Excellent thoughts and an even better job of putting them to words! This is the one line, though, that most resonated with me. I could not agree with it more. Your comments on Bush ring so true. Personally, I love the guy because of his war on terror. He tried to hold the rate of spending growth down and did increase tax revenues with tax cuts, but the last several months showed that he sold out his principles.
I see two problems. First is within Washington. There are way too many special interest groups that want their entitlements and favors. Trying to beat back the hand of special interest welfare (or entitlements) is a daunting task and one that can easily burn out a group. Let's face it, change requires not only courage, but perseverence. As politicians desire longevity, the will to go against the stream can fade.
Secondly, the people themselves tend to vote in their self interests. Who does not like to vote themselves free goodies? The more problems we have as a nation, the more we tend to rely on gov't for the solution. As you know, that may make the situation better in the short term, but it certainly has severe long term ramifications.
As you so aptly pointed out, the party is bigger than any one person, including the president. Fighting against the tsunami of liberalism does burn people out. That is why there is a great need to have the core principles, or fundamental truths, ingrained in the party and its platform. The party needs to function regardless of who holds what positions.
Fortunately, most Americans are not stupid. If things get bad economically under a socialist Obama regime, then I suspect that people will vote the bum, and hopefully the political dogma, out of office. It will take a core set of fundamental truths and the courage to point out how these truths will fix economic malaise to put the GOP back in power.
Have a great weekend! I have greatly enjoyed reading your well thought out comments!
I also agree about a love for the guy regarding his commitment and serious gonads to push through aggressive and effective terrorism policies. Plus he still makes my husband and I laugh and even tear up on occasion. There is a nearly instinctive care for this man and a protectiveness--most likely stemming from the horrendous, completely undeserved, disrespectful treatment from the left loons.
You had lots of wisdom too that you articulated incisively in your post. Points that I had not considered such as the entitlements, favors, lobbying etc. It is funny as as much as I was harshing on McCain in my earlier post, I do believe if he did nothing else as president he may have been able to make some headway here--unfortunately knowing him it would work out in the end to hurt R's more than D's--call me cynical--LOL.
Let's face it, change requires not only courage, but perseverence.
Another pearl of wisdom overall and a great reminder going forward as we figure out how the GOP is going to define and go after the future.
I have enjoy the exchange of ideas, analysis, and your thoughtful posts as well. Have an excellent weekend! :-D