The American Spectator : Paying Dues

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Paying Dues

9.2.09 @ 6:01AM

All the Kennedys' men. The day of service. Unpolite heroics. Plus more.

(Page 3 of 3)

NICENESS IS RUDE
Re: Marilia Duffles' We Are a Rude Awakening:

If nothing else, the health care crisis is flushing out the phonies, the intellectuals who disdain true passion because it is -- well, so messy, you know. Ms. Duffles and her ilk instruct us: Be nice. It sounds haughty no matter how it is phrased.

George H.W. Bush was nice: he agreed to raise taxes when Democrats promised to apply the money to deficit reduction. Bush's acquiescence became a brickbat against him, the money bought Democrat votes, and Bush lost the 1992 election. George W. Bush spent eight years being nice to Democrats, who correctly inferred moral weakness (contrast Bush's treatment of Sandy Burger and Scooter Libby -- enough said) and took it as license to decimate the conservative agenda.

Congressional Republicans have been nice and civil and cooperative since the 1930s, even with recent large majorities in both houses of Congress. Their collegiality earned them nothing -- unless you count voter disgust, which led to enormous Democrat super-majorities, which is how we find ourselves in today's crisis.

If we lose this round, we probably lose the Republic. Perhaps it is already too late. Still, we must fight on. Conservatives have been scrupulously nice in the face of moral savagery for decades, which has led us to this terrible place. If a little rudeness is all it takes to save the American Experiment, we all -- including pedants like Ms. Duffles -- should count it cheap at the price.
-- Mark Petrina
Benicia, California

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Letter to the Editor View all comments (18) | Leave a comment

Alan Brooks| 9.2.09 @ 11:22AM

"In 2010 and 2012 we will see "throw-the-bums-out" legislative cycles which will make 1980 and 1994 pale by comparison.
-- Chris Hall "

2010 will see another Gingrich, a Speaker Moonbeam, elected. But I'll wager a dime to every donut Obama will be re-elected. You are underestimating him even more than you did Clinton way back in the day. Obama is a solid family man. and he's lowballing his cards.
I wont fall for attacks on Obama; he's a winner and that is all that counts in a Darwinist world.
Fool me once shame on the GOP
fool me twice, shame on me

btw, Ted didn't need wings to get to heaven, he flew there on coke.
("Brooks, enough with the cocaine jokes!")

Alan Brooks| 9.2.09 @ 11:51AM

You dont really take politics at face value, do you?
Obama will abandon cap and trade, heathcare, after a Gingrich is elected in november of next year. Then he'll move to the right until november
2012.

btw, Ted's coke spoon set off the metal detector at the Pearly Gate.

("oh, Brooks")

Alan Brooks| 9.2.09 @ 11:54AM

the customs officer at the Pearly Gate was set to examine Ted's luggage, but he was told Ted has diplomatic immunity.

David Govett| 9.2.09 @ 12:04PM

Those who predict that voters will throw out incompetent (not to mention dangerous) politicians underestimate the gullibility of many American voters, whose attitude is be that, while other politicians may warrant removal, mine is giving me what I want. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme. That's the credo of many--and at present the majority of--Americans, sad to say.

Alan Brooks| 9.2.09 @ 3:16PM

Very few want their grandparents to get cut off.
Then Gran and Gramps lose out on a second car, a trip to Aruba.

Rory| 9.2.09 @ 9:30PM

Stalin was a good family man, too. Doesn't mean I want him to be president.

Daisy| 9.2.09 @ 9:38PM

Mr. Petrina, great letter--thank you!

I couldn't agree more. Why must Republicans ALWAYS bring a knife to a gun fight? No wonder we are in so much trouble.

Michelle| 4.13.10 @ 6:50PM

Too many people overpay for a dress they'll wear for a few hours on 1 day. Don't do it! Take your time and shop around for a dress that suits your wedding style & theme.

rashood| 11.6.09 @ 2:45AM

while other politicians may warrant removal, mine is giving me what I want. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme.

university degrees online | fake degree

alberf| 11.6.09 @ 2:46AM

Obama will abandon cap and trade, heathcare, after a Gingrich is elected in november of next year. Then he'll move to the right until november
2012.

work experience degree | free diploma

justin| 11.6.09 @ 2:46AM

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hasley mark| 3.16.10 @ 8:08AM

Dues are calculated on an annual basis, and paid in two installments — the first on May 1, and the second on November 1. Dues are not prorated. Bills are mailed to the address on record before each due date. Members who do not receive bills are responsible for requesting duplicates.

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