On Tuesday, Republicanism, not conservatism, lost

www.unionleader.com ^ | Nov. 9, 2006 | PHILIP KLEIN

[unspun]

Here's what I'll hold to, numbers 1 and 2, in order:

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

republicanism

Main Entry: re·pub·li·can·ism
Pronunciation: ri-'p&-bli-k&-"ni-z&m
Function: noun
1 : adherence to or sympathy for a republican form of government
2 : the principles or theory of republican government
3 capitalized a : the principles, policy, or practices of the Republican party of the United States b : the Republican party or its members

 

[proseandcons]

Yes, but that's exactly the point. "Republicanism", as it has been practiced in the United States in the last six years, has drifted quite a ways away from "conservatism" - whose chief principles include limited government, limited fiscal spending, and limited interference with the lives of its citizens.

What's more, even original "republicanism" - the government of a republic, with focus on states' rights having higher precidence than an overarching federal government - has not been well represented by the recent Republican party.

[Doe Eyes]

We very badly need a conservative leader. Someone who can take it to the Democrats without being nasty about it.

I'd like to see actual conservative policies, beyond cutting taxes. How about cutting the size of government and spending?

[apackof2]

btt

[Fraulein]

On Tuesday, Republicanism, not conservatism, lost

Translation: We want to get our base back

[GOPJ]

bump

[bonfire]

I will never understand any of this. What is our side so afraid of???