I am a pragmatist. I assume that elected officials KNOW what their constituents think (after all, that is part of their job). My assumption is that most conservatives know how far they can push the electorate in their direction before risking losing office. It is basic strategery, if you will.
I realize some folks don't like this. They prefer a full-steam-ahead, disregard the costs approach. While that may be emotionally satisfying, and while it may be ideologically pure, it doesn't necessarily work. You will note that the Congressmen and Senators that Freepers admire the most come from pretty safe districts and states.
I don't fault people for holding a view counter to mine. However, I do feel compelled to point out to them that it won't necessarily be successful.
While you may have a point in regard to the some of the Left Coast, New England and much of the inner city liberal enclaves and ghettos, I don't think that it applies to most places.
I believe that Conservatives could be more brazen, more active, less scared, etc. If the media tries to paint them wrong, they should stand up and tell why the conservative point of view is the most logical, makes sense, why it is COnstitutional and helps protect America. On the other hand, they should state why the opposition's agenda is anti-Constitutional, why it is wrong, and why it will bring about the destruction of the country. If enough conservatives do this, or run for office, the country could easily be turned around. Of course, the left wing media plays into it. However, the message has to be drilled home, and if the media tries to cover up that message, word will get out among the general public that the media and left are engaged together, lying, and manipulating. Furthermore, people will have become educated, and the tide will start turning. ( I believe that it's already starting to).
I'd like to see conservatives working on those midwestern, western and southern districts whereby Democrat or RINOS hold office. Even parts of the northeast (New Hampshire, Maine, parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont) could be brought into the conservative camp if the effort were put out. (Only Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut do I see being total non-win states)
Lastly, I will say that the pandering factor, compromise if you will, has not gotten Conservatives and Republicans anywhere. The agenda is continually being moved to the left. There can't be any compromise with the left, for their side has everything to gain and ours everything to lose.
I remember one day I was gritching about the politics of Barney Frank. Someone pointed out to me that he is overwhelmingly elected by his constituents. And although I detest that fact (and him, if truth be known), I am SO thankful that we live in a country where that can occur.
I also VERY much liked: It is basic strategery, if you will.
VERY GOOD stategery! LOL
I also am a pragmatist. And I know there are many who probably feel MUCH better with their vote for someone who doesn't stand a chance at being elected. But most of those, I have noticed, are the one who scream the loudest about the elected candidate...the one they HELPED elect, imo.