Posted on 09/30/2006 8:50:43 AM PDT by joanie-f
My connection with Rick Santorum goes back about twelve years. During his first campaign for a seat in the U.S. senate, I spent a significant amount of time wearing out shoe leather, speaking publicly, and writing columns and letters in support of his candidacy. My husband and I drove out to Pittsburgh to attend what we hoped would be his victory party at the Pittsburgh Hilton on election night 1994. It wasn’t until after midnight that Rick and Karen entered the ballroom to deliver his victory speech, after having pulled the election out by the skin of his teeth in the wee hours of that brisk November morning, defeating democrat incumbent Harris Wofford by a less than two percent margin.
I remember driving home from Pittsburgh in the early morning hours filled with (uncharacteristic, for me) optimism that now there was at least a fighting chance to turn this country around and to wrest genuine control from a corrupt and left-leaning party that had succeeded in eroding so many of the founding principles upon which American prosperity and success had rested … unprecedented in the history of civilization.
It is now 2006. A lot can happen in twelve short years, especially during a time of unprecedented political turmoil, new age political agendas that seek to declare our Constitution irrelevant, and to dissolve the sanctity of our sovereignty in deference to the vision of a new world order, and weakness in the seat of our government in the face of brutal, relentless terrorism that is designed to take insidious and deadly advantage of each and every blink from the Western World.
Now Rick Santorum would not be at the top of my ever-shrinking list of respected leaders in Washington (He wouldn’t even be within reach of the likes of George Allen, James Inhofe, John Kyl, or Tom Tancredo). He has let me down on more occasions than I care to remember -- most notably in his support of the No Child Left Behind education debacle, and jobs creation and healthcare initiatives – all of which, to the Constitutional purist – yours truly included – are abominations. As regards Washington usurping powers/freedoms that should remain in the hands of the states, or the individual, I’d give Santorum a B- grade.
The joy I felt twelve years ago that evening in Pittsburgh has found itself muted to resigned acceptance that all is not well in Washington, and that those who agree to compromise with evil are every bit as dangerous as the devil with whom they are playing political games.
Many Pennsylvanians (yours truly included) who, up until then, had been strong supporters of Rick Santorum held him personally responsible for sending Arlen Specter back to his powerful position in the senate in 2004, and for denying Pat Toomey a decisive opportunity to be a voice of unrelenting conservative principle in a senate that is badly in need of a powerful dose of conservative realism, pragmatism, and allegiance to the Constitution, our national sovereignty, and the rule of law. Despite Bush’s and Santorum’s powerful endorsements, Toomey came within .5% of defeating the left-leaning, Scottish-law-invoking incumbent.
But time heals some wounds.
If I were to read a list of the objections some conservatives have to Santorum’s record, I suspect that I would agree with most or all of what is on it. Where I suspect we differ is in being willing to overlook some bad policy decisions, in deference to his immovable stance on others that I believe are of much more timeless significance.
I believe that most conservatives are purists, and that is an entirely noble trait, considering their focus -- except that I think there are circumstances in which one must allow for temporary compromise of principle, if the outcome would otherwise be disastrous.
With all of that said … for the sixteen years he has been in Washington, Rick Santorum has remained immovable on most issues that are indelibly close to his heart – and two of those issues must eclipse all others in these perilous times: namely, (1) the threat posed by Islamic terrorism and (2) the need to close our southern border.
I honestly believe that the huge majority of our ‘leadership’ in Washington is either indifferent to, or in favor of (for either financial or political/ideological power reasons), avoiding confronting the illegal alien crisis. As I also believe that an equal number are purposefully attempting to demoralize our military, and create a Vietnam-era-like malaise among the populace, so as to retreat from our assignment in Iraq, and pull back from a confrontational stance against Muslim fanaticism in general – and for the very same reasons that they refuse to acknowledge and resolve the illegal alien crisis.
Santorum has assumed a strong conservative, pro-military, anti-illegal immigration stance from the get-go, and has been extremely vocal and candid about the nature of both crises, and the need for immediate, and historically unprecedented ‘ruthless’ (by PC standards) action to deal with both. As a result he has taken vicious, unrelenting hits from the media/academia, especially here in Pennsylvania. And it is basically for that reason that the democrat machine has designated him as their prime target in November. I have read several accounts that claim that the amount of DNC money pouring into Casey’s coffers is close to double that being focused on any other national candidate. Santorum is a tireless advocate of facing down the Muslim threat and closing the border, and the DNC would like nothing more than (1) to depose the senate’s third most powerful republican, and (2) to replace him with a soft-on-both leftist mouthpiece.
Anyone who considers abandoning support for Santorum because of his movement to the center on a handful of domestic/spending policies, and his ill-conceived endorsement of Specter, needs to read in its entirety his July speech at the National Press Club. It is a passionate, heartfelt call to arms, not unlike one that Thomas Paine might have delivered, were he still with us. I hope you've read the speech -- or will, if you haven't. You’ll come away with the understanding that Rick Santorum isn’t just a crusader for greatly increased border security, the right to life of the unborn, uncovering government corruption, welfare reform, privatizing Social Security, training and equipping first responders, simplification of the tax code, and tort reform. He is all that and much more. He is a rarity in Washington these days: He is a leader who recognizes the brutal and obsessive nature of Islamo-fascism, and who isn’t overcome with politically correct reticence when the opportunity to awaken and educate his countrymen presents itself. And this battle cry is nothing new -- Santorum’s stance on terrorism has remained unchanged since before the ’93 World Trade Center bombing. His conservative, ‘hawkish’ views have become less popular among the political elite, but he is unyielding.
A local political pundit recently wrote of him, ‘In our poll-driven political climate, dominated by blow-dried politicians with their fingers to the wind, he stands for things. And even where he stands for things with which I disagree, I come away admiring his unwillingness to placate dissenters by telling us words that we want to hear. What you see with Santorum, is what you get. He speaks from the head and heart.'
Santorum debated his opponent, Robert Casey, Jr., on ‘Meet the Press’ on Sunday, September 3rd. The Santorum/Casey race will be the hottest contested senate race in the country come November, and the DNC is pouring millions into Casey’s campaign coffers in an effort to unseat the senate’s third most powerful republican. If current poll numbers hold for another two months, the democrats will succeed in that impressive coup.
Santorum’s best line in the debate:
’You [Casey] believe that we’re going to win or lose this war on the battlefield in Iraq and the battlefield in Afghanistan. I don’t. I think we’ll win or lose this war right here in America.’
Santorum’s opponent has crony-related name recognition in his corner. The name Casey in Pennsylvania is akin to the name Daley in Chicago. And, when one adds the crony factor to the facts that (1) the DNC is pouring unprecedented money into the Casey campaign, (2) many Pennsylvania voters vote the way their union tells them to, (3) voting democrat has been nothing short of a sanctified family tradition for many Pennsylvanians ever since FDR ‘pulled their starving families out of the depression’, and (4) 120% of the registered democrats (including family dogs, parakeets and long dead ancestors) turn out to vote in the inner cities, Santorum has quite an uphill battle facing him over the next five weeks.
The danger in a Casey victory lies not in seating a left-or-moderate democrat in the seat that was formerly Santorum’s. The danger lies in losing a powerful, immovable voice in our war on Islamic fascism and our need to secure our borders. We cannot afford to lose such voices.
Current polls of most likely voters show Bob Casey ahead by double digits in just about every area of the state but central PA. Yet, in the 2004 election, Pennsylvania was reluctantly pulled into the blue column, and a look at the county-by-county results shows clearly that, had voters turned out in larger numbers in the counties that fell into the Republican column, the state would clearly have turned red.
Therein lies the only way Rick Santorum can win this election. The vote in the heart of Pennsylvania has to come out and counterbalance the three major urban areas where voter fraud is rampant and where votes are traditionally bought through intimidation and promises of more entitlement/socialist government perks.
I have said before that I will never again vote for the lesser of two evils. But there is a world of difference between that and voting for someone with whom you sometimes disagree. Especially at this pivotal time in our history, when we’re facing a more brutally deadly threat than ever before – and on two horrendous fronts – this is not the time to throw out the baby with the bath water.
Steve Leonard, a contributor to my weblog, recently wrote:
No more talk, no more lies, no more dissembling, no more diplomacy. They stop, and they stay stopped, or they die, and their countries die with them. In Iran, in Syria, in Somalia, in Waziristan, leaders and civilians who support terrorists have forfeited their right to breathe the air of this planet. We don't have to occupy them, we don't have to rebuild them, we don't have to ‘bring them to justice,’ or grant them habeas corpus or let them have lawyers. We just have to destroy them.
I believe that, on the national level, the above paragraph must be our litmus test. If a candidate does not openly and vocally embrace that philosophy, he does not get my vote.
Rick Santorum does … and will. And I will do all that I can between now and November 7th to see to it that as many of my family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers comprehend the difference between a leader who wants to confront and unambiguously defeat the unparalleled malevolent forces threatening to extinguish the Western world as we know it, and who will disperse even their shadow … and a pretender whose political ideology depends on which way the politically correct winds happen to be blowing.
I plan to spend much of the next five weeks talking and writing about Rick Santorum’s qualifications to serve a third term in the Senate. I know that other Pennsylvania FReepers will be doing the same. And I hope that FReepers throughout the country will consider earmarking some of their campaign contributions to this pivotal election. The election or defeat of this powerful senator from Pennsylvania will have repercussions throughout America … and far into the future.
This election, and the next, are not about’the economy, stupid’.
They are about nothing less than the survival of Western Civilization.
~ joanie
Allegiance and Duty Betrayed
prediction: he wins in a squeaker
Casey seems too strong.
Why does the DNC want to unseat him so badly?
Because he is a good man, and a man of faith. They hate that, just as they hate that in George W. Bush.
FYI
No, Casey is not too strong. PA is too blue.
FYI
Sad, where are the patriots of PA?
Welcome to FreeRepublic.
Casey certainly can appear strong as he doesn't have to attend all of those pesky debates.
FYI
FYI
Santorum will win this race !!
It's time for the Amish to turn out like they did in 2004.
FYI
I live in the heart of Lancaster County and am going to do the best I can to see horses and buggies lined up at the polling places. :)
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are too blue.
We had the privilege of voting for Santorum in 2000 back when we first lived in PA. Having just arrived back in the state, we hope to be able to vote again for him. It would indeed be a serious blow to the whole country to lose his voice. We've found conflicting info on whether we'll be able to vote having just arrived in the state, so are working on making sure our registration is updated here.
I live in Santorum's district. A while ago, I read a speech by Rick boasting about his plan to pump more American taxpayer money into the Third World. Like Bush and many of the other Republicans, he has really turned me off with his socialist rhetoric and actions. In the past, even though I've hoped for Libertarians to become more prominent, I would have no problem voting for Republicans becuase of my hatred for the Democrat agenda. Now, with Republicans (and that INCLUDES Santorum) acting just like Democrats, there is no reason for me to do so.
I will not vote for Casey or any Democrat, but Santorum will not get my vote either. Everyone here might want to dump on me, and that's fine. But the reality is, you should be dumping on your party for their betrayal of conservative values. So, if it makes anyone feel better to call me an indirect supporter of the Dems, go right ahead. That won't change the fact that the Reps turning away from conservatism.
It's gonna be a close race ..
alot depends on up state to counter the dead voting in Philly
But I believe Santorum can pull off a win
Dang! Six children!! Can you imagine what a fun "White House" family they would make??!!
He will indeed win, your optimism is spot on.
I think the Dems have peaked too early. The next four weeks are going to be a dogfight, the likes of which we have never before seen.
If he's not attending his debates, he's a gutless coward.
Pelosi for Speaker!
I respect your decision, it is your vote afterall.
When the President is undergoing impeachment proceeedings and can't get a decent judge confirmed, remember that is because of the voters that sat home and didn't participate.
In addition, please don't complain about the political landscape if you are not a participant and have been reduced to spectator.
Sorry, I disagree. Santorum is a good man and part of the group you can impact, re: see Immigration ENFORCEMENT and the wall.
On the other side, if they get the levers of power, there would have never even been a vote on the wall in the House/Senate. The Dims would have tabled any effort to bring such legislation to the floor.
But they would take to the floor and denounce everyone as racists while doing so.
Now you have a real world example of why your vote matters. And you don't know what abomination will follow by taking your position.
But if that day comes, remember this day. If you think giving money to stop AIDS in Africa is horrible, you lack imagination on what horror can be brought to your door.
Live and learn.
Thank you for your welcome.
I will not vote for Casey or any Democrat, but Santorum will not get my vote either. Everyone here might want to dump on me, and that's fine. But the reality is, you should be dumping on your party for their betrayal of conservative values. So, if it makes anyone feel better to call me an indirect supporter of the Dems, go right ahead. That won't change the fact that the Reps turning away from conservatism.
I wouldn't dream of 'dumping on you' because of those stated views. As I have said, I am deeply disappointed in many of the policies that Santorum has supported (in particular, those involved with federal intrusion into public education, jobs creation, and healthcare). I have not read or heard that he wants to send even more American taxpayer money into Third World countries. That fact would make my list of disappointments even longer.
With that said, I still believe him to be unflinching regarding the two most important crises facing us: Islamic fascism and our porous southern border. And I believe that those two issues need to be our national litmus test, with all others taking a back seat, at least for now.
As I said before, I understand your deep disappointment, and respect (although I do not agree with) your decision not to support him.
Not dumping on you, do what you think is right
BUT, you ARE voting for Casey.
Henry Waxman in charge of some committee, yuck. And how about that Maxine Waters, such a nice lady to have in the party that's in control of congress. Those dems would do such a better job of running congress, they'll probably try to impeach the president, raise your taxes, cut and run from Iraq, etc..
Just remember what we got in 1992 when republicans got mad, we ended up with 8 years of the clintons.
There are two in this house. people who would crawl on their bellies thru ground glass to vote for Rick...
Concentrated everywhere but in Philly and Pittsburgh. Trouble is, most of those potential 'PA Patriots' are asleep at the wheel and need to be awakened to the enormous differences between the two candidates for senate, and their views on the two major crises that are facing us. The over-riding question is can a sufficient number of them be awakened before Novemeber 7th?
so you are voting to casy..thanks alot , Pal....
Rick should win unless there are more dead people voting in Philly than last election.
Once again you prove to be one of FReepdom's most cogent writers and thinkers.
"I will not vote for Casey or any Democrat, but Santorum will not get my vote either. Everyone here might want to dump on me, and that's fine. But the reality is, you should be dumping on your party for their betrayal of conservative values. So, if it makes anyone feel better to call me an indirect supporter of the Dems, go right ahead. That won't change the fact that the Reps turning away from conservatism."
You're cutting off your nose to spite your face.Most of the time I vote I hold my nose and vote for the lesser of two evils. Do you think Casey will support tax cuts, conservative judges, victory in Iraq, strong against abortion,etc.? There's a lot at stake in this election.
In addition, please don't complain about the political landscape if you are not a participant and have been reduced to spectator.
*************
Exactly right. You might as well brace yourself for the whining and complaining of those who decided to sit out the elections, however. Their smug and self-righteous posts have been all over FR recently.
And don't forget prayer...
I wish you would reconsider. I live in California and am stuck with disastrous liberals. YOU could make a difference. For all his faults, Rick Santorum is right on one of the most critical issues -- Islamofasism. You can help all of us by voting for him
"With that said, I still believe him to be unflinching regarding the two most important crises facing us: Islamic fascism and our porous southern border"
I would throw in a third and more immediate threat.
A Democrat controlled House and Senate.
As for the Libertarian, I understand your feelings but, do you think there will ever be a chance for the Libertarian party to expand if the Democrats take power back. You see how much they ubstruct as the minority and they would be very agressive to ensure they reamined in power.
They would cancel any voter ID requirement(which as a libertarian you may support not having to show ID) to continue and expand their tomfoolery in regards to dead people and illeagals voting and people voting multiple times.
They would cut funding of or troops, because they are patriotic but against the war(whatever).
Not to mention the BS impeachemnt proceedings which would not at all help our country and without a majority the Republicans would have to ubstruct like the Dems have been doing, but you know what, they may not have the balls to do it, resulting in GWB being impeached.
If you are a Libertarian go and vote Libertarian, but sitting it out is the easy, lazy way out of this election.
Sorry, we don't want Philly. It's second rate with a barren psychology.
We have Camden and that's bad enough.
And we will have our own new Senator: Thomas Kean Jun-yah. :)
If I were to read a list of the objections some conservatives have to Santorum’s record, I suspect that I would agree with most or all of what is on it.
The question is, which candidate is more likey to vote the way you want?
A Couple of Quote we need to remember
"No matter what the problems is, the solution is not elect more democrats"
Hugh Hewitt
"If you agree with me 70% of the time vote for me...if you agree with me 100% of the time, see a psychiatrist"
Ed Koch
My husband and I used to live in the Pittsburgh environs before moving to Lancaster County. For a city, Pittsburgh is not a bad place, and, for a city, it has more than its share of right-thinkers. Santorum was first elected to national office from a heavily democrat district. For that to happen in Philly a major miracle would need to occur, the likes of which we'll never see in our lifetimes.
As for the 'ceding Philly to N.J.' idea ... you may be onto something. I'll see if I can whisper that notion in some state politicians' ears and get the ball rolling. :)
As for the Libertarian, I understand your feelings but, do you think there will ever be a chance for the Libertarian party to expand? if the Democrats take power back.
He's a senator... the entire state is his district. I don't understand you. Santorum is one of the last Republicans who I'd accuse of acting like a democrat. One of the very last.
Sorry, but after his little escapade shilling for AccuWeather I'd have to bring a gasmask to the polling booth to vote for him. (I *don't* live in Pennsylvania so it's purely academic.)
Excellent!
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