We are in the midst of an election and only one of two coalitions will win. We are part of the right-wing coalition, or at least most of us are. The candidate leading this coalition has already been selected and it is George W. Bush... you either fight for our candidate, join the opposite side or just get the hell out of the way.
I would be very open about criticizing President Bush if this were last year or next year... but not now while we are fighting for an election.
Interesting to watch the tactics and strategy play out in congress.
The rats have been planning to bring wedge issues to the front burner for some three years now. the Pubs have countered and flanked them as the battle goes on.
I think we may see the unused veto pen used soon. I can predict at least that much.
I note that the gun issue is now ripening. That may be the first or second, depending on if they finish the highway bill.
This may be the red meat that is needed.
I hope so.
Otherwise, it will be a very long,emotionally draining election.
Nobody (that is sane) wants to see Kerry elected and Republicans criticizing Bush in order to keep him conservative will not elect Kerry.
Allowing Bush to drift to the left, guided by Rove et. al. will cause the base to fragment and allow somebody like Kerry to be elected.
It is OUR responsibility to reform the party from within. If we don't then we lose members and money to fringe parties that will NEVER be of consequence. And the Republican Party will turn back into the Country Club Set that it once was.
Bush, and his handlers, only understand one thing:
Brute political force, mainly in the form of supporters and/or money.