Posted on 01/05/2006 6:18:00 AM PST by Theodore R.
Judgment day for Republicans
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted: January 5, 2006 1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the "Republican Revolution."
It will also herald a judgment day for the GOP.
Republicans in Congress have several factors working against them:
Despite having control, at least in theory, of all three branches of the federal government since 2001, it is difficult to perceive any significant positive change of course for the nation. Spending is way up – even if you don't consider the expenses of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly five years after America was the target of a devastating, unthinkable terrorist attack, the borders remain unsecured.
A major scandal that touches the president and many members of Congress – including the Republican leadership – is unfolding in Washington. Though lobbyist Jack Abramoff bought favors from both Democrats and Republicans, it is clear that, when the smoke clears, the party in power will pay a much higher political price.
According to a new poll, about half of Americans believe – correctly – that most members of Congress are corrupt.
These factors, and others, lead me to believe Republicans will be punished badly in this year's mid-term elections – worse than anyone now imagines.
Somehow Republicans have managed to squander every advantage they had a dozen years ago as "mavericks" who were going to make government more accountable to the people, less corrupt, responsive to the rule of law, more moral.
It hasn't happened. That's obvious to one and all – even the most hopeful of us. The Republican Party is clearly part of the problem. A significant portion of the GOP base now recognizes, rightly, that no fundamental change in the direction of the country will occur because of the election of Republicans to office – even if they occupied every single seat in the House, Senate, Supreme Court and the White House.
"Republican" no longer connotes smaller government, more freedom, less intrusion in our personal lives and a more vibrant economy as it did after eight years of Ronald Reagan. "Republican" today more likely connotes – even for those who tend to vote for the party – incompetence, corruption, compromise, betrayal.
None of this, of course, is to excuse or rationalize the Democratic Party as a viable alternative. That would be like rejecting the frying pan for the fire.
But, nevertheless, think what will happen on Election Day when 2 to 3 percent of the previously most passionate "Republicans" stay home. Think of what it will mean when 20 to 30 percent of the grass-roots activists Republicans have counted on to work for them don't show up this year.
That's what I expect to happen in 2006.
I expect the Democrats to make tremendous gains in the House and Senate by default – simply because the Republicans have blown it over the last 12 years.
They have squandered the greatest historic opportunity to rein in unconstitutional government in Washington since the War Between the States.
They may be finished for another generation as a majority party. If it doesn't happen in 2006, it will surely happen in 2008, because the party leadership shows no signs of "getting it." They have put personality above principle – and there is no chance of going back.
There are no Ronald Reagans waiting in the wings. Instead, the leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 are Sen. John McCain and Rudy Giuliani. Neither holds a candle to the legacy and values of Reagan.
But there is a silver lining under this dark cloud.
Maybe Americans will understand there is no national salvation to be found in one political party or the other. Maybe they will begin to understand that we are not supposed to be a people ruled by elitists in Washington. Maybe we will start acting like the self-governing people we are supposed to be. Maybe we will start taking charge of our own lives again instead of looking to Washington to solve our problems.
Maybe 2006 will be the year we begin "Taking America Back."
If the Republicans allow themselves to be painted into a corner on this one, it will be the Politics of SELF-destruction rather than the Politics of Personal destruction. If they don't come out screaming and hollering and making people understand that there are four fingers pointing back at every finger-pointer, well, then there is no hope for them anyway.
We can't afford to send the republicans back to the hinterlands to concentrate their minds like we've done before because there is no guarantee we are going to win the war on terror, and there is no guarantee we are going to win the culture war. Clinton almost got us all killed, and things are much more critical now. Coming to a head, in fact, in terms of Iran, the palesites, Israel, and the middle east in general.
bookmarked
freepmail
Almost as good as "The Sparring With The Infidels" every year before Christmas. Happy Hogmanay, btw.
You know you have made a significant point and that is one of the biggest mysteries that has taken place in the last five years. Why has President Bush not used the VETO pen? I am really astonished everytime I think he is going to use it and he just signs on the dotted line.
It could not be that he want to be known as the President never to VETO in eight years. Do you think?
A candidate for President? The problem is none of them will talk about it until after this November. You can be sure that they are all behind the scenes trying to raise money though. This is the quiet, unreported time that often decides the presidency years in advance. The Sucking Up To Rich People time.
I'm toast then...LOL. Some of my posts have been criticized. Yieks.
I hope not.
The way I see it, this pattern of corruption, which defines politics at the federal and probably state level, goes far beyond this abramoff guy.
I suspect we will see quite a few more "lobbyists" exposed for their bribery of our elected elite.
Why would any president find it an accomplishment to have round heels when it comes to vetoing legislation? It makes no sense to me, and I'm starting to think when things happen in Washington that make no sense, somebody is either being blackmailed or is on the take.
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Sorry Joe but this is far from a Republican problem:
Not just a GOP problem....(posted by mystery-ak http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1551333/posts?page=13#13)
>>>>>
Where is the actual source for this other than FREE REPUBLIC ?
After all these years of Bentsen and then Chris Bell, it's like a cool drink of water having Culberson in there exposing what's happening at the border.
You know actually I am glad that you mentioned that because then their definitely be hope for us after all after they get finished sucking up of course.
I hope that is not the case. It might be a mystery that is never solved.
I have no clue. W's not vetoing the No Child Left Behind and the Prescription Drug bills really disappointed me.
Oh, maybe not as good, but what is lacking in quality is made up in volume!
Happy Hogmanay, btw.
And to you (I had to look it up). We do that on various days of the year in these parts - in fact, today might be a good day for such an intra-neighborhood trek. We're getting a nice light snowfall which makes all look clean, the sounds are muted and the days are getting longer. Yep - good day to celebrate.
You and me both.
But darnitol, contributing to the ruckus sure is entertaining and fun.
The Republican Party is lazy, greedy, corrupt and incompetent; it needs to go the way of the Whigs.
"Worked so well with Congress, there was never a veto."
Being distinguished with a record than can NEVER be bettered.
Implemented a new expectation relating to "the tone" of government.
Eliminated substantial difference of opinion, most successful at forging compromise solutions.
Got that right...LOL.
I don't think the Republicans are going to be the big losers this author thinks they will be. I think the Dems are going to save the day for us. LOL
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