Sunday, November 16, 2008
REPUBLICANS IN DISARRAY
The republican party appears to be in disarray. They do not recognize any single leader or leadership set, nor do they now subscribe to any common ideology or set of interests. It is doubtful that their last platform represents any unanimity of thinking.
They are without positive, intelligent leaders with integrity on issues and positions.
They are arguing amongst themselves as to the causes of their recent defeat, and they are arguing about the true character and the future of their party. There are many voices of dissonance, but no chorus.
Candidate McCain is no longer their leader, if indeed he ever was. His misbegotten choice of a vice president has been nothing but trouble for the party, and promises to be more trouble in the future.
Palin’s futile attempts to take over as the leader and spokesperson for the party would be amusing, if the prospect were not so terrifying. With her actions and her voice, she continues to raise her negatives within the party, as well as with the rest of the country.
Some republicans say that it is time to cast off the control ropes of the militant right wing fundamentalists. It is way past time, of course, but it is doubtful that the party will give up that dependable base. All they have to do is float some red herring issue about gay marriage, Muslims, God on the coins, God in the courthouse, or God in the pledge, and the gullible fundamentalist church groups all dash to the polls to vote republican.
There is a place in a democracy for traditional conservative views and values. They sometimes slow the pace of change, or they may shorten the arc of the pendulum as it swings back and forth in acceptability of mores in society or styles of governance. Divisiveness is not a positive contribution.
There is no place in an ethical democracy for the kind of negative, personal attack campaign as just waged by republicans. There is no place for the “swift-boat” tactics of lies and distortions. And, there is no place for the lies and distortions of dirty e-mail rumors and allegations.
There is no place for “socialist” name-calling, and certainly the McCarthy era of “guilt by association” should have been long since gone, never to be resurrected. Palin and some republicans still want to pursue these discredited forms of accusation and innuendo.
Conservatives must get beyond their role as obstructionists to addressing needed progress. They must also rise above their “old oaken bucket” delusion that everything in the far past was better.
Their agenda needs to include positive steps forward, not merely the tearing down of past progressive social programs, such as the misguided efforts at Social Security privatization under the guise of reform. Privatizing Medicare through costly commercial subsidies is another example.
Republicans really need some positive programs for improvement and change. Tax cutting is not a positive program. Certain versions of tax reform might be positive, however, if not biased again toward business or the wealthy. Ending corporate welfare to special interests, and getting lobbyists under control could be positive.
Stopping earmarks would be a good move, if worthy projects could be properly screened in public view and put into public works or infrastructure bills. These should be based upon needs rather than special interests.
Civility needs to be brought back into political discourse. This applies to all sides of the issues and all parties. All of us are guilty, perhaps some more than others.
Regrettably, the shrill voices of hostility and hate are raised far too often. It is too bad that such voices tend to capture attention – and a followership.
Dr. Edwin E. Vineyard, AKA The Militant Moderate
They are without positive, intelligent leaders with integrity on issues and positions.
They are arguing amongst themselves as to the causes of their recent defeat, and they are arguing about the true character and the future of their party. There are many voices of dissonance, but no chorus.
Candidate McCain is no longer their leader, if indeed he ever was. His misbegotten choice of a vice president has been nothing but trouble for the party, and promises to be more trouble in the future.
Palin’s futile attempts to take over as the leader and spokesperson for the party would be amusing, if the prospect were not so terrifying. With her actions and her voice, she continues to raise her negatives within the party, as well as with the rest of the country.
Some republicans say that it is time to cast off the control ropes of the militant right wing fundamentalists. It is way past time, of course, but it is doubtful that the party will give up that dependable base. All they have to do is float some red herring issue about gay marriage, Muslims, God on the coins, God in the courthouse, or God in the pledge, and the gullible fundamentalist church groups all dash to the polls to vote republican.
There is a place in a democracy for traditional conservative views and values. They sometimes slow the pace of change, or they may shorten the arc of the pendulum as it swings back and forth in acceptability of mores in society or styles of governance. Divisiveness is not a positive contribution.
There is no place in an ethical democracy for the kind of negative, personal attack campaign as just waged by republicans. There is no place for the “swift-boat” tactics of lies and distortions. And, there is no place for the lies and distortions of dirty e-mail rumors and allegations.
There is no place for “socialist” name-calling, and certainly the McCarthy era of “guilt by association” should have been long since gone, never to be resurrected. Palin and some republicans still want to pursue these discredited forms of accusation and innuendo.
Conservatives must get beyond their role as obstructionists to addressing needed progress. They must also rise above their “old oaken bucket” delusion that everything in the far past was better.
Their agenda needs to include positive steps forward, not merely the tearing down of past progressive social programs, such as the misguided efforts at Social Security privatization under the guise of reform. Privatizing Medicare through costly commercial subsidies is another example.
Republicans really need some positive programs for improvement and change. Tax cutting is not a positive program. Certain versions of tax reform might be positive, however, if not biased again toward business or the wealthy. Ending corporate welfare to special interests, and getting lobbyists under control could be positive.
Stopping earmarks would be a good move, if worthy projects could be properly screened in public view and put into public works or infrastructure bills. These should be based upon needs rather than special interests.
Civility needs to be brought back into political discourse. This applies to all sides of the issues and all parties. All of us are guilty, perhaps some more than others.
Regrettably, the shrill voices of hostility and hate are raised far too often. It is too bad that such voices tend to capture attention – and a followership.
Dr. Edwin E. Vineyard, AKA The Militant Moderate
