Just so you know, this is one of those blog posts that is going to make some people upset. There, you’ve been warned.
All I ask is that you hear me out. Rip me up in the comments section, flame me on Twitter, but read what I have to say.
I don’t want the Republicans to take back control of the House and the Senate.
Even after two years out of power, they’re still on parole in my book. They’re simply not ready.
Have they had some good moments? Of course. But history is like weather cycles; they’re both doomed to repeat themselves over and over again.
Haven’t we all had enough of this flip-flopping between the parties? They commit atrocities while in office, we vote them out, and then they try to win back our trust by screaming, “But, look! They’re doing it, too!”
We had Republican majorities from 1994 until 2006, and what did we get? Some good legislation at the beginning, at least before the acquiescence of the Contract with America, but by the end, we were dealing with our beloved GOP milking the cash cow for all it was worth and growing government to sizes never before seen, with Medicare Part D, amnesty proposals, and the largest federal intrusion into education ever.
What makes everyone think this time will be different? Has two years truly been enough for them to learn their lesson? They’re not necessarily quick studies. They lost control in 2006, yet we got progressive John McCain as the nominee in 2008. Huh?
Before this gets bandied about, I am not a proponent of a third party. I never have been.
I am a true-blue (er, red?) registered Republican, and yes, Mr. Steele, I get your letters, too. I still think, as I did in 2008, that the Republican Party is our best hope to act as a catalyst for bringing traditional American values of family, frugality, and faith back to Washington, and for giving our States the standing they deserve.
We’ve seen how the Republican Party acts when its in the minority, and, you know what? I like it better. It’s the free market at work: they’re fighting for a majority and, therefore, they’re performing better. They’re willing to take those risks (see: healthcare, energy) in order to do right by those who elected them.
Let’s not open wide the door to the Capitol to anyone who is not a true defender of liberty.
Truthfully, I hope “we” gain forty-five seats in the House, and four or five in the Senate bringing us to the point where we make the Democrats nervous.
Why not just go for the whole thing? I won’t be upset, obviously, if they win majorities, but if they don’t, I’m fine with that, too. We need at least another two years out in the cold, so to speak, to really find who we are as a party. The whole point of the Tea Party movement has been to take over the Republican Party from the inside out (or, for some of you, vice versa). Have we done that yet? Eh, it’s debatable. We’ve had some good progress, with people like Sen. DeMint actively seeking out real conservative candidates, but, as evidenced by bizarre acts like Meghan McCain speaking at CPAC, we’re definitely not out of the woods yet.
So will I be campaigning for Republican candidates this fall? Of course. Will I continue to protest against all politicians who dare step on MY Constitution. Definitely. And will I rejoice if Congressional Republicans prove me wrong and we enjoy a golden age of conservatism and limited government? Yea, I guess I could go for that, too.
Tags: Congress, Congressional elections, conservative movement, Election 2010, GOP, Jim DeMint, mccain, Meghan McCain, Michael Steele, obama, progressivism, republican party, RNC
Posted by caleb on Jan 27, 2009 in
Restoring the Conservative Movement With all of the negative news coming out of Washington (i.e. the coronation of Barack Obama, and the Pork Feeding Trough Bill of 2009), we conservatives could use a little inspiration.
Finally, we have it. Today Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska launched SarahPAC, a Political Action Committee dedicated to furthering conservative ideals and raising up worthy candidates. Specifically, the PAC believes in fighting for freedom and confronting “the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination” in the areas of health care, education, and government reform. Sounds like my kind of PAC!
“Drill, baby, drill!” lives on with SarahPAC as well. The PAC’s official site lists energy independence as a “cornerstone of … economic security.” As we learned from the campaign trail, the governor supports real energy independence, not just sources propped up by government spending and subsidies.
Keeping with the Rebuild mantra, the Governor and her PAC also believe that the GOP is in the process of reclaiming its conservative ideals and backbone with what it calls an “historic renaissance” and seems to follow the big tent conservatism idea with by “build[ing] a better future for all.”
We need someone like Gov. Palin to lead our party into the future. We need a leader with charisma and conservative ideals, and I believe she is the perfect match.
Continue to watch this space for more information. I’m encouraged by and supportive of Gov. Palin’s decision to form a national PAC, especially when so many conservatives have become disheartened and disenchanted with politics as a whole. I’ll be donating money, and I encourage you to do the same.
Tags: Conservatism, GOP, obama, Palin, RebuildtheParty.com, sarahpac, stimulus
Posted by caleb on Jan 10, 2009 in
Restoring the Conservative Movement The media and liberal (er, progressive) interest groups are always looking for ways to break apart and shut down the conservative movement, from flat-out lies to “misstatements” and bending the truth. Those of us who proudly wear the title “Conservative” are accustomed to their trickery, but the general population is not. If we expect to win elections, we must be able to answer every question.
Last semester, in one of our final College Republicans meetings of the semester, we invited a very liberal politics professor to speak to us, him being the very definition of a “liberal special interest”. We knew we wouldn’t agree on anything, and he knew he wasn’t going to convince us of anything, so while there were some heated moments, it was fairly congenial. However, he did raise one point that really caused me to think, not to subscribe to the liberal condition, but to re-examine how we as Conservatives and Republicans, operate.
In the midst of his skulduggery, and as part of his no-questions-welcome monologue, he used the old leftist argument (I’m paraphrasing), “Well, how can Republicans claim to be limited government folks when they support big government ideas? You can’t be limited government if you’re for government intervention into people’s private lives, such as with gay marriage and abortion!”
How do we, as conservative Republicans, address this argument? As an “all of the above” conservative (fiscal, social, and national security), I feel a bit torn when I hear this brought up. I’m all for allowing people to run their own lives, in fact, I believe it’s their responsibility, and I believe in limited government, so how do I respond?
First of all, I believe it’s important to point out to voters (not liberal “skulduggers”, they won’t listen anyway) that Conservatives and thereby, Republicans, are not the anti-government party. We believe in limits and in rules, but only as many as are necessary. We trust people are mature enough to do the right thing. That’s one reason I believe a proper democratic system of government can only survive in a nation of Christians.
I believe the perfect way to sum up the conservative movement to prospective voters is the old “My freedom stops where my fist punches your nose” adage, or the idea that a citizen is free to do as he or she wishes until they infringe on someone else’s freedom. No one individual is worth more than any other. The flip side of that is that rules exist, and even though you’re no less of a person, if you break the law, you must face the consequences, no matter who you are.
As limited government conservatives, we believe in having a government as small as possible and one whose power is limited by the people it governs. According to the US Constitution, government exists to “insure domestic tranquility” among other things. In other words, government’s place is to guarantee the rule of law is upheld and that wrongdoers are properly and justly punished.
That being said, this is where morality comes into play in government. As a Christian nation, God and His Word, the Bible, provided our moral compass, our ideas for what was right and wrong, legal and illegal. Now, however, with the onslaught of moral relativism, we have no compass. Liberal judges are happy to legislate their own flavor of morality, and their tastes change with the days of the week. We need a standard to back up our laws.
It’s important to point out that so-called “big government” social conservatives are not pushing to increase government; they’re working to undo the harm done to our society by these moral relativists. This is why social conservatism ≠ Big Government. Social Conservatives are fighting for the ever-elusive “traditional values” (Biblical truths) and are working to restore government to its size of old. It’s social liberals who are trying and succeeding in growing the federal government to allow and protect such things as gay marriage and abortion.
This is why our coalition must reconvene and be strengthened. Liberals haven’t changed their tricks or tactics, we’ve just stopped fighting their advances. They accuse us of being the party of anarchy, but they legislate it, providing protection and non-discrimination clauses to benefit those who have broken laws or assist those with ethical faults.
Folks, it’s okay to say something is wrong. There’s truth in that statement, but until we grow up and get past our fear of having our feelings hurt, none of this matters; we’ll always be the minority party, if we survive at all. But before you give up, remember this, if we don’t defend what is true and right in our nation, who will?
The answer to that professor’s question is this: “You, sir, are the one who has grown government, and we will always fight to stop you.”
Social conservatism is a limited government principle, but unless we take ownership of our own ideals, liberals will always redefine them to suit themselves.
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As always, I’m eagerly await your comments. Have something more to add to the discussion? Am I way out of line somewhere? Or do you completely agree? Let me know! Leave a comment in the section below.
Tags: Christianity, College Republicans, Conservatism, fiscal conservatism, GOP, liberalism, national security, Republican, Republicans, Restoring the Conservative Movement, social, social conservatism
It’s official, Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) has won re-election after a hard-fought general election campaign and subsequent run-off election, and hallelujah! But, that’s old news by now. What’s just emerging, however, is the reason for it: us. Dedicated, grassroots conservative Republicans are the reason Saxby won (not to mention a little help from Gov. Sarah Palin, one of my personal heros). You see, it wasn’t the powers that be that won this election as much as it was regular, everyday Americans like you and me who cared enough about their country to donate a few bucks or make a few calls (also not to mention a few concerned PACs: HuckPAC, National Republican Trust).
The point is, this is our strategy for 2010. It obviously does not involve putting up moderate or even liberal Republican candidates for election to any office. We’ve seen how that can go. Our plan for 2010 must be built from the bottom up, with the ideas and full-fledged support of committed Americans like us. No more of this “accept the bailouts and deal with it” mumbo jumbo. The conservative movement must be the steering wheel of the GOP, although we shouldn’t be married to it. (from our friends at The Next Right and Patrick Ruffini, author of RebuildtheParty.com).
We’ve got a lot of work in front of us, but the 2008 season isn’t even over yet. Louisiana’s Congressional elections are still later this week (Saturday, December 6). ) LA-06 (Joseph Cao, whom I’ve mentioned before) and LA-04 (John Fleming, whom I haven’t) are up for grabs. If you can make a last minute donation to either campaign (Cao, Fleming) or even just Twitter about them (including their links), it would help (while you’re at it, follow @calebhays for my updates).
In the end, congratulations to newly-reelected Senator Saxby Chambliss on a landslide of a victory. We need your voice in the U.S. Senate, but I urge everyone not to lose sight of our bigger goal: restoring America and the conservative movement in the GOP. Rebuilding isn’t a one day process. It’s a slow journey that happens every single day, with bumps in the road and harsh setbacks, but I believe we will prevail.
Tags: 2010, Congress, Congressional elections, Conservatism, election, Election 2008, GOP, HuckPAC, John Fleming, Joseph Cao, LA-04, LA-06, Louisiana, mccain, National Republican Trust, Palin, run-off election, Saxby Chambliss, Senate
Last Tuesday didn’t go as we’d hoped. We all know that, and if you’re like me, you’re sick of hearing about it. In fact, you were probably sick all day Wednesday and half of Thursday. I know I was.
But, the fact is, we were right in the beginning. Those of us that supported Huckabee, Romney, or Thompson knew that McCain wasn’t the best choice, but we soon realized that he was the only one with any chance of fighting the Obama machine. He was the only candidate with the whole package of electable qualities. He had the connections, the reputation, and the experience. He also had (at first) the media’s support, but John McCain was not the perfect candidate: John McCain was our best hope.
Now, before I get blasted for seemingly contradicting myself, let me state the obvious. I was wrong. However, I hope you understand the underlying reasons for my push for John McCain. While in the end I did support him and many (not all) of his proposed policies, it was Sarah Palin whom I really wanted elected. McCain was simply the vehicle to get a true conservative into the White House once again, and therein lies the reason why McCain did not succeed. As others have said, Barack Obama wanted to become President, while John McCain wanted to be nice, congenial, and unassuming. Folks, that’s not the way you win the Presidency. Now, I’m not abandoning John McCain, for I still believe he would have been a better President than Barack Obama could ever dream of becoming, but we must move on.
I believe this (somewhat-resounding) defeat is actually a blessing in disguise. What the Obama victory has given us is something we haven’t had for the past political generation and never though we’d welcome: relative obscurity. The Democrats lived in it throughout the early Bush years, and they used it to their advantage, building their grassroots organizations and spreading the seeds for broad societal change. If you don’t agree that obscurity can be a blessing, look where they are now.
It seems to me we’ve got two choices. We can either stick our tails between our legs and limp away to lick our wounds, or we can fight for what’s right for America, but that process must begin today. If we want to reclaim our nation, we have no other choice. Let us begin grooming tomorrow’s Republican Congressional Candidates immediately. When we finally woke up to the dangers that Obama was proclaiming, we were effective! Just take a look at the National Republican Trust‘s whirlwind fundraising record set in the last two weeks of the campaign. We must continue to fully fund effective PACs, like HuckPAC and National Republican Trust. In order to stop the socialist onslaught, we must regain seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives in 2010. Let us begin the next Republican Revolution, today!
The Liberals have MoveOn.org to spread their hate and deceit; why aren’t we as effective with using the Internet to spread our message of prosperity, individual liberties, and limited government? This must change. Support conservative bloggers you enjoy reading, like Michelle Malkin or this site. The Left has control of the main stream media, so it’s time for us to take control of the New Media. Instead of heading over to CNN.com for your news, pick it up at FoxNews.com or Pajamas Media. Don’t just keep it to yourself, either: tell your friends about these sites, and talk them up at work. Word of mouth is our best advertising tool.
Another grassroots organizing site to consider was just put up by the RNC, RepublicanforaReason.com. It includes direct links to the GOP platform and an encouraging video about past Republican Presidents.
Also, I do want to point out that although Barack Obama’s win is historic, this election was never about race. You are not a racist for disagreeing with Obama’s policies; it used to be called Free Speech. I encourage you to use that right, respectfully.
I know 2012 seems a ways off, and I also know that many of you don’t even want to think about another Presidential election yet, but folks, the campaigns have already begun. Palin has been dropping hints about a 2012 or 2016 run, and Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) has already started visiting Iowa. Something like 64% of Republicans want Palin in 2012. Gov. Mike Huckabee pulls 12%, and Gov. Mitt Romney, 11%. Me? I’m pulling for a Palin-Jindal ticket. I think Palin has shown that she is the one who can truly bring true reform to Washington, and I’m excited to watch how things play out for her, especially since she’s finally outside of the auspices of John McCain. Jindal is a man to watch in his own right, having brought Louisiana through two major disasters this year, supporting Life, and backing fiscal conservatism (even if he needs some schooling in the use of earmarks).
We can and will prevail, but only our unwavering diligence will bring conservatism back to Washington. You say, “We’ll get ‘em next time?” Show me. Start work today and never give up. Don’t talk of moving to a foreign nation; this is our country, too, and I intend to help put it back on the correct path. Are you with me?
I’ll leave you with this admonition from the great British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill:
“We shall go on to the end, …we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength… whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, … we shall never surrender!“
Tags: Conservatism, Conservatives, election, Fox News, GOP, Huckabee, Jindal, mccain, Michelle Malkin, MoveOn.org, obama, Pajamas Media, Palin, presidential election, Presidential Election 2008, Republicans, Romney, Winston Churchill
