"Pledge to America" Gets Mixed Reviews from Conservatives

See BS ^ | Just Now

[jessduntno]

House Republicans on Wednesday night released their long-anticipated "Pledge to America" to mixed reviews from conservative commentators. Some pundits reacted favorably, calling the 21-page document an impressive step beyond the 1994 GOP "Contract with America." But others blasted the document as light on substance and short on promises to key conservative voting blocs, such as the Tea Party and social conservatives.

"Is the pledge as bold as the Contract?" write the editors of the National Review. "The answer is: The pledge is bolder. The Contract with America merely promised to hold votes on popular bills that had been bottled up during decades of Democratic control of the House. The pledge commits Republicans to working toward a broad conservative agenda that, if implemented, would make the federal government significantly smaller, Congress more accountable, and America more prosperous."

The conservative magazine goes on to call the Pledge's section on jobs "impressive" and hails the GOP for addressing social issues by promising to enact a law banning federal funding of abortion.

By contrast conservative blogger Erick Erickson of RedState.com says the Pledge pales in comparison to the Contract.

"These 21 pages tell you lots of things, some contradictory things, but mostly this: it is a serious of compromises and milquetoast rhetorical flourishes in search of unanimity among House Republicans because the House GOP does not have the fortitude to lead boldly in opposition to Barack Obama," Erickson writes. "Like a diet full of sugar, it will actually do nothing but keep making Washington fatter before we crash from the sugar high."

He contends that the pledge fixates on goals the GOP should already be working toward while ignoring meaningful, long term goals.

"There is a promise to 'immediately reduce spending' by cutting off stimulus funds. Wow. Exciting," he writes.

[jessduntno]

David Frum, a former economic speechwriter for President George W. Bush, responds to Erickson: "What did he expect?"

"Here is the GOP cruising to a handsome election victory," Frum writes. "Did you seriously imagine that they would jeopardize the prospect of victory and chairmanships by issuing big, bold promises to do deadly unpopular things?"

The Pledge's timidity amounts to "a repudiation of the central, foundational idea behind the Tea Party," Frum continues.

Some conservatives like FRUM are VERY disappointed, according to See BS.

[Ev Reeman]

It’s a very good start to be sure.

But the most important thing is the FOLLOW THROUGH.

WE WANT TO SEE RESULTS.

AND STARTING IN JANUARY WITH THE NEW CONGRESS WE WILL EXPECT RESULTS.

[laweeks]

Is there anything in there about the basic, fundamental, Declaration of Independence guaranteed RIGHT TO LIFE, without which all other “Pledges” are meaningless? . . . didn’t see it!

Still looks like a “hey, vote for us . . . c’mon . . . “ type pledge.

[normy]

Look guys, we have a little document called the Constitution and another called the Declaration of Independence. That is what we’re going by so get in, sit down, shut up, and hold on.

[pissant]

Figures the idiots at National Review would think this thing is great. I can see Rich Lowery’s limp wrist a-twitching.

[cripplecreek]

Yeah thats how I see it. I’ll adress my complaints to my cogressional nominee.

[Apercu]

Same old pablum. Where are tax reforms (flat or fair tax),prohibition of earmarks,meaningful spending & tax cuts - just to name a few.I'll take Boehner & his crowd over the Democrats any day but it is up to us to keep the heat on.

[jessduntno]

“Pledge to America” Unveiled by Republicans (Full Text)

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20017335-503544.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

Jobs:

- Stop job-killing tax hikes

- Allow small businesses to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percent of their income

- Require congressional approval for any new federal regulation that would add to the deficit

- Repeal small business mandates in the new health care law.

Cutting Spending:

- Repeal and Replace health care

- Roll back non-discretionary spending to 2008 levels before TARP and stimulus (will save $100 billion in first year alone)

- Establish strict budget caps to limit federal spending going forward

- Cancel all future TARP payments and reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Reforming Congress:

- Will require that every bill have a citation of constitutional authority

- Give members at least 3 days to read bills before a vote

Defense:

- Provide resources to troops

- Fund missile defense

- Enforce sanctions in Iran

[TomGuy]

I skimmed it.

It is long on typical political rhetoric, short on specifics.

Instead of 21 pages of gobbledygook, why not 10 things they promise to do or resign if they don't?

[Marty62]

Accually Right to life IS in the Document.

[Paine in the Neck]

I Have A Better Pledge - RedState

[Marty62]

Now the propaganda begins. NO “conservative” should make ANY comments on this document.

Feeds the msm propaganda machine.

[Bronzy]

If they get too specific, then they give fodder to the dems to use in campaign attack ads. The left has been pushing the repubs to “tell us what you are gonna do” “tell us what you are going to cut” “come on tell us”

[TexasCajun]

To some Republicans like John MeCain & the RNC leadership, Conservatism is a political strategy.

To the T.E.A. Partiers, Conservativism is a set of core values.

[no-to-illegals]

this ‘pledge’ isn't bold, instead it looks like business as usual. promise anything, and then make the people hold their breath as nothing is done along Constitutional lines. Lines in the sand, are being drawn, and all these people can come up with is a ‘pledge’ or another ‘promise’? America deserves action, where the Constitution is adhered to....a great start would be to place the courts on notice, adhere to the Constitution, or expect impeachment, or indictment.

[MNJohnnie]

Erick Erickson of RedState and Frum are not Conservatives. They make their living shooting broadsides at what is supposed to be their own side.

Time for Conservatives to start calling to account those habitual traitors in the GOP Establishment like Brooks, Frum, Erickson et ac who falsely call themselves “Conservatives”.

[TomGuy]

If they get too specific

If they don't get specific, we will end up with the same old crap they've been shoveling for decades. Promises without results, while maintaining the status quo to keep themselves in the elite ruling class.

[jessduntno]

“To some Republicans like John MeCain & the RNC leadership, Conservatism is a political strategy. To the T.E.A. Partiers, Conservativism is a set of core values.”

We are trying to save a Republic; they are trying to save their jobs. The Grand Old Potty needs to be flushed of the party hacks.

[pgyanke]

This document is a cynical jump to the front of an already moving parade.

[MNJohnnie]

How about the habitual bitchers around here try actually reading the document for a change instead of just letting the Democrat Party Press at places like See-BS tell them what to think about it.