government, others are becoming increasingly alienated with the party's lack of backbone and its political dithering on core issues. By the 2006 midterm elections, things will be clearer, and Republicans may regret their inactions upon these very core issues.

Last November, 122 million people voted or 60.7% of the voting-age public. That is the highest percentage since 1968. Out of this, some 62 million-plus voted for a Republican president, and increased his majorities in both houses of Congress to work with.

If Republicans do not set their sights on what these millions of voters sent them there to do, they will feel the beginnings of their wrath in 2006, and experience the full measure of it in 2008. A warning to the majority party in Washington: Put up or get put out.

[prairiebreeze]

What do Republicans in Washington say to the millions who volunteered for the Bush/Cheney 2004 election, giving up their days and nights to go door-to-door and make tens of millions of "get to the polls" phone calls, while donating unprecedented millions to the campaign?

Would they say "Well, we tried, but we were cowed into submission by the op-ed pages of the New York Times and the Washington Post"?

Or would they say that the opposition was "Just too tough to overcome, so we decided to moderate our views instead of fighting upon the mandate given us by the voters"?

Indeed. Nothing to argue with in this whole article, IMO.

[prairiebreeze]

true words ping

[EagleUSA]

Spot on. The bubble of political fear the GOP has put itself in, is a huge problem for this country. This IS the ONLY chance the GOP has to do something meaningful for this country -- they have all the control our government rules can give them. If they don't use it, THEY WILL BECOME AS IRRELEVANT AS THE U.N.

[rellimpank]

--ditto--power not used is power lost--

[PGalt]

Expand the 62+ million to 100+ million. The focal point should be on eliminating the root cause of our problems, anti-freedom, anti-life criminals...The National Socialists.

[jrp]

Good article.

[USArmySpouse]

The Republicans are making me SO angry with their impotence. It's just ridiculous. If they don't push these things through while they're actually IN POWER, they'll NEVER do it. Ball-less Wimps.

[steve-b]

A cat who has sat on a hot stove plate will never again sit on a hot stove plate... or a cold one.

The Schaivo circus was the GOP's hot stove plate.

[TomGuy]

 

 

 

Allowing Dems to hold Judicial nominees hostage since
February 13, 2003

Hostage Situation Continues - Monday, April 25, 2005

Day 801

Exactly how many Republican Senators does it take for them to act like a Majority Party? No one knows. 50+1 didn't do it. Now, 55 can't do it. Why bother to vote any more of them in?

Pubbies seem more afraid of offending the opposition party membership than in legislating/govening in support of their more conservative base.

[USArmySpouse]

The Schaivo circus was the GOP's hot stove plate.

---

Yet, they didn't even go all the way with that! You'd think if they know they're going to get a backlash, they may as well - at LEAST - ACCOMPLISH what they wanted to do. But, naturally, they wimped out on Terri too.

[jackbenimble]

Good article and I'm afraid it is going to be very true.

Personally, I am already furious about the immigration issue and the Republican Party's refusal to listen to its base.

In the last election cycle I started withholding money from the GOP. Next, unless they change their tune, it is going to be my vote.

[1Old Pro]

Republicans in Congress have done a wretched job at protecting and supporting the president with regard to Social Security reform. Senate members have been capricious in their support and strategy in changing Senate rules in answer to the Democrats' unprecedented filibustering of ten Bush nominees to the Circuit Courts.

This two things are worth repeating.

[zook]

I nearly started a vanity thread on my own tremendous disappointment with the GOP in Congress. I've been a solid Republican since the early 1980s and never until now have I been so embarrassed and so ashamed of my party.

It's to the point now where I simply no longer care. I avoid the news and laugh at the little I hear about Frist's or some other Republican rodeo clown's latest pronouncement about judges, Bolton, or whatever.

[prairiebreeze]

I understand your frustration but don't just vent it here. Please call them! Be polite, but get your message communicated to those who need to hear it. I spoke with at least 6 this morning, leaving messages about voting against the filibuster and for an up or down vote. Still have a couple to call one being Voinovich who's phone remains constantly busy.

It just took a few minutes, you can ask the office you are speaking with to transfer you to the next senators office or back to the main switchboard.

Capitol Switchboard: (202) 225-3121

According to Hugh Hewitt we need to concentrate on Snowe, Collins, Sununu, Voinovich (hardly a surprise there), Hagel, Chaffee, DeWine. Also please call and tell Frist to get the vote scheduled BEFORE THE SENATE RECESSES IN MAY.

Thats what we need to do folks. Call! Call now.

[Blood of Tyrants]

The MAIN reason for lack of initiative is six or eight ROINO's in the Senate who would happily kiss the 'Rats' asses for a single line of positive print in the NYT.

[Peach]

I agree with every single word. And so do all my Republican friends who are so disgusted they are thinking of never voting again. What's the point?

We vote for representation, not just to have some fat cats sit in Washington and argue among themselves.

[Laserman]

Exactly. And voters like me, who have worked hard and donated lots to get them the power tomake changes, will back off and stay away from the polls and the checkbook if they do not capitalize on their majority status to correct the situation on judges, immigration, estate taxes, voting system, and defense of marriage (to name a few things). If they remain spineless they may end up jobless.

[TonyRo76]

the more power Republicans garner via the voters, the less resolve and political courage they display

Revolting but True!!!

[Sans-Culotte]

If Hil continues her move to the right, she will probably come off as more consrvative than the Republicans.

The fact that these Senators care more about being re-elected than they do about being statesmen shows we have won nothing.

I, too throw my RNC mail in the trash unopened nowadays. I did what I could to help re-elect the president and "strengthen our majority". Unfortunately, I cannot force Frist and Co. to grow a pair, so I've sorta tuned them out as well.

[ElPatriota]

If Republicans do not set their sights on what these millions of voters sent them there to do, they will feel the beginnings of their wrath in 2006, and experience the full measure of it in 2008. A warning to the majority party in Washington: Put up or get put out.. Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. I am one of them that can turn against them if they let me down.

But in the mean time, I want to CONGRATULATE SEN. FRITS!!! for the little bit of noise he caused this weekend. he did something!... (which is better than doing nothing). And the prove is that the left castigated him, as a 'radical,' etc, etc, trying to scare him so he won't do it again. That is their tactic: to scare them. Ours is the opposite: to encourage and support them when they do something positive, and when they don't listen, they'll pay the price.

I have always given credit to those who get off their a**, and actually do something more that just talk, (i.e. minute man). I already sent him an email congratulating him and encouraging to be bold and keep at it, since his presidential aspirations are on the line.

[MamaLucci]

I agree with every word. Thus far the GOP has squandered
it's majority status. There are far too many RINO's, many
of whom are really DISC's,(democrats in sheep's clothing).
The President needs to be more engaged, and should
call ALL the rats out (in both parties).

[steve-b]

And voters like me, who have worked hard and donated lots to get them the power tomake changes, will back off and stay away from the polls and the checkbook if they do not capitalize on their majority status to correct the situation on... estate taxes....

They seem determined to screw themselves on that issue, too -- the "repeal" of the estate tax has a hidden bomb (abolition of the "stepped up basis" for capital inheritances) which will actually impose a "death tax" on middle-class people who were previously protected.

[steve-b]

I, too throw my RNC mail in the trash unopened nowadays.

Nah -- better to open it and use the handy post-paid envelope to send them a letter containing a few clue-by-four hits.

[tumblindice]

Right on the money. A senile, drunken former Klansman is telling them what to do in the senate although the American public gave them a mandate in both branches, as well as state houses.
Yet they act like the proverbial tomcat who tried to jump--but didn't quite clear--the barbed-wire fence . . . so he hired himself out as a 'counselor'.
They yowl and talk the talk, but they're just a party of neutered cats, "compassionate conservatives".

[Zeroisanumber]

As Bush begins his second term with increased majorities in both House and Senate chambers, it seems that the more power Republicans garner via the voters, the less resolve and political courage they display.

What's that old saying: "The more power that you have, the more fearful you become of losing it."

[TonyRo76]

...for a single line of positive print in the NYT

Or in some cases, a flurry of fawning flattery in the LAT.

[mmercier]

i say excommunicate the rinos,let the dems have their majority until 2006 and see where the voters want to go.

the time is now, nambypamby is killing the party and leaving many of us with nowhere to go.

as things stand now i will be sitting out that tuesday in 2006... and probably 2008 too.

[cpdiii]

Frist wants to be President and is a very intelligent man. He knows he must break the dead lock and knows he must pull the trigger on the "constitutional option." It is the dems that have gone nuclear not the Repubs. The Repubs have managed to pass much significant legislation during this session. If they opted for the constitutional option early in the session the Demonicrats would have shut down any significant legislation. On the legislative front the Rats must appear to be "reasonable" so as to cover their outrageous behavior in relationship to judges. This has made legislation easier for the Repubs.

I believe that Frist will pull the constitutional option very soon as the good guys have passed most of the significant legislation that can be done this session.
I think that Frist is a good poker player and has had the votes for the constitutional option in his pocket for months. Harry Reid lost this round of poker.

[prairiebreeze]

It was so refreshing last night during the Justice Sunday telecast, to hear those reverends stand up and speak the truth. They said the things our Republican representatives ought to be saying.

I'm off to call my own RAT senators on the judicial vote issue. At least one of them might be willing to listen to my message.

[hgro]

Republicans refuse to address the border issues, refuse to display backbone in the Senate, Hastert refuses to name Dims abusing the rules in the House.

What does anyone expect. Its time for Republicans to display backbone. If they don't have it we will elect someone who does.

[taxed2death]

"If Hil continues her move to the right, she will probably come off as more consrvative than the Republicans."


...the sad part of it is that's really not hard to do these days.....

[Christian4Bush]

BUMP to the rafters!

[Truth29]

Re response to GOP, fund raising letters:

While it feels good to insert a note or letter in the response envelope, has anyone ever gotten any indication they are read. I used to do this too, but I suspect that all of these responses go to a mail center where they are only interested in the checks or cc numbers. Everything else goes into the trash. Comments?

[deport]

If Republicans do not set their sights on what these millions of voters sent them there to do, they will feel the beginnings of their wrath in 2006, and experience the full measure of it in 2008. A warning to the majority party in Washington: Put up or get put out.

---

Or the warning could be and maybe should be to the electorate:... Get back in the trenches and finish the job you started rather than whine and turn tail and run before you completed the mission. Replace the Legislators that are wavering, that aren't supporting the agenda, that are hinderances to making the lasting changes with ones that will help finish the job and bring a large enough majority to the Congress so the job can be done.

Very few things are accomplished in a short span of time in the political/legislative environment. So why do the advocates think people should show their wrath in such a short period of time. Oh, maybe it's the instant gratification syndrome that has developed.

But one thing is for certain if they turn tail and run from the fight this early in the process then they surely will sent back to the pages of obscurity for many more years to come. JMO.

[southlake_hoosier]

The words 'republican leadership' will become an oxymoron soon. But it appears as though everyone posting a reply here is in the minority. You would think this issue would have over 2000 replies by now here on FR. It would appear that most FReepers are content with the Republican Party and President Bush's so-called leadership.

HELLO!!!!!! Are you all sleeping out there like the Whitehouse and Congress?????

[prairiebreeze]

Bump! Exactly the message that was given at the Justice Sunday telecast last night. We can't elect them and walk away, going back to our own business. We have to make sure they follow through.

[Conservative_Rob]

We here in Pennsylvania tried replacing a weak Senator - remember Pat Toomey?? Unfortunately, the White House and Republican establishment will only support incumbants - no matter how bad they are.

[Dat Mon]

Good article....but I think the situation is a little more complicated. Please allow me to repost from something I wrote on another thread the other day...

" JMHO...there are three political parties vying for power at this time...

Democrats
Republican Party A
Republican Party B

Republican party A is approximately made up of a mixture of social liberals, opportunists, some cynical and not so cynical moderates, and well connected financially motivated special interests.

Republican party B is approximately made up of a mixture of social and economic conservatives, what some would call pro America nationalists...others call patriots, conservative libertarians, and some libertarians who are very concerned with growth of government, and property and gun rights.

This is a general characterization...its more complicated than that of course...as there is some degree of overlap...not all people fall neatly into any one group.

What we have here with Bolton is an example of a power play / catfight between the two pub party factions.

Its ironic that during Clinton's admin, this fissure in the pub party was not really evident...or we weren't looking for it.

This is why... with control of both houses and the presidency..we are having trouble moving forward with a conservative agenda.

We will see this fissure show itself again...with immigration, CAFTA, judicial appointments, and other issues involving national sovereignty issues.

The one area which seems to be in some degree of general Republican consensus (with possible exception of pronounced liberals) is with national security...at least in how we approach the war on terror and having a strong military."

If my theory is right...on every conservative legislative and appointment issue...we will have one or two designated 'bad cops' from group A step forward...to effectively derail the initiative...UNLESS Bush himself (and the RNC) get involved and forcefully move these issues forward.

IMHO...the House Republicans largely comprise a majority of group B...the Senate Republicans comprise a majority of group A.

[deport]

Unfortunately, the White House and Republican establishment will only support incumbants - no matter how bad they are.

---

So what's the alternative?..... turn tail and run? It takes more than a small majority in the Senate to do much of anything regardless of what the pundits claim.... Maybe it will take more than one election to change things in your state......

Here are the numbers for the Senate since President Bush has taken office.... Not much to work with yet but it is getting better.....

                       Rep      Dem     Other
107th (2001-2003)       50	50 		[Jan. 3-20, 2001]
			50	50		[Jan. 20-June 6, 2001]	
			49	50	1	[Jun 6, 2001-Nov. 12, 2002]
			50	48	2	[Nov. 12, 2002 - Jan. 3, 2003]
108th (2003-2005) 	51	48	1
109th (2005-2007) 	55	44	1

[victim soul]

Standing up to protect an innocent, disabled woman's life was the GOP's leadership finest hour!!

Watching them waver and "go all wobbly" insults all their supporters and our brave military personnel who risk their very lives for Freedom for us and the Iraqis.

BE NOT AFRAID, GOP, do the right thing now. Today is the only day you may have.

[Lancey Howard]

Great post!
It's not too late to turn things around, but Step 1 is to make sure the Republicans "get it". This column gives me encouragement that some do indeed "get it". Now we just need to hope that the understanding filters upward.

[ElPatriota]

The MSM, is a powerful force!... please everybody remember that the MSM is against the GOP, and even more so against Conservatives. The Left (i.e. moveon.org), is very well organized (you only have to see some of their websites to see it), and so it's not an accident the Rats are so well behaved, to everybody's surprise, right? :)

NOT ONLY THAT, but it's becoming apparent, the MSM is not only bias, slanted, whatever... but they are actually getting into the business of 'creating the news,' I mean this is INCREDIBLE to me... especially from huge news organizations like CBS, and NYT... actively, braking every ethical rule, just to accomplish what we have always known they are about. I guess they are desperate and desperation calls for desperate actions, the pretension of evenhandedness is gone. Let's see what is going on out there and what the rats want... Social Security? No. Bolton? No. Delay?... No, wanted dead or alive. Conservative judicial nominees? Definitely NO!...

See the pattern? and the MSM is helping them every step of the way. The point????.... No easy for Reps to stay firm on anything unless we support them, and let's not forget these are after all politicians [smile]. We must help them in this battle, by being in touch with them... letting know we are watching and holding them accountable. Just like now, this is the time to do just that.

[hosepipe]

Looks like being,
"a Uniter and not a divider"... has spread its contagion..
A defeatist phrase from the beginning, it still is defeatist..

And a look into republican cowardly politics..
The bully pulpit has become the sissy fag pulpit..
Finally, Republicans have cross dressed as democrats..
Its a secret no more.. with few exceptions, republicans have no BALLS..
and perform oral deeds to democrats in the cloak room...

[maine-iac7]

Republican political palsy

we need to start freeping each and every one of our reps - they have thrown away years of power...the dems are just running out the clock to 2006, betting they'll get more in.

And I don't see why not.

I believe Frist is a fine man, fine doctor, but spineless. I don't see him changing. He needs to go NOW.

And the house members stand by whilst the demonrats roast our only pub that does have a spine - for their trumped up "appearance" of impropriety - while the very real appearance and actual evidence of criminal activity - for the umpteenth time - on the part of hitlery is staring everyone in the face, the DeConcini investigation gets deep-sixed, Burgurlar walks free - and the clintoooons are untouched, again...

Freep you reps and demand backbone - NOW - there's precious little time left to use the power we gave them - 6 years already down the tubes.

We pretty much suspicion there's blackmail wide and far from the FBI file-gate back in the 90's - but we must have some reps in since then that aren't compromised? OR = don't we have at least one who may well be on the blackmail list that will say - to h*ll with it - this is what's been happening...and do what they're there for - do what's right for this country.

Freep time - big time...

freep the same ones once a day - until they get the message. We want to see some spine! (did their mothers never teach them "Right makes Might?"

and majority used too -

[maine-iac7]

since his presidential aspirations are on the line.

if he thinks being a Casper Milquetoast is going to put him in the WH - he's got less thinking power than even I suspect...

we need to see strength and someone who is not afraid to do TODAY the days tasks without regard to personal loss.

In other words, do what you were sent to DC to do - your job!

[maine-iac7]

I believe that Frist will pull the constitutional option very soon as the good guys have passed most of the significant legislation that can be done this session. I think that Frist is a good poker player and has had the votes for the constitutional option in his pocket for months. Harry Reid lost this round of poker.

I'd like to believe in Santa too

His reticence - to be charitable - has given the demonRats more and more courage. If you don't punch the playground bully in the nose, he just gains more power and punches harder...he does not stop until his nose is bloodied...But you have to have a stiff wrist

[MissAmericanPie]

I told ya'll it was a waste of time going to the polls, both parties have the same agenda. It's like watching a phony wrestling match, all for public consumption.

Then both parties meet for a beer and a lot of back slapping later for having pulled another one over on real conservatives.

Yeah, I broke down, drank a bottle of Pepto, and voted for Bush again. His globalism is obvious and dangerous to our sovereignty. The Texas corridor is going to be a disaster. Texas is now known as northern Mexico and for good reason.


And the reason, despite all the disappointments of his first term was so that we could get conservative judges, it ain't happening, and it ain't gonna happen.

[maine-iac7]

from Pookie's "TOONS"

We need to send every one of our reps a "Spine Kit" - includes: backbone, majority, mandate - to be used NOW

[mr_hammer]

Ping! PinGG! PiNNGG! PIINNGG! PIIINNGG!

[Conservative_Rob]

Rick Santorum will lose against Bob Casey, Jr. in 2006 because of the admoration that Pennsylvanians had for Bob Casey, Sr., and the media attacks on Rick Santorum for going to bat for Terri Shiavo. You cannot count on the crossover vote. How's that going to help the Republican majority?

Now that there seems to be no difference in goverance between the Republicans and the Democrats people will vote for who they "like" more than who is best for the country.

Ronald Reagan got more done during his presidency with an opposition Congress than W has (so far) in his two terms. Domestically, W has been a bomb. The only thing he has done that I respect has been the tax cuts - and they will expire soon - so the net gain is a big fat ZERO. Government has grown, regulations have grown, "real" security has shrunk, political correctness is rampant, not only in government, but in our military - so much so that a soldier has to consult an attorney before he can fire his weapon. Where is the leadership that will return this country to the dream of the founding fathers??