Political Hay
Three Smooth Stones
To stay on message, Republicans need do three simple things this week.
How does David stay on message when he’s opposing Goliath? That’s the Republicans’ double challenge this week. Even though a Republican won the special election in Massachusetts, the Democrats are dominating the news. They are very publicly plotting a comeback after their epic loss, and the president will take center stage on Wednesday night when he gives the State of the Union speech. Where are the headlines for the party of opposition — which is nominally Republican but which includes millions of Americans who think of themselves as independents?
David’s modus operandi was, of course, inspired by the beautiful Bathsheba: KISS — which being translated means, keep it so simple even the Main Stream Media can’t distort it.
The Republicans, and particularly Scott Brown whose honeymoon will be shorter than David’s love for Bathsheba, need to keep the focus on themselves and the simple solutions they can offer to the complex problems that have vexed the nation since the reign of Obama began.
One thing is plain: Obama has not succeeded, and the American people know it. The economy is stuck in a ditch, and the mega-health care overhaul has failed. What an opportunity!
The Republicans should do three things.
One: Tackle the economic problem that is Americans’ number one concern by proposing a simple (one-page?) bill to reduce taxes. There will be, of course, any number of suggestions for exactly which tax to reduce. But the key is to make the cut immediate, broad-based, and permanent. To the Democrats and the Main Stream Media types who say the country can’t afford a tax cut at this time, they reply simply: the country can’t afford not to cut taxes at this time. Tax cuts produce jobs. Could we have the next slide, please? Economics professors by the dozens have recommended tax cuts, and the Republicans will have no trouble rounding up legions of them, all armed with supporting graphs and charts, to saturate the talk shows.
Two: Repeal the stimulus bill. That will go part way to
paying for the tax cut, and it will allow jobs to be created by
market forces instead of crony politics.
Three: Propose a simple (one-page?) health care bill: a bill that fixes one or at most two problems with the current system. The bill could limit damages from medical malpractice suits, and put federal money into state high-risk pools so individuals with chronic conditions could be covered. The Republicans should not try to fix everything. Americans are sensibly skeptical of grandiose plans to solve all ills. They will appreciate the modest approach. Republicans should confess publicly to not knowing everything, and should make a virtue of taking one small step at a time for the purpose of seeing how much improvement can be made by the market after a single legislative step. They should be publicly cautious about changing anything — as cautious as the American people are, remembering that the people are, by a huge majority, satisfied with their own medical plans.
How do the Republicans announce these three steps? With a mega-media event that takes the PR ball away from the opposition. The Republicans should all gather on the steps of the Capitol — all of them — to announce the proposals: the tax cut on Thursday, the day after the State of the Union speech, the stimulus cancellation on Friday, the health care fix the next Monday.
They should claim the mantle of modesty and say they are attempting to limit Washington’s interference in the lives of the people. They should say they are offering limited solutions to complex problems because limited solutions have a smaller chance of doing damage. The American people will understand that. They don’t trust Washington — and who can blame them? The American people will understand the Republicans’ modesty. And they will understand their proposals — which is more than the Democrats can say about their own proposals.
The Republicans should be quick and concise. Their power will lie in the simplicity of their proposals. Leave utopianism to the Democrats.
Throw only three smooth stones.
Goliath, whose height is six cubits and a span, won’t have a chance.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (74) | Leave a comment
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Melvin| 1.26.10 @ 7:29AM
The problem is the Republican party won't the leadership is just as hell bent on creating a government nirvana as the Democrats.
Look! at McCain, Snow, and Collins as long as these three are allowed to conduct their chicanery absolutely nothing will change in the Republican Party.
McCain is Sara Palin campaign for him after what he and his Campaign Orcs did to her after the
2008 election.
McCain, Collins, and Snow need to go. Mcain want to be remembered for his progressive legacy, well John, "Screw your damn legacy." If you would have legislated like a Conservative
Republican you wouldn't have to now worry about your legacy it would have already been cast in stone.
Darren| 1.26.10 @ 8:31AM
I agree with what you're suggesting, Daniel, but I agree with Melvin. Republicans right now look like they simply do not grasp the concept of fight and win. Just as Obama sees a beating of a butterfly's wings as proof of his virtue and righteousness, the Republicans will look at the victories in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts as "Hey, the people must like what we're already doing - so let's do some more of that!"
Frankly, Republicans in Congress are too stupid to survive and thrive.
TennesseeVolunteer| 1.26.10 @ 8:44AM
Three smooth stones makes perfect sense. I had a boss years ago that told me when you are in a position to fix things and there tens of things you can fix. Work on the top three and leave the rest for later. It sounds like Daniel had the same boss.
Louis Jenkins| 1.26.10 @ 8:45AM
Mr. Olvier:
Comparing David (at this time in his life) to the Republicans reeks. Young David was all the things the established Republicans aren't. He was faithful to his God and his people, innocent to a fault, willing to put himself in harms way so that his people would benefit, and refused to use the tried and true methods of fighting an opponent. The body armor weighed him down so he decided on a bare bones (literally) method. At this point in the time the GOP doesn't have the credibility to throw rocks at a mouse, let alone Goliath. They possess none of David's youthful traits and they cannot, due to their nature and embroilment in Beltway Politics, begin to throw rocks. They, afterall, live in a glass house. But I do like your simplistic, sensible approach for a GOP comeback.
Larry C. Roberts, MD, MA| 1.26.10 @ 9:05AM
Read your Bible, my friend. David did, indeed, love Bathsheba. She became his favorite wife, and later bore him Solomon. David's love for her was enduring and sincere.
Al Adab| 1.26.10 @ 10:54AM
It was also adulterous and the cause of the murder of her husband Uriah at David's orders. The lesson we should learn is that great men often commit great sins. Worship not men but The Lord.
Louis Jenkins| 1.26.10 @ 2:39PM
And don't forget the first born of that relationship was born dead. God punished David for his transgressions. God also sentenced David's house to be filled with subterfuge and strife. David, when his plot to have Uriah killed in war for personal gain was discovered, publicly confessed before the people and God. Could you imagine the two political parties publicly confessing their wrong doings or lusts for personal gain? Do you think we could forgive them? We don't have to worry about them admitting to anything as they do it behind closed doors or in the dark, afterall, they have our best interests at heart. David only saw a beautiful married woman and fell in love with her, then used his power to acquire her for his own. Our Pretender n Chief, and the entire District of Crimminals, only wants to do what is best for us inspite of ourselves. (Huh?) They don't want our wives, just our personal fortunes and 401Ks.
Margie| 1.26.10 @ 4:23PM
Refs. to David being a man after God's own heart are~ 1 Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22.
Margie| 1.26.10 @ 3:41PM
Al Adab,
You are right, too. It is a lesson to put no "trust in the arm of the flesh," but to put your trust in the Lord. How many times have I had to learn that one. It also tells us that there are consequences that must be paid to our sin, and David had to suffer the loss of his Son for his. Isn't it so amazing though too, because David repented, God forgave him, and said that David was a man after His own heart. (I'm trying to find that verse right now). So.. what a great lesson He teaches mankind. His Judgment being the consequence of sin, yet His kindness and forbearance toward us if we turn. "The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." 2 Pe. 3:9.
Al Adab| 1.26.10 @ 4:33PM
Margie,
We here can always count on you to keep us in the right perspective. We believers thank Him every day for His great mercy.
Margie| 1.26.10 @ 5:14PM
You dear sir, are a very kind soul. I have had to learn through my many falls and numerous failings.. "but He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cr.12:9.
Tim| 1.26.10 @ 9:46AM
You write as if the Republicans know what they are doing. The GOP has been rudderless and adrift for several years. The opposition to Obama's agenda has come from a broad base of voters: not the Dainbread GOP.
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.26.10 @ 10:13AM
Doctor, heh! You took the words out of my mouth.
Guys,
we are giving the beltway Republicans a "come to Jesus sermon" every time we write here, and every time we go to a tea party and every time one of you calls your congress critter and identify your self as Team America....and give them our web-site.
They are hearing the sermon loud and clear! The ones that repent...cool. The ones who do not, we fire them in November.
I hope each of you will write this on your hand:
"Mr. Congress critter, (insert his/her name of course), how stupid are you? Repent or come home."
Here in Texas our unnofficial State anthem is "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You...all the live long day"
...Till Gabriel blows his horn".
From here forward, plug in your State name. Let your critters know you at home are doing the same darned thing from this day forward!
PolishKnight| 1.26.10 @ 10:28AM
I like the overall strategy, but the number 1 message is nothing new. Americans have associated Republicans with cutting taxes for years along with strengthening national defense. The left has come up with a clever retort to this message (namely, that such cuts are "for the rich." or that such cuts contribute to deficit spending.) In addition, proposing tax cuts while at the same time supporting (and having supported) increased spending in the past undermines conservative and Republican credibility.
Message number 1 should be: CUT SPENDING! That merges into message 2: repeal the stimulus package. This can be done, credibly, by admitting that republicans who voted for it were mistaken and now it's time to cut bait and move on.
Actually, it shouldn't be three main points (people who are addicted to threes must like baseball or go to Catholic church). It should be just, one. Find the TOP point and hammer it home because even two will allow the opposition to quibble. Top message should be: cut spending.
Underneath that message can be "tax cuts" but Republicans should be careful to avoid the "for the rich" label. Propose a tax cut that benefits the middle class at least as much or more than the wealthy in ALL ways, both relative and absolute. This will take "the game" away from the left of claiming to be against "the rich" (we all know they're really in bed with special interest wealthy on such matters as global warming kickbacks, etc.)
Silver Bear| 1.26.10 @ 7:57PM
There's just no way to avoid the "tax cuts for the rich" label now, Polish Knight.
The Statists have so artfully removed so such of the American populace from the tax rolls that it is effect mainly the "rich" who are paying 90%+ of all the taxe revenue generated in this country.
What used to be a popular rallying cry for Conservatives is now just another victim of the endless class-warfare rhetoric by the Left.
In their desires to be "compassionate" and to "get along", the RINO's sold out conservatives on this issue long ago. Another case of current hapless Republican leadership getting out-flanked over the years by the Left on a critical issue.
Cold Warrior | 1.26.10 @ 11:11AM
I have asked McCain and Kyl to their faces who the "leaders" of the Party are and they could not give me one name. The Party has no one who will step forward and say, "I'm the leader. Or at least willing to claim to be one." You can't adopt and implement a strategy unless you have leaders.
The Republicans will not adopt the kind of strategy you suggest, which is a good one, until some are willing to lead.
Thank you.
Cold Warrior
www.theprecinctproject.wordpress.com
Oldefarte| 1.26.10 @ 11:37AM
True [and excellent], but let me tweek your suggestions. Republicans should immediately propose for substantial reduction in the EXPENSE side of the government's ledger [foreign aid, farm aid, welfare, space exploration, governmental employment, etc] to reduce the deficit and the debt. Tax cuts in this recession/depression might be a bad economic idea [until the economy improves]. After budget expense reduction, then business tax cuts should be instituted!!!!
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.26.10 @ 12:01PM
Oldefarte, guys,
The word you are all looking for is.............."BUSINESS CLIMATE"
If American "small business" can know the 'rules' of the game for the next 8 or 10 years......you will be amazed at what Americans can do. We can end all this economic pain in six months...ummm, maybe 8 months.
Shoot every "greenie-red communist", (pardon the shorthand), and we could do so in three months. heh.)
(Somebody please send Bob and Toddard the memo, heh)
Franklin| 1.26.10 @ 1:51PM
Oldefarte is right, and needs to include defunding all groups and organizations like ACORN, Nat'l Endowment for the Arts, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, etc. If a group is worthy, individuals will donate to it.
Pingback| 1.26.10 @ 2:05PM
The American Spectator : Three Smooth Stones Term Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Marc Jeric| 1.26.10 @ 2:35PM
CUT SPENDING! Start with elimination of Departments of Energy, of Education, of Housing & Urban Development, of Health. Then cut all subsidies to states so as to force them to cut their own bureaucracies. Then defund ACORN and SEIU, NEA, Planned Parenthood (what a name for abortion mills!), ACLU, etc. Make losers in medical and environmental suits pay for costs of defendants.
Al Adab| 1.26.10 @ 5:57PM
And that sir is a campaign platform to die for. When you run be sure to let us know.
Margie| 1.26.10 @ 7:50PM
I'm there! I agree with Al Adab. Please run for President, or any Office at least.
Curtis| 1.26.10 @ 2:45PM
Ken is dead on! Businesses in general, and the small business sector in particular is paralyzed by red tape, and the threat of red tape. The costs of complying with literally thousands of regulations, and the legal liability of failing to comply with just *one* hidden regulation in the mix is enough to insure that small businesses can't grow and big businesses stay big.
The dems promise special bennies for small businesses, but those are hid in the labyrinth as well, and act as welfare and a limiting factor. The bennies stop when a business grows. Do you expand and hire new, or do you keep your handout from the gov?
stabilize and simplify the regulations and tax code, and you won't have to give handouts. Businesses will open and expand when entrepreneurs can get a halfway decent picture of what the future holds, and what they are obligated to do.
Margie| 1.26.10 @ 5:17PM
I seem to recognize perhaps.. are you? Brooklyn?
Oldefarte| 1.26.10 @ 4:18PM
CORRECTAMUNDO, folks, cut, cut, cut! If any of you have the time/energy,etc; I'd suggest a trip to your local, major governmental administration/court house building and to observe the typical government worker's work habits [most will be filing their finger nails, eating snacks, etc----all, NECESSARY/ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES, no doubt]!!!!!
Louis Jenkins| 1.26.10 @ 4:45PM
And when the computers are down they have to to do everything by hand, including playing solitare.
mark dapier| 1.26.10 @ 5:49PM
Wow this descended into a bible study, took a swipe at the Catholic church (although it seems other Christians have a Trinity thing-whatever) and now we are going to turn the entire government system on its head. Dan Oliver had it right-simple to the point and possibly doable. Spending cuts are absolutely necessary but too complicated without control of congress and good leadership.
Oldefarte| 1.27.10 @ 10:50AM
Q. How many governmental workers does it take to solve a problem?
A. An INFINITE [lacking limits] number!!!!
Blackwatch| 1.26.10 @ 9:36PM
Yes cut cut cut!!! cut 12% off the top line in every single budget or department in the federal government NOW. Repeal Barry's failed stimulus package NOW.
the next fiscal year do the same thing. on year three drop the cuts to 5%. Then repeat it.
Half of all GOVT spending is wasted. ever watch them build a road? It's ridiculus!!
As a business owner I won't be hiring this year until the tax strategy and the health care penalties are resolved. I can't move my business out of CA. I can't expand with so many unknowns.
Someone tell me why do progressive democrats hate Americans so much??
aware| 1.26.10 @ 5:47PM
Has this guy even read the Word? David didn't even know Bathsheba when he faced Goliath and Bathsheba was with him to his last day. Read before you mangle metaphors. For yourself, not what somebody tells you it says.
And if Republicans want to keep it simple, CUT GOVERNMENT. Not just taxes! And not with a surgeon's knife, with a MEAT AX! And swing it with GUSTO! And keep swinging till there's only 10% LEFT! You know, the CONSTITUTIONAL part!
I won't be holding my breath. Bet they're working on a "kinder, gentler" "compassionate" Republican version of government take over of health care instead. Among other things.
"Opposition party"??? O. Snowe? J.McCain? S. Collins? TARP? Prescription drug benefits? If only it was so!
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.26.10 @ 6:53PM
Aware,
Heh, I agree with you...except...we really gotta' wean a lot of Amerians...sorta' slowly.
If we simply yank the teat out of their mouths...ten million American "poverts"...simply die.
I can be patient. Let us therefore begin the weaning process..............today.
verloman04| 1.26.10 @ 7:24PM
Suspend all payroll taxes for 1 year starting NOW!
Pingback| 1.26.10 @ 7:49PM
Customer Experience: The Path to Loyalty | Management Business Wisdom links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
BLACKKNIGHT1802| 1.26.10 @ 8:22PM
The Republican Party can say everything that has been posted above. However, if the main stream media doesn’t report it, no one will hear it. Unless we all take to the streets.
Don| 1.26.10 @ 9:50PM
The Republicans should do three things.
Stop advertising their suspicion, and hatred of poor Americans.
Take pride in the things American has accomplished like the best Postal System in the world and the our Armed Services.
Cut taxes and create a federal heath insurance.
Pingback| 1.27.10 @ 1:38PM
Leona Lewis Smooth Jazz Tribute | Leona Lewis Celebrity Monitor links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Don| 1.27.10 @ 3:12PM
Yeah, 'cause we sure gotta insure the Heath. :: ))
Curtis| 1.28.10 @ 2:45AM
Don,
"Stop advertising their suspicion, and hatred of poor Americans." ? As compared to the Dems attitude that ebbs and flows between utter disdain, and nanny condescension. I've been poor, or close to it, for nigh on 25 years now. I haven't heard one GOP personality say anything that really struck me like that. I've heard alot of GOP members say some really stupid stuff, but I haven't heard anything to make me think the GOP has members who hate or are suspicious of the poor.
"Best postal system in the world"? Where'd I park my ROFLCopter? I'm flying to Malibu, see you guys in a month!
As far as our military goes, it is indeed the best, But there's still room for improvement. Most of that improvement would involve taking a few meddling congress critters out back and giving them the beatings of thier lives. A few officers could use a spanking for getting thier priorities out of whack, and a couple thousand reams of useless, and downright self defeating regulations would have to be burnt as well.
Tax cuts, good. Federal health insurance? Got it, its' called medicare and medicaid. How's about we rewrite the regs so that people can take their policies with them when they move, or switch jobs, (more choice, free market style) and then
put some limits on tort settlements so good doctors don't get run out of business by their own insurance premiums?
Or for my 'happy feel good, because I'm a generous person' proposal: I'll be cool with a new gov health insurance program, on one condition: It specifically targets children. Under eighteen? Your medical treatment is good as gold either through your parents' policy, or through Uncle Sam, if they don't have one and can't afford one. Over eighteen? Pay your own way.
Centrists and libertarians will love it because its' cheaper than Obamacare. Dems will have a hard time fighting it, because it really truly and totally For the Kids.
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