Posted on 11/05/2006 10:30:35 AM PST by Hydroshock
Somewhere along the road to a "permanent majority," the Republican Revolution of 1994 went off track. For several years, we had confidence in our convictions and trusted that the American people would reward our efforts. And they did.
But today, my Republican friends in Congress stand on the precipice of an electoral rout. Even the best-case scenarios suggest wafer-thin majorities and a legislative agenda in disarray. With eight days before the election, House speaker-in-waiting Nancy Pelosi has already begun her transition planning.
Where did the revolution go astray? How did we go from the big ideas and vision of 1994 to the cheap political point-scoring on meaningless wedge issues of today from passing welfare reform and limited government to banning horsemeat and same-sex marriage?
The answer is simple: Republican lawmakers forgot the party's principles, became enamored with power and position, and began putting politics over policy. Now, the Democrats are reaping the rewards of our neglect and we have no one to blame but ourselves.
In 1989, Newt Gingrich rose to the number twoNo. 2 leadership position in the House after a contentious three-way race pitting young backbench conservatives such as myself, Bob Walker, Joe Barton and others against old bulls such as Minority Leader Bob Michel and other ranking members. We thought they suffered from a minority party mindset and were too accommodating of the Democrats. Out of congressional power for nearly two generations, Republicans had become complacent. Senior members of the party were happy to accept the crumbs afforded by Democratic chairmen. Life was comfortable in the minority as long as you did not rock the boat. Members received their perks such as travel abroad and special banking privileges and enough pork projects for re-election.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
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.
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!
Yep, President Bush and the GOP have accomplished a lot!
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.
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.
This sounds like a line off the Saturday Night News update. It strikes me funny because I don't know this story at all ;)
Armey is part of the Open Borders Crowd.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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!
Agreed.
Couldn't agree more... Thanks.
The facts are what you can't be bothered with.
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!
I have really had enough of this guy.
Hey Dick, don't go away mad. Just go away.
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