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We Need to Fix the Republican Party Before It's Too Late
Human Events ^ | May 16 2006 | Newt Gingrich

Posted on 05/16/2006 9:27:24 AM PDT by 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.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 109th; gop; newt; reaganembarrassment; senatevote
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1 posted on 05/16/2006 9:27:25 AM PDT by Reagan Man
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To: Reagan Man

Who broke it?


2 posted on 05/16/2006 9:29:39 AM PDT by CROSSHIGHWAYMAN (I'm a proud GRINGO......is Bill Clinton still the president?...Seems that way sometimes!)
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To: Reagan Man

The Newtster is back!


3 posted on 05/16/2006 9:29:53 AM PDT by pabianice
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To: 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 --

Talk about an individual whom loves himself just a bit too much and thinks he should be running all our lives (just from a different side of the political spectrum). Newt is a complete blow-hard who loves to hear himself talk just a little too much for my liking.

4 posted on 05/16/2006 9:31:18 AM PDT by SevenMinusOne
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To: Reagan Man

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


5 posted on 05/16/2006 9:31:38 AM PDT by rhombus
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To: Reagan Man

We are reminded why the left targeted him so intensely. They saw his talent and wanted him gone. Too bad he helped them a little with his own mess of a personal life. Still, we need his talent and adivce.


6 posted on 05/16/2006 9:32:52 AM PDT by The Ghost of FReepers Past (Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light..... Isaiah 5:20)
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To: CROSSHIGHWAYMAN

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


7 posted on 05/16/2006 9:34:22 AM PDT by RetiredArmy (I've pretty much given up on all politicians. They all lie, cheat, and ignore the voters.)
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To: Reagan Man
Of course the collection of Perpetual Whiners who are the hard core of the "Anti Illegal" threads don't want a solution. They merely enjoy having the excuse to squeal their hate and rage at the world.

Unfortunately, this is a problem that actually needs a solution not just the Perpetual Whiners squalling. We are reaching a tipping point where Illegal Immigration will include so many people it will be totally unfix-able soon.

The President has offered up a solution. Those who don't like it should be offering up an alternative instead of just squealing how much they hate Bush. Screaming slogans like "Enforce the laws" and "Secure the border" may make the screamers feel good, it is not a solution. The system is broke, it needs fixing. Screaming is NOT fixing.

One of the 1st Illegals threads I wandered into by mistake taught me that. They were all patting each other on the back for how smart and tough they were and bragging how they would vote for the 1st politicians who "promised to issue a shoot on sight order". They simply are motivated by hysteric hate and ignorance. They have no desire for any real solution and merely want the excuse to squeal their angst and rage at the Government. Sorry they lead such pathetic lives this is all they are capable of is mindless rage and hate. That is NOT our problem. We need solutions to real problems, not their self absorbed angst and mindless bigotry.

Newt is merely pandering, not actually offering end solutions. "Setting Border security first" is a slogan, not a solution. The President put Border Security first in his plan and his speech. Notice how none of the Perpetual Whiners even bothered to listen.

How do we do it Newt? He is done. He will not be the Candidate in 2008. Republicans value leaders, not Media Whores. Newt has decided to do his McCain impersonation. It will kill his chances.

8 posted on 05/16/2006 9:34:45 AM PDT by MNJohnnie (Real Leaders lead. Political Prostitutes cite polls and pander)
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To: Reagan Man
It's too late.

The best thing that can happen in 2006 is that a whole bunch of RINOs get themselves "unelected."

We've got to get out and support the real conservatives like Rick Santorum. But let this be the year where the Northeastern RINO goes from endangered to extinct.
9 posted on 05/16/2006 9:35:01 AM PDT by Antoninus (I will not vote for a liberal, regardless of party.)
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To: Reagan Man

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


10 posted on 05/16/2006 9:35:40 AM PDT by hsalaw
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To: pabianice
Yes, the great man is back. He cannot be President but he can make the party.

Imagine if Newt were:

Homeland Security Czar.

Head of CIA

Sec of State

Ambassador to UN

Speaker of the House


11 posted on 05/16/2006 9:36:45 AM PDT by nathanbedford (Attack, repeat, Attack..... Bull Halsey)
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To: Reagan Man

Go Newt Go!


12 posted on 05/16/2006 9:37:13 AM PDT by Vision (Newt/Pence '08)
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To: Reagan Man

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.


13 posted on 05/16/2006 9:37:39 AM PDT by Barney Gumble (A liberal is someone too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel - Robert Frost)
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To: rhombus
I'd vote for Newt also, but the big financial mobs (erh, ah contributors) will not let him get there. Newt is too independent and not under their control.
14 posted on 05/16/2006 9:37:47 AM PDT by ghostrider
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To: MNJohnnie

Bravo.


15 posted on 05/16/2006 9:38:27 AM PDT by Deo et Patria
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To: RetiredArmy
They are a self inflicted wound. They shot themselves in the foot.

Looks like the aim was up a bit higher.

16 posted on 05/16/2006 9:38:32 AM PDT by CROSSHIGHWAYMAN (I'm a proud GRINGO......is Bill Clinton still the president?...Seems that way sometimes!)
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To: DevSix
Talk about an individual whom loves himself just a bit too much and thinks he should be running all our lives (just from a different side of the political spectrum). Newt is a complete blow-hard who loves to hear himself talk just a little too much for my liking.

Doesn't make his ideas any less correct.

17 posted on 05/16/2006 9:38:45 AM PDT by Chipper
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To: Reagan Man

Newt's a good man with an idea...and we need some new conservative ideas to keep control of Congress and the White House in order to serve our nation well.


18 posted on 05/16/2006 9:38:49 AM PDT by RexBeach ("There is no substitute for victory." -Douglas MacArthur)
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To: Reagan Man
I have a way to fix it...


19 posted on 05/16/2006 9:38:54 AM PDT by Lunatic Fringe (http://ntxsolutions.com)
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To: Reagan Man
Infighting on the Right kept the Liberals in power in Canada for 13 straight years of misrule. Just a cautionary tale.
20 posted on 05/16/2006 9:39:08 AM PDT by USFRIENDINVICTORIA
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