Posted by
Virginia Daddy on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 2:05:34 PM
The current election cycle is showing some interesting trends. We have the establishment, we have conservatives, and we have independants and moderates. These groups of the GOP cannot get along.
The establishment is locked into vicotry, no matter the cost. Everywhere I turn I talk to Republicans who are infuriated with the GOP and the RNC. Pushy people on the phone pressing for more money have offended many, and letters recieved threatening if no money is given, you are supporting the evil Democrats. This is a turn off to me, and to all I have talked to. It makes the RNC seem like, well, evil Democrats. Further, for what exactly does the RNC stand for these days. I am not so sure any more. Smaller government? Smaller than the what the evil Democrats want, but smaller than now, heck no. Lower taxes? Maybe. Stronger military? Probably. Family values? Not if they get in the way of victory. Its acting as if in its successes a few yeas ago, the party became too "cultured". Its not even a matter of it being the party of the rich, which it is not. Its simply a matter of arrogance and elitism. Frankly, I find it disenchanting and disgusting.
Conservatives. I consider myself a conservative, but am getting tired of many of my counterparts. We, as a group, seem either too idealistic or too closed minded to see the world changing as it is. This is not the same world it was in the 80's. While I in no way advocate abandoning the core principles of conservatism, namely retaining choice of action, smaller government, strong family values, strong military, and personal responsibility, I must admit the landscape has changed. The simple truth of the matter is that our government has become a tool for change. I don't like it, but this is the reality we face. None of our remaining contestants for the current cycle of electoral games really advocates shrinking the size and scope of government involvement. Truthfully, all in some way want to extend its reach, each to varying degrees and for different purposes.
On the GOP side, we have two left who most conservatives think are moderate at best. Conservatives are left to choose to vote for one of these, not to vote, or to support the opposition. This is the rift. Personally, I would vote for the choice who shares my values on God and family-- Huckabee. I also think he has adjusted the reality of the government today, for better or for worse, and offers a message of great hope and optimism. His down home personality would serve the nation well. But beyond me, many do not share this sentiment. In fact, many are divided on supporting the GOP above all else, and others are resound to defeat with the hope of a resurgence in four years. This fissure is crippling to the GOP, but not necessarilly to the cause of conservatism, which exists beyond party ties.
The independants are the biggest threat to the GOP, or its greatest hope. Independants tend to lean to the seemingly ever drifting left center. As the GOP tries to win votes, power at all cost, it must cater to these groups. And as it caters to this group, it abandons the conservatives, who remain right. Now, if it can successfully win with independants, it will lose the right. But if it cannot win without the right, it will either die or move back win the votes of the true conservatives out there, and then it will abandon the center/left of center. In either case, a third party seems inevitable, I think, and hope.
A third party coming from the GOP (or the Dems) is a good thing. And here's why: choice. Currently, we don't have choice. We have media outlets and power brokers within the two party system working to set up the nominees, essentially taking the decisions the public can make from it. We, those in the public, need to be able effectively vote our conscience. If this is not an option, we will be forced into actions that benefit no one.
Unfortunately, we are in that corner now, and the GOP and RNC need to look inward and ask why.