My poll in the right hand column was about what I thought is wrong with the GOP. If you can't tell I think it's their reputation as a bunch of wacko haters, gun nuts, abortion Dr haters, war mongers, gay bashers etc... i.e. that they are generally a bunch of intolerant rich fat white guys. (OBTW, that's exactly how the left is painting the tea baggers.)
Not one person has yet voted similarly. Perhaps it's that the options available were too limited. If so, touche.
But let's just cut to the chase. If the intolerance reputation is NOT what's wrong with the GOP, then what is?
How I feel right about now…
1 week ago
It's hard to pick the main problem because so many things turned against the GOP during the last 2 elections. Take your pick: history, the economic downturn, lack of campaign cash, a RINO at the top of the ticket. They all had a negative effect and they all fed on themselves. If I had to pick the biggest problem, I would say it's the rise of the looter class. We were told all during the last election how we were going to raise the other guys taxes and have it given to us in cash and prizes. It's a very seductive message for the economically ignorant to resist. For 31% of eligible voters, it worked.
ReplyDeleteahh yes. pandering for votes from the looter class. I hear ya. I remember "I am my brother's keeper" loud and clear from Candiate Obama's DNC acceptance speach.
ReplyDeleteBut instead of pointing fingers at the other side, wouldn't the GOP be better off looking internally and reviewing what turns people away?
Kinda like Miller saying "Tastes Great" as opposed to a campaign that alleges that "Bud Su(k$"
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.1 Peter 4:8-10
ReplyDeleteWhile it's not exactly "I am my brother's keeper," it's not far off.
As for what's wrong with the GOP, I could start by pointing out the hypocrisy of a party that says it wants less government in the lives of Americans, yet turns around and wants government to stick its nose into issues like a woman's right to choose, same-sex marriage, etc. If the GOP wants to be the party of smaller government that's less invasive, then so be it, but then they should have the gumption to be consistent about it.
"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another..." If that was a quote from the Constitution, I'd be supportive of President Obama's bailouts and budgets 100%. But, I just don't see it in there.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for Choice and gay rights, those seem to fall into what I'd call their bad rep regarding intolerance.
Again, if they could see these issues as the liberty and freedom (less government intervention in our lives) issues that they are, then I think it'd go a long way toward making the GOP a viable option for many voters.
But my poll results see to suggest otherwise.
Having the GOP change core principles (anti-abortion, gay "rights") to become faux Democrats will only hasten its demise. Look back to the mid 1800's. The Whigs tried to be like the Democrats on slavery taking a more moderate position. The result was the birth of a third party that took an intolerant view of the Democrats slavery policies. I've been voting since 1980, and I've never seen a W behind any candidate's name on the ballot.
ReplyDelete"Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil."
~~Thomas Mann
Nemo,
ReplyDeleteMy fear is that Social Conservatives will dominate the GOP until it becomes more and more the voice of anti-Freedom, anti-liberty and anti-justice. An even greater fear is that many other conservatives will just sit and watch it happen or worse, they'll participate in it.
I love the quote that you provided, because it sums up my feelings exactly. I have been tolerant of evil Haters in my party for too long. I can't sit idly by and do nothing about it any longer. It is the hate that is evil, and yes it is a crime to tolerate hate.
I guess I don't share your view of Social Conservatives (SCs) or maybe we are talking about two different things here. The SCs I know want to devolve power from Washington back to the local level. It would seem to me that this would be more Pro-(Freedom, Liberty, Justice) than anti in that the power is closer to the people.
ReplyDeleteAs for evil haters in the GOP, I don't see many. or any. Of whom do you speak of?
regarding the haters that I see, this is what I'm talking about:
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why, but far too many people I know will often bash race color creed and sexual orientaion verbally in front of me, or via "email joke". I should not tolerate that. I should stand up and say something.
It may be a stretch, but I bet that many many other "conservatives" either tolerate this or they participate in it.
"It was just a joke" is not an excuse for harassment, discrimination, intolerance and hate.
I think the Republican party will endure, despite whatever the media and its enemies would wish for it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have many Republican friends that I have learned a great deal from, namely the idea that the individual is responsible for themselves, personally and financially. I also have many Democratic friends who though they may push more social programs than I may feel are effective have noble intentions, to ensure the government offers equal opportunity for all.
If the GOP needs to change, the Democratic Party certainly does as well. It cannot be a solution of one party making all the concessions when the other is equally responsible for much of the predicaments our great nation now faces. I would personally like to see more conservative Democrats move into position of leadership, which would in turn perhaps help bring more Republicans ever so slightly to the left a bit. We cannot shake hands with each other and call ourselves Americans if we cannot at least remain at arms reach between a short fence.
"Personally, ...I have learned ...that the individual is responsible for themselves, personally and financially."
ReplyDeleteThis personal responsibility is why I prefer to focus on us, on conservatives. Because we need to take personal responsibility for what's wrong with our movement, and what's wrong with the intolerant haters among us.
The opposite would be to throw stones at Liberals, call them names (like Pinko Commie, oops that slipped), point fingers, bash for the sake of bashing, etc...
If we truly believe in personal responsibility, then the bashing just doesn't fit.
But I could be wrong (and hypocritical). I often am.