(Photo from the Ronald Reagan Library)
Arlen Specter's defection to the Democratic party has added to the growing concerns about the future of the Republican Party. While Specter's move was more about self-preservation and less about the nature of the Republican Party, the question still must be asked: Which way is the party heading: towards tolerant inclusiveness or a purge of those deemed Republicans-in-name-only (RINOs)?
I have identified myself as a conservative, a Libertarian, and a Republican. In our current two-party system, if you don't fit into the mold of one particular party, you worry that your voice won't be heard. Most people have an issue that is close to their hearts and mine is limited government. I can compromise on many things, but the expansion of government under the Bush administration was something I found frustrating and harmful to conservative ideals. I still voted for Bush in 2004 because I felt Kerry was too weak on national defense. I supported Ron Paul in 2008. I knew there was no chance that he'd get the nomination. I voted for McCain with many trepidations. I am one of the moderates that Olympia Snowe thinks the Republican Party is driving away.
The question now is, will the Republican party embrace the moderates or push them away to their own detriment? I have to agree with Rick Moran's article on PJTV that opines that purifying the party is harmful and embracing moderates is the only way the Republican Party can survive. A purified party is unified by it's ideals, but too small to garner a majority vote. Purity equals extinction.
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5 comments:
Excellent article!
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Aye, that was me again.
Rick Beagle
PS The linked posts were excellent as well, thank you for the well reasoned and thoughtful post.
Will the Republican Party embrace the Moderates? Are you kidding, counselor?? The Republican Party is nothing but linguine spine get-along-go-along, stand-for-nothing but-caving-to-the Left Moderates! The Republican Party needs to redevelop its core principles which distinguish it from the Left-lovin Dems and the pablum of the liberal capitalists who call themselves moderates. Moderates will lean either way, by definition, depending on the personality cult du jour. It's principles that matter and right now the Republicans still allow themselves to be identified with the king of Moderates - John McCain and the ever-equivocating Michael Steele.
You know your thesis is contrarian to SGP when Rick Beagle, the guy whose paycheck is signed by George Soros, praises it.
Right4US,
Three things come to mind:
1) I never said I agree with the article, but since you brought it up, I do.
2) I am not paid by aGeorge Soros, or anyone associated with any of his organizations. And just so we are clear, I am not paid at all to comment here or anywhere.
3) Rush recently suggested that Gen. Powell become a Democrat. That "pill popping never served a day in his life" is suggesting that a bonafide hero and respected man (on both sides of the spectrum) should be kicked out of the party.
Yikes! This article is dead on accurate, and if you and your ilk have no room for people like this, the Democrats or Independents would love to have their voice.
Seriously moderates, check out the Democratic platform and help us move forward. We sure as heck aren't perfect, but with voices like Gen. Powell and yours - well we could get a lot closer to perfection!
Welcome!!!!!
Rick Beagle
Me and "my ilk" would be thrilled if Colin Powell joined his comrade, Arlen Specter, in the club with which he is already aligned.
Colin Powell is no hero. He cut and ran in Iraq. He was a dolt as SoS. He left Scooter Libby holding the bag that was not his when he, Powell, and Richard Armitage, were the ones who popped the name of CIA employee, Valerie Flaming liar, who was well out in the open and not eligible for the protections afforded operatives. (Remember, there was no underlying crime, just another Chicago lawyer taking tax dollars to spin his wheels trying to cook up something against the Bush admin.)
Colin Powell supported B. Hussein for one reason and that is what all Libs do - they classify people by the origin of their ancestors. He had a perfectly acceptable "moderate" in J. McCain.
Frankly, dog, take all the moderates you want. They stand for nothing.
I would far rather have Rush Limbaugh, who took pain pills for his back, than your guy, B. Hussein, the coke head, making policy in my country.
I will get on now with my contribution to the GDP. You can MoveOn.
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