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A Further Perspective
Vive La Différence!
If passage of socialized health care hasn’t driven home the difference between the two major parties, nothing ever will.
I’m so confused. Whenever I’ve entered the voting booth, I foolishly believed that I was in there in order to elect a representative to conduct the business of a constitutional republic. Little could I have imagined that the person I was sending to Washington was a veritable superhuman, invested with powers far beyond those of mortal men. Witness Rep. John Boccieri (D-Ohio), who said of his decision to vote “yes” on the healthcare bill, “If I can save one life, I’ll have done my job.… My job is to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”
Of course there was one way that Congressman Boccieri and friends could have saved many lives and actually performed the jobs they swore an oath to do. Unfortunately, on Sunday they forfeited that chance in order to push their more important and pressing desire to foist on us a socialistic form of government that has failed or is failing all over the globe; strangling economies while choking the lifeblood of men, formerly known as individual liberty.
Now that the Democrats have succeeded in their thuggish attempt to cripple the best healthcare system in the world, conventional conservative wisdom suggests that those of us who scorn their agenda should simply let things play out until November; that voters will remember the vile sausage-making of this bill and give them the boot. But while that may be true, the only sure way to win the ongoing war between champions of our Constitution and those who would follow the failed policies of Europe, is to further elucidate the differences that distinguish them.
Take the noxious oxymoron that is the “pro-life Democrat.” Bart Stupak and friends demonstrated once again that a modern pro-life Democrat by any other name is an adherent to the belief that the expansion of government shall come before any other commitment, including the defense of innocent life. The same applies to most “Blue Dog” Democrats; those folks from conservative districts who turn yellow when their seats are on the line because of the agenda of the reds in their party. If these men were truly pro-life, as they so often and passionately claim to be, then they most certainly would not be Democrats, since their official party platform proclaims:
The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v Wade and a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. The Democratic Party also strongly supports access to affordable family planning services and comprehensive age-appropriate sex education which empower people to make informed choices and live healthy lives.
While it is true that there are some pro-abortion Republicans in Congress, they don’t proudly walk around proclaiming themselves to be so every five minutes. They know they are in direct opposition to the Republican stance so eloquently stated in their platform:
Faithful to the first guarantee of the Declaration of Independence, we assert the inherent dignity and sanctity of all human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution, and we endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to unborn children. We oppose using public revenues to promote or perform abortion and will not fund organizations which advocate it. We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity and dignity of innocent human life.
It’s time for voters to be disabused of the lazy and uninformed canard encouraged by the liberal media and even echoed by many on the right, that both parties are alike; that there is no difference between them. We need to reach these folks that spend their time watching American Idol, instead of glued to C-SPAN where they would soon be persuaded otherwise.
If there is one consolation to this whole mess, it’s that some Americans did indeed witness this sorry process of bullying and bribery comically known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It’s time that the rest of America took notice.
Yes, elections have consequences, but let it be said that with overwhelming majorities in both houses, the healthcare bill was passed only by the narrowest of margins and most importantly, against the will of the people. That should be a sobering lesson for the party in power.
The form of government crafted for us by our founders is unique in that our elected representatives and those who elect them should have a symbiotic relationship. And although this bond has degraded by both an apathetic electorate and a deaf and complacent Congress, the election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts has demonstrated its intended vigor. The fact is, there has not been such Republican determination and unity in the Congress for many a year.
We need to feed on that energy by making clear that there are huge differences between the parties. The published platforms need to be circulated far and wide for all to see and read. Once the official stated views and values of Democrats are digested, the motives behind their policies like healthcare reform and cap and trade will be more easily understood and the consequences of further enabling them made crystal clear. This is a recipe for a truly sweeping victory in November.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (40) | Leave a comment
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Darin| 3.24.10 @ 7:53AM
Well said, but the truth is the majority of Americans are clueless and really could care less. What percentage of the population actually votes? Recent elections in Iraq had voter turnout aroudn 70%. The Iraqis know the value of voting and even face the real risk of bomb blasts. Americans have become complacent, waiting like a baby bird for momma (e.g., the government) to give them their next worm (e.g., yet another handout program).
Martin j smith| 3.24.10 @ 7:54AM
Those who run on the Republican side should do so as conservatives. It is the so called Rinos, or "moderates" or Liberal republicans who have messed things us: See GWB, See John MacC.
No more of this !!!!!!!
Troy| 3.24.10 @ 9:00AM
What point is there in running as a conservative when the early caucuses and primaries allow Democrats to vote? The way the presidential election is set up a candidate has to sound centrist to please those hardcore Democrats who vote in Republican primaries looking for a weak candidate. Then there's no time left to move right without appearing "wishy-washy" on the issues.
Then when you add in the effect of TV on the election, people can vote for the candidate they like more instead of looking at the issues. Since Kennedy, the more upbeat candidate has won every time. Political position has no effect. In the House and Senate the congressmen and women votes party line most of the time, so the only change is made by switching representatives and senators. Any given voter only has an effect on 2% of the senators and .67% of the representatives. If your congressmen are voting
the way you like it's just complaining about things you can't effect. If you vote against a congressman and they win, it means your neighbors or fellow state citizens want this,
even if you don't.
While we as individuals may not be getting what we want, collectively this is what we voted for, and we are getting it. While I was typing, Melvin sounded in on the only solution. Everyone has to change their neighbors minds.
Curly Smith| 3.24.10 @ 9:19AM
There a several reasons to run as Conservatives in the primaries.
- it motivates the conservative base to turn-out. If conservatives show up and vote then the RINOs can't win.
- it forces a real ideological discussion, something that the Dems and RINOs want to avoid
- if gives people a real choice --> have you noticed that many Dems run as "conservatives"
- the country is right-of-center, why not have that reflected by our candidates?
- the "Big Tent" was a RINO invention designed to minimize the impact of conservatives
But, it matters not if they run as conservatives if they're not actually conservative. It's like the pro-life Stupak who won election after election after election on his "pro-life credentials". When it finally mattered, he turned to his supporters and yelled "suckers!".
Melvin| 3.24.10 @ 8:31AM
"We need to feed on that energy by making clear that there are huge differences between the parties. The published platforms need to be circulated far and wide for all to see and read."
This is key, and as I have stated before, education, education, education. There should be Conservative study groups from local high schools, colleges, local meet-ups, Conservative pamphlets should be handed out at local and state fairs, articles should be written in all forms of media.
Conservative groups in colleges should be supported by local area Conservative Groups because my the very nature of these groups in College they exist only at the benevolence of college chancellors.
Additionally there should be one single voice and message nationally, because we are all human and interpret information differently.
This is why Conservative Groups if they haven't already need to join together and put all the bitchiness aside and develop a plank(s) to preach on.
jd| 3.24.10 @ 8:50AM
In 1997 my husband came over to the US from Europe with his parents when he was a child. All the rest of his family (grandmother, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.) still live there so I have had firsthand knowledge of what it is like living under a "social utopia". Let me tell you, it does not exist. There is no real democracy in Western Europe. The press is not free, they have to adhere to the strict regulatory dictates of a Brussels hellbent on p0litical correctness. But putting that all aside, no European government has been able to sustain the exuberant costs of a nanny state, PERIOD. The propped up failed economic system will always collapse. Add on to that the Muslim takeover of much of European big cities, and you have a prescription for not only economic and political collapse but European cultural death. Used to be that people fled Europe to come to the US to seek liberty, now the people in the US will need to seek liberty someplace else unless the voters in this country take their country back from misguided liberals.
Melvin| 3.24.10 @ 9:14AM
J.D.... We freedom loving people have no place left to run to.
Always remember this. We Americans are a unique and special people, we have achieved much in our short time. Have we made mistakes, absolutely and we have admitted and corrected those mistakes.
But the good that we have brought to the world far outweighs anything that the, "New Communism" that Obama is attempting to force upon us.
Americans are not Europeans nor will we ever return to that horrid and oppressive society.
Americans will rise up as we always have and defeat this, "New Communism" for once and for all.
Curly Smith| 3.24.10 @ 9:01AM
It would be easier to believe that "there are huge differences between the parties" if the Republicans acted like they believed it. All we can really say is that "there are huge differences in the party platforms".
I had the distinct impression during the election that McCain didn't really think it mattered who won. Whether he or his "good friend" Obama became President was largely irrelevant because they were of a like mind in governing the country. McCain never campaigned to win, to him it was a Junior High School Debate with no lasting consequences.
The Republicans behave like they and the Democrats are the "Party of Washington". That's D.C., not George. George Washington wouldn't claim either party, he'd recognize both parties as Tories.
Ken (Old Texicn)| 3.24.10 @ 9:42AM
Melvin,
Well conceptualized.
Curly, just can't seem to get off the bitch and moan bicycle.
This is NOT a fifty yard sprint, folks. This is going to be if not a marathon, then at least a mile long stride.
Wild crazy stunts ain't gonna get the job done either. Like Senator Demint says in his new book, It took us many years of inattention to get in this deep mess, and we are going to have to "uncoil" it one step at a time on a broad front.
Settle in with gritted teeth, and a high simmer.
Let's start a sustainable stride. Remember, SS is in deep trouble, as is Medicare. Those chickens will cross our road very soon.
Melvin| 3.24.10 @ 11:20AM
Thank you and good morning Ken,
? Would Obama Care ultimately absorb Medicare along with it's current funding and losses in the short term to cover up the unsustainability of Medicare?
It would be easier to cover up the losses and raise taxes with DemCare than it would if Medicare was funded under Medicare.
SS on the other hand is a whole new issue as you have noted, but my opinion is with those that are appointed to the Deficit Reduction Commission will in the short term recommend a value added tax (National Sales Tax) that could be used for shoring up SS and eventually Americans will be forced to hand over to the government their individual retirement accounts, such as 401k's to the government to be placed into a National retirement system that would asborb SS along with its funding and losses.
Argentina's Christine Kirchner has done this, but the jury is still out on whether or not by her doing this acutally had any benefit or by her doing this only staved off a default by Argentina.
Because here in the US, three trillion dollar sits in individual retirement accounts, that the government is just salivating over.
dcc| 3.24.10 @ 10:30AM
Both parties treat my taxes like monopoly money and have little regard for issues I consider important, so yeah there is no difference between the republicans and democrats.
Billions wasted on unnecssary health care or billions wasted on unnecessary military. Subsidies for the poor or the rich. On April 15th I can't tell the difference.
Ken (Old Texican)| 3.24.10 @ 11:25AM
dcc
You had best LEARN the difference, knothead, and pretty quickly. Get off your dead butt, and get busy, educating yourself, and then others.
I would lay a hundred dollars on a bet that you didn't even vote in 2006 or 2008.
At least slink down to the polling booth and vote an R ticket, coward.
Curly Smith| 3.24.10 @ 12:02PM
Ken,
I'd rather ride my gripe and moan cycle than join the Polly Anna Parade and sweep the Dems out of power simply to get more of the same-old, same-old GOP. Shouldn't we be demanding that the leadership who presided over the last 15 years of stupidity tell us what, exactly, they'll do differently this time? If you're satisfied with "a journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step" platitudes then go rest easy on your comfy chair. You're set, the GOP Leadership has delivered your salvation.
As for me, I believe that people live up, or down, to your expectations. I haven't expected much from the GOP in the past and they fully met my low expectations. I'm not happy with the result. I now have high expectations... if the GOP can't meet them then they're utterly useless to me. It does me, or the country, no good if the GOP advances the Democratic Agenda a bit slower than the Democrats would. I don't want their agenda advanced at all.
The GOP has a winning issue in opposing ObamaCare. It represents a once in a generation opportunity for an ideological battle against socialism. But simply opposing ObamaCare is pointless if the GOP intends to replace it with ObamaCare-lite. If you listen to the GOP, their opposition consists of "we like a lot of the bill but it goes too far". I'm sorry but that's not good enough for me. There are no good parts of the bill. The problem with health care, the economy, and pretty much everything else is government intervention. Unless the GOP is willing to stand up and honestly repeat what Reagan said "Government is the problem" and then actively work to reduce the size, scope and reach of government, and not merely to slow the rate of increase, then there's is futile to support them. If you support the "Party of Washington" you just get more Washington DC.
You're evidently fine with a 30-year discussion while you enjoy your comfy chair but I'm not resting easily.
Ken (Old Texican)| 3.24.10 @ 12:24PM
Curly,
Now you are cooking with gas! Welcome aboard.
As you may have noted, I have painted a big fat target on my back at TEAM America.
( http://judgeroy.wordpress.com )
That is our gateway site to our agenda.
We are not polly Anna...quite the contrary. We feel our backs are to the wall.
(I gotta' chase a rabbit now. Please forgive the digression.)
For twenty years as CEO of a couple of very large companies involved in project start-ups in the world's armpits, I found that one of my most important jobs was simply "dropping in" on our teams in the field, putting on my khakis and boots and hard hat, and saying "thank you for your unbelievable competence in an impossible situation".
Then, around a camp fire or poker table, finding out what more we could do to support them.
Our congress citters do respond well to an "attaboy" instead of griping and :"low expectations".
Welcome aboard. Over and out.
We work our butts off every single day changing the Repub Party. We really do.
RAMIII| 3.24.10 @ 1:39PM
Ken,
Thanks for your vigilance -- it gives one hope that the Republicans can and will lead again as was in clear evidence with one Ronald Reagan, the greatest President of the USA in modern history.
I have no rosy visions of the future, but for the sake of our great country and my children and their (future) kids I am in the fight for right.
Let's expose those whose motivations are suspect and prevent the "establishment" GOP from locking us "we the people" out.
Curly Smith| 3.24.10 @ 2:48PM
Before you toss around your "attaboys" you should make sure that you're not doing the equivalent of complementing Capt. Smith on his spiffy new uniform and the efficiency of his engine crew when a course correction is urgently needed. To save you googling, Edward Smith captained the Titanic.
I've seen nothing from the GOP Leadership to suggest that they recognize they're sailing in iceberg laden waters. I've seen nothing from them that says "disaster looms". The national arguments on health care surround implementation rather than the proper role of government. To be sure, that's not the case in several states or with several members of Congress but there is a decided lack of conservative leadership at the national level.
Pingback| 3.24.10 @ 12:45PM
The American Spectator : Vive La Différence! Direct Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
David| 3.24.10 @ 12:50PM
Why don't the states that allow registered dems to vote in republican primaries change the law?
Curly Smith, right on!
The dems always go for the whole ball of wax on an issue, and when the repubs keep them to getting only 10% of it, they cheer like they have won a big victory. The repubs don't seem to understand that 10% here and 15% there adds up to big progress for the leftist/socialist agenda. And certainly people like both Bushes and the McCain types don't help.
Jon B| 3.24.10 @ 2:11PM
I'll never forget that both parties fought against effective health care all along, mostly Republicans. This is the end result, a bill the HMO's love, but with a few concessions to the people. America, the best democracy our Corporations can afford.
Nick| 3.24.10 @ 4:03PM
Pay no attention to Jon B, folks.
He peddles lies and marxist propaganda. Oops! Redundant.
Like the lie that President Reagan gave the Soviets $425 billion.
After 3 days of trying to belittle those of us who called him out on his lie, he finally admitted his fabrication.
Although, he then claimed it was a mistake That it was actually $425 million, but he offered no source. Just his deeply flawed memories.
He is not worthy of your time.
Pingback| 3.24.10 @ 4:21PM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Vive La Différence! [spectator.org] links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Bill in Texas| 3.24.10 @ 4:45PM
How many remember the welfare reform that was thrust forward repeatedly to Clinton, rejected, re-submitted and finally accepted when the conservative republicans wouldn't accept NO...we, the conservative wing of the republican party can and will elect conservative leaders the likes of Gingrich next Nov. 2, 2010. There are times when "Yes we can" is a positive, conservative good for this country, The "UNITED" States of America...now is that time. We didn't get the Contract with America by staying home whinning about how tough it will be.....Ken, a fine site you have there....sign me up, I'll be there too!
Steve| 3.24.10 @ 6:15PM
You know I'm really curious as to how many people that have posted here, or have read this article, are actually participating in their State and local Republican Party Committees ?????
From what I understand most of these committees nationwide are understaffed, sometimes only a few people with limited time and resources. Just think what you could accomplish with more people and more resources.
No more RINOS and MODERATES lying or bribing their way to a candidacy!!!!! If you want quality conservative candidates then you have to participate in the hunt for them. You have to get to know the people who want to run for your local or state offices. And you have to find out if he's lying or telling the truth about being conservative. If you're not then you're letting those you don't like represent you with their own agenda in mind not yours!!!!! If you don't have time to participate then try to find someone in your district who has been there forever and knows everybody and has the time.
I.E. older and wiser folks!!!!!!
dund| 3.24.10 @ 10:12PM
No more RINOS and MODERATES lying or bribing their way to a candidacy!!!!! If you want quality conservative candidates then you have to participate in the hunt for them. You have to get to know the people who want to run for your local or state offices. And you have to find out if he's lying or telling the truth about being conservative.
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Pingback| 3.25.10 @ 3:43AM
The American Spectator : Vive La Différence! | Self Directed Investor News links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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