We Need to Fix the Republican Party Before It's Too Late

Human Events ^ | May 16 2006 | Newt Gingrich

[Reagan Man]

A few weeks ago, I promised you an adventure. For me, the adventure is bringing new ideas and new solutions to you, the American people -- visiting your towns, your businesses and occasionally even your homes, and discussing how to win the future for our children and grandchildren.

This week took me from the streets of Newark to the Pittsburgh Convention Center, and from the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix to the studio of "Meet the Press" in Washington. And the common theme I consistently heard from the people I spoke with, whether in the Pittsburgh airport or the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is that Americans want change.

Not just any change -- conservative change.

When we hear from the former head of border enforcement that America's border is an invitation to illegal entry, we know something has to change.

When we hear that a single bill sent up from Congress to the President contained more than 6,000 earmarks for pork-barrel projects, we know something has to change.

And when we discover that our government is paying contractors $1.75 a square foot to lay blue tarp on storm damaged roofs in Louisiana but the people actually doing the work are being paid only 10 cents per square foot, we know something has to change.

Tough Love for the Republican Majority

Some think my message of change is too hard on my own party. But nothing could be further from the truth. My position is simple: I want to create a strong governing Republican majority. I want a Republican presidency. I think that means we have to recognize that things aren't working, we need to fix them before the American people decide they have had enough and replace our majority.

It's time for an intervention.

America is hungry for conservative leadership. I don't believe Americans want to go back to a left-wing Democratic majority. We want a Contract with America, not a Contract with San Francisco and Vermont. The Republican leadership has an opportunity now -- in May, June and July -- to change the terms of the debate for the coming November elections.

In my first message to you, I warned you that our Republican majority is in danger. But I also believe that movement conservatives are ready to reassert themselves in order to return our party to its roots of smaller government, innovative ideas and common sense solutions.

As I mentioned last week, House Speaker Dennis Hastert's (R-Ill.) declaration that the pork-laden "emergency" spending bill passed by the Senate was "dead on arrival" in the House was a good start.

That was a declaration of war on the big spending that has become business as usual in Washington. We need to continue this campaign for real conservative change.

Here's an idea for real change: Instead of joining in the chorus of Democratic scapegoating of oil companies over high gas prices, we should be more aggressive about not relying on dictatorships in Venezuela, Nigeria, Iran and

Saudi Arabia for our energy needs. The President should call a renewable fuels summit in a place where they know a little something about producing clean, renewable sources of energy: Iowa State University. We should bring all the best minds and major players together. And then, within the next 30 days, conservatives should introduce a major renewable fuels bill that will reduce our reliance on unstable dictatorships overseas.

'Speaking Honestly, Plainly and Sympathetically'

Yesterday, on NBC's "Meet the Press" I discussed these ideas with Tim Russert (video), along with the lessons America has learned in Iraq and the emerging threat from the genocidal Iranian dictator.

I also detailed how we can control our borders and make America safer, beginning by sending the message to immigrants that breaking the law is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

I believe we must put border security first. The President should reject the Senate's immigration bill that sets up a nonsensical three-tiered amnesty program where those who broke the law the longest are most rewarded. Moreover, Robert Rector from the Heritage Foundation says the bill as proposed would allow more than 100 million new legal immigrants over the next 20 years. That plan, as I told Human Events last week, is unworkable. As I've said before, this is a great opportunity for the President to re-bond with the overwhelming majority of Americans, and I hope he will take that opportunity tonight in his address to the nation.

In response to my "Meet the Press" appearance, I heard from many of you, but I would like to share one very thoughtful and encouraging email:

"You are in a rare position for a public servant: you have found a way to make telling the truth a convincing political strategy. I think it really works on foreign and domestic policy, and I think it works when you talk about your own personal history in the face of hostile questions. When you do America the simple courtesy of speaking honestly, plainly and sympathetically, you tap huge reserves of goodwill and in the process make Americans feel better about themselves."

I wish I could say all the email I receive is this complimentary. But I'll take these kind words less as a commentary on past performance and more as wise guidance for the future. I will endeavor to continue to give you the simple courtesy of speaking honestly, plainly and sympathetically -- not for my political future but to win the future for America.

[b4its2late]

They are a self inflicted wound. They shot themselves in the foot.

If that were the case, they'd still be ok. I actually think they shot themselves a little higher up between the legs.

[Robert A Cook PE]

Now, all he has to do is convince the Wh and media that HE is speaking the truth, and THEY are lying.

(Er, politcally corrupt.)

[pissant]

Sounds like someone is gonna run for Prez.

[Fruitbat]

Who broke it?

Self-serving politicians that feign conservative to get votes then join the rest of the gelding heard the second they take office.

I don't see what Newt wants us to do as the electorate. Everything he suggests must be done by those in office.

[sinkspur]

The President should call a renewable fuels summit in a place where they know a little something about producing clean, renewable sources of energy: Iowa State University.

Gingrich is pushing ethanol, which is ruining engines because much of it is contaminated with water.

Let's get rid of the tariff on foreign ethanol, most of which is not made of corn and is cheaper than American ethanol.

Lift the tariff on foreign sugar so we can use American sugar cane to make ethanol.

I don't want the government involved in the discussion of "renewable fuels" because it will favor political interest groups.

Business knows how to handle its own business. Sticking government's finger in anything pollutes it.

[Robert A Cook PE]

And McCain and Guiliani are not blowhards who love to hear themselves speak....

[RetiredArmy]

I completely agree. I was attempting to keep it civil!! :)

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Too bad for you that the "Perpetual Whiners" as you call them are the very people you need to keep an alliance with if you are to have any chance at gaining/retaining power. Newt has offered an alternative as have others. Last I checked, we still have the freedom in this country to disagree with our President.

[Bob J]

Nobody on the GOP will stand up to Hillary and the dems like Newt will.

[SirJohnBarleycorn]

Screaming slogans like "Enforce the laws" and "Secure the border" may make the screamers feel good, it is not a solution.

I'll ready concede that enforcing the laws and securing the border is not a full solution. Yes, we will still need to deal with the 11+ million illegals who are here and the legitimate need by some employers for cheap immigrant labor.

But enforcing the laws and securing the border (and by the way, dealing with visa overstays and changing the law on anchor babies) would be a good start.

I don't understand the reasoning of the Democrats, the Senate moderate Republicans and the President that anything we do on illegal immigration has to be a complete package or nothing at all. Enforcing the laws and securing the border is something the government ought to be doing anyway.

Newt, by the way, is one of the smartest Republicans there is, but if his candidacy ever begins looking viable, the MSM will paint him as the personification of evil the likes of which we haven't seen since Nixon.

[Cecily]

He is also far too cosy with the Hildebeast these days.

[IamConservative]

Hmmmm. I think Newt sees himself as a presidential candidate.

Certainly wasn't a coincidence he mentioned Iowa State University as a good place to research renewable energy sources.

[Phlap]

Just what has changed since the last election?

The answer is not one thing.

Newt just STFU!

[ghostrider]

Newt would slaughter hillary in any type of joint, public debate.

[Protagoras]

I'd vote for you Newt but I don't think you can win.

Why break the Republican tradition of voting for someone who sucks, but can win?

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

I like what Newt says, but when while he was Speaker he went back on various provisions of the "Contract with America". Now that he is out, he "rediscovers" his conservative roots. No dice.

Better than not rediscovering it. There are times when rediscoveries are all phony, but I think that isn't the case with Newt. He fell prey to the "bipartisan" (translation: side with the Democrats) campaigns of the media. I think he learned his lesson.

[SolidSupplySide]

Who broke it?

Tom DeLay and the rest of the government-by-lobbyist people.

[bigfootbob]

Good advice. I am working in my county to insure just that.

Think globally, act locally!

[capt. norm]

Newt is a complete blow-hard who loves to hear himself talk just a little too much for my liking.

That same description applies to EVERY politician.

While doinng your "critique" of the messenger, the message seems to have sailed past you.

You have made it all about personalities and the facts be damned. I know an entire political party that operates that way.

[AConnecticutYankee]

I think there can be practical solution to the illegal immigrant problem --

Why don't we create real penalties for U.S. employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. Have regular inspections and kick butt. For example, why not a penalty of $10,000 for the first violation. For the second violation, a year in the clink.

The jobs for the illegals would dry up. They are here for jobs. If they can't get them, they'll leave. There would be no need to deport them.

Would it work? It seems to me it would. But only if the government was willing to enforce the law.