You would think after the presidential election of 2008 I’d be slathered in righteous indignation. After all, this was more than Americans choosing a new direction; it was a message to the GOP. Even former president George W. Bush AGREES WITH ME. But this is more complex than that...
Believe it or not, there are certain aspects of the Republican platform I’m on board with. I agree that government should work quietly in the background, allowing us just enough support to flourish on our own. I too see the wisdom of our forefathers to create a system of government that fosters liberty and diversity. I even agree that America must work toward energy independence (though I was thinking of renewable alternatives while they went for the war option).
But the people who champion these ideas don’t currently run the Republican Party. It turns out fiscal and federal responsibility isn’t enough to grow a grass roots movement under your party anymore. So they ignited the culture wars and took charge of one side. This is the Republican Base I SPOKE OF previously; their desire to guide our nation concerns me greatly. I wish them no harm, nor do I suggest they be treated as less than equals. I just don’t want them in charge anymore.
The delicious irony in the values voting block is that they don’t agree with Republican policy in at least one key way: their need for big government to push a social agenda. Whenever they succeed in passing legislation limiting abortion rights, it’s government blocking a woman’s choice. When public schools are allowed to hold intelligent design up next to science, government decides the two are equal and thus required learning. And when the church says it’s wrong for you to get married to the same sex, who do you think isn’t recognizing your equal rights?
Tsk tsk. I know Republicans are fond of dry humping Ronald Regan, but he started something ugly, something they now can’t control. If they’re not careful, the Sarah Palins of the world will completely transform the party into something dangerous for us all. I know smart, responsible, patriotic conservatives are out there… Do the right thing. Stand up for what you believe in. Take your party back.
1 comment:
And it is my sincere hope that the Sarah Palins of the world will cause the party to implode so that it can become more logical and true to the idea of what it means to be a conservative.
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