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Get Rid of the Republican Establishment, Once and for All (The author has a point)
Townhall.com ^ | December 27, 2012 | Matt Towery

Posted on 12/27/2012 6:44:48 AM PST by Kaslin

Here's a New Year's wish I would love to see come true. However it is defined or however many people are part of it, it is time to send the giant never-ending "GOP Establishment" made up of some professional politicians, some moneyed nouveaux riche who -- by virtue of their contributions and the faux friendships it buys with politicians -- consider themselves political landed gentry and the endless scam artist consultants they support packing.

As previously stated, I thought Mitt Romney to be a better candidate than did many observers. That said, the recent revelations in news articles that claim to chronicle the Romney campaign reinforce the idea that the "silk underwear" branch of the GOP just doesn't get it.

The emerging story of a candidate who really didn't want to run in the first place and consultants who never listened to pleas from his own family to humanize the man so that everyday people could "feel like he understands them" just makes conservatives and the GOP faithful sick. They once again spent their hard-earned money and endless time backing another Republican nominee who had no prayer of connecting with the average voter. Never mind that he was, at closer examination, a young man of privilege who outgrew his silver spoon to create his own hard-earned fortune, his case was never properly made.

And why is that? The answer is the current class of Republican "experts" and "consultants" who constantly blow into somewhere outside of their self-indulgent D.C. bubble and believe that they really do understand the "average American" in the 21st century. They do not.

Same for the well-entrenched elected officials, many of whom have gone from scrappy challengers of the status quo to fat and happy potentates. The so-called "experts" just sell any sort of snake oil a candidate or elected official and his loyal leeches will swallow. Hence, terrible focus-group-driven commercials, poor strategy in message and a "get out the vote" effort about as technologically advanced as the telegraph and with all the planning for contingencies as the Hurricane Katrina emergency efforts.

Until Republicans get rid of the inherent haughtiness of their operations, nothing will change. I've always described the GOP Establishment as a bunch who will hold a fundraiser, say, with an incumbent Republican president (don't hold your breath for that again anytime soon) or a nominee, or a governor's inauguration -- you name it -- with one unmentioned thing in mind: themselves. They inevitably make the event like one of those toys with endless boxes within boxes, each smaller than the one before it. That's how they do their big "fundraisers." There's the massive box, holding the masses -- where from the distance of a football field one might catch a fleeting glimpse or hear a bit of a speech or event.

From there on, the boxes get smaller and smaller -- and more elaborate. One huge amount gets you into a private reception; the next more expensive one warrants a 10 second photograph with the political star; then there's the price-busting one that gets you a 30 person private audience -- in which every dupe there fails to note that the leader of the free world or the top person in their state listens, speaks, leaves and likely forgets the whole thing five minutes later.

Oh, and then there is that last box. It's reserved for the same snooty creatures who have run everything in their subdivision of the GOP forever. They often are there because they helped take everyone else's money! But regardless, they are there, in the most private of rooms with the highest of public leaders, just hanging out. They are a small, cozy group -- the elite of the elite. Sort of like today's Republican Party -- a small, cozy group.

If I have to read one more story about some Republican official's great golf handicap or how much they all enjoy the private company of one another, I think I'll be sick.

Republicans need to retool their image and their mindset. Just shed all the king's trappings and some of the king's men. Keep the hardworking and in-touch ones, bring in fresh faces, understand the mindset of the next generation, but more than anything articulate what they stand for and, damn it, stand for it.

A little fire in the belly and purpose for being elected and holding office in the first place could at least start to get the GOP turned around before it really is too late.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Politics/Elections
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1 posted on 12/27/2012 6:44:53 AM PST by Kaslin
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To: Kaslin

!


2 posted on 12/27/2012 6:55:49 AM PST by rdb3 (We're all going to get what only some of us deserve...)
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To: Kaslin
Iowahawk truly defined these country club VanVorhees elites of the GOP-E ... back in October, 2008.
3 posted on 12/27/2012 6:58:03 AM PST by Servant of the Cross (the Truth will set you free)
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To: Kaslin

They’d better do something.

I have changed from “Repub” to “Independent” due to the almost unimaginable ineptness displayed by the dolts currently steering the party.

I am a conservative.

I am NOT a Republican.


4 posted on 12/27/2012 7:01:46 AM PST by Da Coyote
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To: Kaslin

Is “Reince” (???) Prebus still in his job? Aren’t losing coaches usually fired?

The GOP bureacracy has becomme just as bad as a government bureacracy. The cream no longer floats to the top- only the once who know how to position themselves for promotion (their ONLY skill, apparently)


5 posted on 12/27/2012 7:02:55 AM PST by Mr. K (There are lies, dammed lies, statistics, and democrap talking points.)
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To: Kaslin
"A little fire in the belly and purpose for being elected and holding office in the first place could at least start to get the GOP turned around before it really is too late."

(Buzzer Sound) Sorry gang, you're too late!

6 posted on 12/27/2012 7:02:58 AM PST by ImpBill ("America, where are you now?" - Little "r" republican!)
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To: Kaslin

Wake me up when the GOP establishment is serious about wanting my vote again.

They thought they could win without us ABMR folks, hopefully they’ll learn next time around.

But if the article is right and they are just that cluelessly stupid about basic politics, then the right thing to do is to withhold your support from the GOP. NO votes, NO money, NO volunteering, NO NOTHING. Let it burn, let it die.

They’ll either get smart real quick or we can rebuild. Either is a positive change.

I see no evidence of get smart option yet, but too many conservatives have yet to abandon the GOP, and that must happen first.


7 posted on 12/27/2012 7:05:16 AM PST by delapaz
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To: Servant of the Cross
From the article in your link

Even Peggy Noonan -- the Grand Dame of Gipperism -- has succumbed to Obama's undeniable conservative charms.

Barf, that arrogant pos having conservative charm. I wonder what she had been drinking when she wrote that?

8 posted on 12/27/2012 7:07:39 AM PST by Kaslin (He needed the ignorant to reelect him, and he got them.)
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To: Kaslin

Getting rid of their lifetime pensions, health insurance and perks would go a long way.


9 posted on 12/27/2012 7:08:18 AM PST by logitech (Who's here so vile, that will not love his country? If any speak, for him I have offended)
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To: Mr. K
According to Wikipedia Reince is actually his middle name. His full name is Reinhold Reince Priebus

Source

10 posted on 12/27/2012 7:12:44 AM PST by Kaslin (He needed the ignorant to reelect him, and he got them.)
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To: Kaslin
They once again spent their hard-earned money and endless time backing another Republican nominee who had no prayer of connecting with the average voter.

This is pandemic throughout the GOP. I don't hear anyone in the entire Party bringing up the biggest problem we face today - continued deficit spending. I firmly believe that any Republican today who votes for increasing our deficit ceiling should be put on trial for treason.

btw, I am a big Matt Towery fan. When he ran for Lt. Gov. of Georgia, he told it like it was. He is a man of integrity.

11 posted on 12/27/2012 7:13:31 AM PST by Hoodat ("As for God, His way is perfect" - Psalm 18:30)
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To: Kaslin
Keep the hardworking and in-touch ones, bring in fresh faces, understand the mindset of the next generation, but more than anything articulate what they stand for and, damn it, stand for it.

___

Another analysis full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

Just like the Gingrich screed to the RNC of the other day, this writer calls for fundamental change without noting what type of change is needed. Gingrich never used the word "conservatism" in his brief to the RNC, and I don't see it used here either. So "articulating what they stand for" is to espouse policies that do not excite the party base. The Republican Party will NEVER win another national election without winning over its own base.

I see praise for Romney in this article in an attempt to build some sort of "reluctant hero" status for him, without noting that his known governing record was anathema to many of us.

Unless and until the Republican Party admits that it needs to move solidly and firmly to the right to present a real alternative to the Marxists who presently rule this nation, it will go NOWHERE. Plaudits and flowery words aside, this is a battle of philosophy.

12 posted on 12/27/2012 7:14:21 AM PST by Colonel_Flagg ("Don't be afraid to see what you see." -- Ronald Reagan)
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To: Kaslin
These repeated inane criticisms of the "establishment" without specific recommendations of how to fix the problem are getting old.

Anyone can sit an point fingers but it's time to make specific recommendations. If I were running for office, I would want someone helping me who has a history of WINNING!! The market should take care of this problem. Maybe we just don't have to worry about these losers, who is going to rehire them?

Something else that is missing from all these criticisms is the acknowledging the status of the American people. My opinion has become that we now have a nation of takers feeling entitled to the produce of others. Now, let's get real and look at the big picture instead of repeatedly focusing on the evil establishment", as though they are the complete picture.

13 posted on 12/27/2012 7:17:05 AM PST by Conservativegreatgrandma
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To: Mr. K
I gotta tell you this: Reince Prebus was behind / helped in a big way, electing Gov. Scott Walker, Sen. Ron Johnson who beat wretched Feingold. He assisted and led the Wisconsin GOP here to get rid of Diamond Jim Doyle (former Dem Governor) and ushered in a complete GOP Assembly and Senate in WI.

When he went to DC, I was hoping to see the same from him there. My guess is that he was told to stand in the corner and look nice. End of story. Yes - he was 100% better than Steele but I'll bet his hands were tied.

We have a lot of respect for him here, but we all agree that once in DC - he was overwhelmed by the GOPe. I and so many like minded friends and relatives are sick to our stomachs at the massive loss we took in 12. Massive voter fraud and the GOP says nothing. Spending that just won't quit, government exploding, EPA totally out of control and the GOPe in Congress refuses to lift a finger to stop it.

Stop spending. End of story. House should cut off the purse strings. WHO would allow the EPA to make their own laws? Our congress! GOPe House sits by and does nothing. Sickening beyond belief. End of rant for now.

14 posted on 12/27/2012 7:18:44 AM PST by WaterWeWaitinFor (This great nation has chosen socialism over freedom and our constitution. How sad.)
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To: Kaslin

What? Obama has “conservative charm”? This is nuts. The whole article is worthless.


15 posted on 12/27/2012 7:19:58 AM PST by Conservativegreatgrandma
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To: Colonel_Flagg
Another analysis full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

Exactly what I said. This article only takes space. It's time to start getting specific.

16 posted on 12/27/2012 7:22:12 AM PST by Conservativegreatgrandma
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To: Conservativegreatgrandma; Kaslin

The whole article was satire ... of the Republican Establishment. Too close to truth I guess.


17 posted on 12/27/2012 7:23:28 AM PST by Servant of the Cross (the Truth will set you free)
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To: Mr. K

I think he changed his name to “Rinsed Privious”!!!

I can;t stand these RINO elitists.

We need to flush them out or replace the whole damn party.


18 posted on 12/27/2012 7:24:15 AM PST by ZULU (See video: http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-first-siege-of-vienna.html)
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To: Conservativegreatgrandma
“Now, let's get real and look at the big picture instead of repeatedly focusing on the evil establishment”, as though they are the complete picture.”

I totally agree. I would like to seem some backbone / guts / passion like this: Grab a microphone, call a new conference, gather some CONSERVATIVE reps/senators and read off a list of garbage that the congress has funded, is planning on funding and begin to uncover the mess that is in DC. IE, Hurricane Sandy $60 billion is piled with perks for Alaska, DC etc. Why is NASA now a Muslim outreach? Follow the money. John Kerry for SoS? He purgered himself years ago to congress when he lied about Vietnam. TELL the country. You get my drift and it would be an endless list.

The conservatives are being pummelled by the Dems, the Press, vilified by the liar in Chief. And worse yet, when a conservative DOES stand up and shout the truth, people like McCain, Boehner, McConnel all pounce on them. Dems sit back and laugh. We need to take control. Write letters to the editors, elect GOP governors (been successful in that arena) stand up for STATES RIGHTS, stop allowing the Federal Government to overpower the states. Remind the lefty whackos that if they don't like it in the USA MOVE to a country that HAS gun control, that HAS free health care, that HAS socialized redistribution of wealth, Cradle to Grave Gubt care. LEAVE this great nation alone.

19 posted on 12/27/2012 7:31:53 AM PST by WaterWeWaitinFor (This great nation has chosen socialism over freedom and our constitution. How sad.)
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To: Kaslin
"Establishment" Republicans should be pushed, pressed, threatened, and made to understand that votes and pocketbooks will not be forthcoming unless the Party leadership pledges renewed adherence to the principles of America's Constitution.

In 1776 and 1787, a new nation set its course by recognition of Divine Providence, Creator-endowed life, liberty, and rights, and a form of strictly-limited self-government under a written Constitution to protect themselves and their property.

That formula worked for over 200 years to secure freedom for oppressed people from all over the earth who fled the same kind of coercive, top-down rule by imperfect persons in government that is being imposed by both Parties in Washington today!

The arrogant, big government, "we-know-what's-best-for-you" atmosphere in Washington must be stopped if our grandchildren and great-grandchildren are to enjoy anything but rank slavery. It will not be stopped by a leader who is incapable of quickly recalling and articulating the foundation ideas of the Founders' formula.

Promises to do this and that, fast talk, and bashing the opponent are not going to relight the torch of freedom and restart the engine of opportunity and prosperity, nor are they going to inspire youth to dream great dreams and to be passionate about liberty for themselves and their posterity.

American youth need an intellectual giant whose ideas come from behind his eyeballs, not from a teleprompter in front of them. They need an inspirational leader whose passion for liberty is greater than his ego and self-perceived "achievements."

Those "patriot dreams" are not just words in a song. They were lived out by men who lost their fortunes, their families, and their own health and lives--just for us!

"Posterity: you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." - John Quincy Adams

"The people have almost always expected to be served gratis, and to be paid for the honour of serving them; and their applauses and adorations are bestowed too often on artifices and tricks, on hypocrisy and superstition, on flattery, bribes, and largesses. It is no wonder then that democracies and democratical mixtures are annihilated all over Europe. . . . The people in America have now the best opportunity, and the greatest trust, in their hands, that Providence ever committed to so small a number, since the transgression of the first pair: if they betray their trust, their guilt will merit even greater punishment than other nations have suffered, and the indignation of heaven." - John Adams, January, 1787

Liberty, under the Founders' Constitution, as others have stated, depends upon a virtuous and knowledgeable citizenry.

John Adams stated:"The foundation of every government is some principle or passion in the minds of the People."

The Founders' principle was LIBERTY. The virtue among the people often referenced by the Founders was linked to this love of liberty referenced by John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court:

"Let virtue, honor, the love of liberty . . . be the soul of this constitution, and it will become he source of great and extensive happiness to this and future generations. Vice, ignorance and want of vigilance, will be the only enemies able to destroy it."(Quoted in "Our Ageless Constitution" Essay entitled, "Virtue Among the People" available here

Rediscovering and understanding the principles which made the American Constitution a protection for liberty may be the most important task of our day, and time is running out. The "enemies" already have censored these principles from the nation's textbooks and much of our public discourse.

If every person on this thread and every person involved in the TEA Party movement would commit himself/herself to understanding and then sharing the ideas of liberty with at least 3 people, what a difference that might make! Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny," Schweikart's "A Patriot's History of the U. S.," and Stedman and Lewis's "Our Ageless Constitution" lay out these principles in easy-to-understand language and are an excellent means by which our own "dumbed-down" generations can be exposed to the truly revolutionary principles by which our liberty was obtained.

20 posted on 12/27/2012 7:33:06 AM PST by loveliberty2 ( -)
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