Posted on 08/01/2007 11:26:36 AM PDT by Whatnow
If I was interested in simply electing a Republican, regardless of their ideology, I'd have no problem with the current crop of candidates. Since my interest is conservatism I have major problems with them.
Republican’s controlled all three wings of our government for years. They did a lot of things wrong during that time. Now as a Nation we will pay the price with higher Taxes and any other crazy thing’s the Democrats may come up with.
Even old-time Democrat know they are being crushed by taxes, and losing their jobs. They want the borders secure, and know most Democrat’s have been aiding and Democrat abetting the ACLU in destroying this country. They want a choice. Conservative Democrat’s and principled Republicans will stay home if we are force-fed a candidate who cannot verbally articulate a clear message, and one he has been consistent on. It’s the credibility factor. Even when we do not agree with everything a candidate says or does, we need to know the candidate believes what he is saying, and that he holds some fundamental principles that he applies in his own life.
All the Democrats want and promise or more handouts. They get an automatic turnout of give me voters. Republicans must offer a conservative option. We need to get away from the Ted Kennedy wing of the Republican Party. Republicans want to vote for people of principle.
In fact, nearly any candidate is going to be a compromise to the majority of his constituents. And when George W. Bush who took the tough and proper road in to Iraq. And also became the one who outraged a lot of conservatives with his illegal immigration policy. It is unfortunate for him and perhaps the Republican Party in general that this particular issue arose when it did, but that was Bush's choice and was in no way incompatible with his well-known track record. It all came in the same box.
And so we have a lot of conservatives vowing "no more Bush's" out of disappointment, willing to risk a less broadly popular candidate - a Republican - in order to return to more orthodox conservative principles.
We need a candidate with political courage and principles to stand up for our freedom, believes in tax reform, defends our police, military, and border patrol, immigration reform, defends human life very clearly, against wasteful spending, and understands, and has written legislation to bring back fair and just trade policies with China.
If we give them someone “moderate” or who is not clear and distinct difference and consistent on his positions, or who leaves people, even his friends, confused about what he actually thinks, we will get a democrat in the White House.
I'm not saying a return to conservative principle is in any way wrong, but recognize going in what the cost is likely to be, and don't fall back to blaming the party (as I have seen some on this site do with regard to the 2006 contest) when that uncompromising action results in the other side's candidate in office. That's politics.
Yes, but people need to see a clear and distinct difference. They need to see someone who is strong, articulate, wants to defend this country, and knows his facts.
So what do we need to do to save the Republican Party?
At this time, my money's on Fred Thompson, who appears sincerely conservative and has no real reason to betray his word. Of course, he hasn't declared yet and might decide not to. We shall see.
Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Eternity Road
I agree, and boy, does this post sound familiar.
Go, Duncan Hunter.
Political forces move very slowly. Hearts and minds are won over years and generations. The Left dominated the media for many decades in a way that they no longer do. Most of us Republicans grew up in a world where conservatism was passed around primarily by word-of-mouth and only found on the better pages of certain magazines. Young people looking at politics today have a very different environment. Their teacher may be preaching Marxism, but they will get on any site they want at home. The repeated failure of liberal talk radio probably says a lot about liberalism's prospects in this environment. We have not yet seen the full force of what talk radio and the internet will bring to our side. I think the shaming of Dan Rather and the defeat of the illegal amnesty bill are just early victories in the progress we might see in coming years.
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