How did GOP right get it so wrong? (Dick Armey editorial)

Houston Chronicle ^ | 11-4-06 | Dick Armey

[AntiGuv]

I would say that it's certainly a conservative position to oppose same-sex marriage, but it's a questionable position to support the federal government making the decision for the states. That's ultimately the fundamental problem with the Republican Party in recent years: Abandoning the core State Rights principle that had guided conservatism since the founding of the Republic. Instead of the GOP using its control of government to devolve power back to the States, which was the central priority since the New Deal and the whole reason for the 1994 Republican Revolution, the GOP has expanded and intensified the centralization of power to the Federal government.

That's why Republicans will lose in two days. I don't say conservatives because conservatives have already been routed in Washington. The question is whether conservatism might be resurrected.

[petkus]

The DICK wants to get himself a job in the MSM just like Joe Scarborough!

THE DICK is a self promoter and does not care about helping the GOP OR CONSERVATIVES!

[1035rep]

Yep, President Bush and the GOP have accomplished a lot!

[DoughtyOne]

I'm not convinced the Republicans will lose. I am convinced that the races shouldn't even be close. If true conservatism had been implemented by Congress and the White House over the last six years we wouldn't be where we are today, with fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes crossed, hoping for a break on Tuesday.

Isn't it amazing how core principles become so crystal clear in the week before the election? It's the years after one, that I am disgruntled about.

[rottndog]

I agree with you BUT he is right to some extent. I only wish he had kept his BIG mouth SHUT until AFTER the election.

EXACTLY!!!

It's one thing to engage in Monday morning quarterbacking and offer a fair critique of the election results and what may or may not have led up to them. But to spout off like this BEFORE the election tells me ole' DICK may have some alterior motives. If he truly was concerned he would be helping, not deliberately hurting the cause.

Hey DICK--STFU!!!!

[Texas Songwriter]

I particularly appreciate Mr.Army writing this just days before the election. I guess it is payback because his son did not win the Republican primary in 2004.

[lawnguy]

Gibbons will win. I don't think many people bought the cocktail waitress's story, and the video doesn't support her claim at all.

This sounds like a line off the Saturday Night News update. It strikes me funny because I don't know this story at all ;)

[BnBlFlag]

Armey is part of the Open Borders Crowd.

[NittanyLion]

I understand why folks are questioning the timing of Armey's editorial, but certainly no one can question the accuracy of it. The GOP had a fantastic chance to demonstrate the effectiveness of governing by conservative principles, but instead it squandered its opportunity to do so. The chance we had may never come again - and if it does it may be decades. How very disappointing.

[kcvl]

Calling them "thugs" and "bullies" in recent interviews, Armey says that "Dobson and his gang" have split the conservative Christian movement into two camps: those who want to "practice their faith independent of heavy-handed government" and "big government sympathizers who want to impose their version of 'righteousness' on others."

Dobson responded this week that Armey is "a very bitter man" who is still smarting because "I supported my close friend and hunting buddy, Rep. Steve Largent over Armey for majority leader.” Dobson denied that he supports big government and cited news media reports that Armey has been consulting for the American Civil Liberties Union.

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

I would say that it's certainly a conservative position to oppose same-sex marriage, but it's a questionable position to support the federal government making the decision for the states.

AntiGuv you are clearly ignorant... States ratify Amendments... You need to read the Constitution...

Article V.

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress...

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

I would say that it's certainly a conservative position to oppose same-sex marriage, but it's a questionable position to support the federal government making the decision for the states.

AntiGuv you are clearly ignorant... States ratify Amendments... You need to read the Constitution...

Article V.

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress...

[rottndog]

The chance we had may never come again - and if it does it may be decades. How very disappointing.

I don't know about that. It was inevitable that at some point the Dems would win the house back. What is so disappointing is how the Repubs (leadership in particular) have bent over backwards to help out their cause. If the Dems do win on Tuesday, it will be an excellent time to flush the Republican leadership and get back to conservative principals.

And, OBTW, STFU, DICK!

[AntiGuv]

I'll just quickly acknowledge that I read your inane reply and add that I can't be bothered with you. Have a nice day!

[Hydroshock]

Agreed.

[DoughtyOne]

Couldn't agree more... Thanks.

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

I can't be bothered with you.

The facts are what you can't be bothered with.

[mad_as_he$$]

Today, it sounds like the waitress story has fizzled. But it did get lots of play in Vegas. I am still concerned for Heller though. Derby's attack ads are running 3 to 1 here in Reno. Wednesday we will know!

[doug from upland]

I have really had enough of this guy.

[Crawdad]

Hey Dick, don't go away mad. Just go away.