In our state legislature, I’m pretty sure some have started as conservatives—their campaign promises are sincere. Then over time, they get compromised a little bit at a time. Money, peer pressure, bad press for being conservative. It’s really hard to stick to clear principles when everyone around you wants you to compromise.
Last session, a good friend of mine was often the only “No” vote on the first count in the entire state legislature on bills. He has stuck to his guns. But it’s harder than you think.
“...It’s really hard to stick to clear principles when everyone around you wants you to compromise...”
My friend, I have no doubt of the sincerity of your comment here.
But - it’s called CHARACTER. Sticking to your principles, no matter what - is called character, as well as integrity, and honor.
Those are virtues that we should DEMAND of anyone we send to represent us. And they either live up to those, or they go the hell home and get a job.
“...a good friend of mine was often the only “No” vote on the first count in the entire state legislature on bills. He has stuck to his guns. But it’s harder than you think...”
Then he is to be commended, by all and every means, and you and your fellow constituents of his need to let him know in no uncertain terms that you appreciate his efforts, and that this what you expect of him.
You probably “stuck to your guns” every day. I do as well. If we can do it, so can elected officials. If they can’t be trusted to uphold the laws we pass, if they can’t be trusted to push the agenda we send to Congress to push, then they need to be removed.
We’re in a war for the soul of this country, and some on “our” side don’t seem to realize it.
When they do what they’re supposed to do, we need to support them.
When they turn against the principles we elected them on, they need to be removed before they do more damage.
It’s really that simple.