Posted on 03/08/2002 10:05:33 AM PST by Decentralize
Edited on 05/07/2004 9:19:57 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
It appears Blackburn has solid conservative credentials. That's good. President Bush needs all the support he can get.
I would support Marsha Blackburn also along with several of our fine congressmen. Alexander? No! He honestly wasn't that great a governor. What happened was the previous governor he replaced was so corrupt anyone looked good. Ironically it was a man that Fred Thompson help bring down. Watch or rent the movie "MARIE". A true story on a very corrupt governor and the Corrections Department in Tennessee. Fred was a lawyer in the movie playing himself.
Lot's of persons supported Sundquist last election I can gladly say I was not one of them. The DEMs for token opposition ran John Jay Hooker. Look up that name a man who has ran for office since 1966 and not won yet. I voted Independent on that race in protest.
But let's look at who actually supports who. I got this little item from georgewbush,com tucked away or archived in my documents. By reading this can I safely say that Bush supports and endorses what Sundquist did to our state? Read closely the last paragraph of this because these programs is what put us in the current budget crisis.
August 17, 1999 Tennessee Governor Becomes 22nd To Endorse George W. Bush
AUSTIN – Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist today endorsed Governor George W. Bush for President.
"I am pleased to join Governor Bush’s campaign and will work hard in Tennessee to help him win the nomination and the Presidency," said Governor Sundquist at a Nashville news conference. "I have known Governor Bush and his family for many years, and I know how important public service is to them."
"As a colleague of Governor Bush’s, I have watched him become one of the strongest governors in the country. His record in Texas is outstanding, and many of his innovative programs have served as models for the nation. Governor Bush is a proven leader who has the unique ability to unite people and accomplish success. I look forward to working with him and his team, as we gain support from Memphis to Mountain City for this dynamic leader," added Governor Sundquist.
"Governor Sundquist is a valued colleague and a good, close friend, and I am honored to have his support" said Governor Bush. "Don is devoted to welfare reform and better education for the people of Tennessee. His help will be important to my campaign in the Volunteer State. I intend to wage a vigorous, winning effort in Tennessee, not only in the primary, but the general election as well."
Re-elected to a second term last year with a record 69 percent of the vote, Governor Sundquist has initiated unprecedented reforms in Tennessee in the areas of welfare, government and crime, while placing a special emphasis on Tennessee children. Under his watch, the growth of government spending has been cut by more than half; the number of employable adults on welfare has been reduced by 60 percent; and Tennessee became the first state in the nation to connect every public school and library to the Internet and to offer universal health care coverage to all children.
I have observed Tennessee politics from a far distance, so I can't call myself an expert. Educated observer at best. I do know, this is a very critical campaign for the Senate seat being vacated by Thompson. It could allow the Democrats to hold onto the Senate and continue to screw with Bush's judicial nominees. That's not good at all. On a lot of candidates, a President or potential POTUS, sometimes doesn't always get good advice from his staff and assistants. Sometimes they get it wrong. I don't know if that's what happened in this case. It seemed like a majority of people in Tennessee were originally big supporters of Sundquist and then things changed, abruptly.
I think far too often, voters are inflexible and rigid in their opinions, while absolutist in their personal ideology. One shouldn't have to support a candidates agenda 100%, to be able to vote for the candidate at election time. That's politics carried to an extreme level of fragmentation.
Worse things can happen. The GOP is either going to have to rebuild or it is going to self destruct. By rebuilding I mean a return to some absolutes as it's policy. First things first. Trent Lott should be relieved of leadership. Senators and Congressmen should be put on notice change is coming sooner rather than later. A party can not stand when it has no foundation to support it. The foundation in this case is policy and agenda. The GOP has for too long rather than set agenda and make policies instead tried to offer a different version of what the DEM's offer. Absolutes must be addressed. 2nd Ammendment, Pro-life, U.N., Defense, abuses of the Judicary Branch, Imigration, Property Rights, and many more are items the GOP refuses to be pinned down on. Can we not agree we all know where the DEM's stand on these issues? Yet with many in the GOP it's a guessing game.
The last GOP leader who was actually a leader was Ronald Reagan. He had his plan and he excuted it. Some of his plans and choices didn't work out and some were bad policies but he was a leader that this nation and the world love him or hate him knew he was in charge. The GOP wasted it's best tallents perhaps in the past century this last election. Why? It was a one man show all others stay out. remember reagan and Bush in 1980? They fought like cats and dogs Bush Sr did not have a kind word for the man. Yet Reagan was wise enough to use him. This election do we see W turning to those he ran against? How about the counselors to Reagan? Instead what we have witnessed is the party fragmented to the control of a inner circle sect of former Bush cabinet members. We have such messe as a Sec of State who basically is a Democrat and who's own political beliefs are not far from that of Jimmy Carter. Why? I do not believe one word Colin Powell speaks. Why should a world leader? He jumps around on policy like a rabit startled by headlights.
The nation is in a huge moral crisis. Who would I call upon for jobs like Health & Human Services? Keyes maybe or Dobson, Sec of State ? Howard Phillips perrhaps. For Sec of Def The former Marine COS or a Reagan era retired General. Cheney would be forbidden he did more than enough. The EPA would be history. Dept of Interior? A career employee would be a must. Some one rather than a political friend who likes walks in the forest. Sec of Treasury? Forbes by all means. There would be No office of Homeland Security as the 2nd Ammendment would provide such. The Center for Diseases would be rerfocused to that task and links to pro-perversion connections cut off. The United Nations would be told in no uncertain terms this is a soverign nation answerable to none but the citizens which elect it's leadership. Our borders would be enforced and out imigration laws honored. Do you see any of this in the current GOP?
Oh yes one other thing an important one as well. The United States Government would be forbidden to contract churches to run social programs or take funding for such, but the church would be free to at it's own cost to operate any program on public land including school property. The church would remain free of taxiation and independent of states interference in it's operations. I believe if the government pays for a service the government should hold the provider accountable for the funds it recieves and services rendered. In other words it's a back door for a goverment ran and dictated pulpit if we allow church to be goverment funded in any respect that allows this. I don't hear any of these ideas coming from within many in the GOP anymore. Why? The RINO factor has done perhaps fatal damage to the GOP. Till it stops doing the labor of the Liberals we will continue to see bad policy. Can it ever learn to once again stand proudly on core beliefs rather than compromise of such? This election is important. All of them are. Why not the best? The next few years maybe by 2010 will be make or break for the GOP as a party. Either it cleans house or it will be replaced.
I agree with your sentiment, but not your conclusion. I think the Republican party in TN in just fine. Don Sundquist and the other turncoat Republicans have only hurt themselves. Sundquist will NEVER be able to run for office again. He's so damaged his reputation, I can't imagine any scenario where he or his advisors would even give running for office a cursory thought. They know he's a pariah in this state for the rest of his miserable life.
I was one of the first 100 to arrive on those capitol steps in Nashville on the night of July 12th. It was a magic evening and a highlight of my life.
Me, too. I was so proud to be a part of that "riot." Let the media and pro-tax crowd call us a mob if they like, but to me, that night on July 12th represents what a government of the people is all about.
If you try to force a tax that the majority of citizens have loudly and repeatedly said we don't want, and then try to lock us out of our capitol building while you take a secret vote, you better believe we're going to be there beating down the doors!
This is true with many republicans in both the House and Senate. Real conservatives in Congress are few and far between. Since there are so few conservatives in Congress, I believe the wholesale changes you speak of are not possible, at this time. IMO, the conservative-republican incrementalism of 1995-1999, led by Newt and his Contract With America, was a far better approach to getting America turned around and headed in the right dirtection. But this approach has to be sustained and since 1999, we've not seen a focused game plan presented for implimenting a solid conservative agenda, based in the time tested traditional American values and belief system. Bush's tax cuts were designed to slow down the rapid expansion of government we witnessed during the final two years of Clinton's Presidency. But I think President Bush still has a long way to go in replacing the liberal policies that are so deeply imbedded in the government bureaucracy.
Thats been the extent of the recent efforts in reversing liberal policies of the last 35 years. Stemming the tide in this manner should be applauded, but it isn't advantageous in setting a new course and getting us a smaller and less intrusive governemnt, along with real tax reform. OTOH, I'm still hopeful. That's why I see this election as another critical junction point in modern American history. Republicans in both the upper and lower chambers of Congress, must stop being back peddling, get off their heels, stand flat footed and fight for what they truely believe in. Consideration for what the American people want has to be added into the bigger equation, but this is a constitutional republic and we elect people to offices of public trust and count on them to make the right decisions for the country. This poll driven/special interest group, governing mentality, has got to change and soon.
You won't get any agrument from me about the Presidency of Ronald Reagan. I worked many long hours in support of his candidacy in 1976, 1980 and 1984 and enjoyed every minute of it. But I've got to disgaree with you about Collin Powell. While I wouldn't want to see him as POTUS, he is doing a good job as SoS. I wouldn't mind seeing Dr.James Dobson appointed to head a department like HHS and Steve Forbes in charge at Treasury would be a positive move. But Keyes and Philips are right wing reactionary-absolutists and not good choices for leadership posiitons in the governemnt. I think a top to bottom and across the board reduction in federal spending, with an emphasis on departments cutting out waste, fraud and abuse, would be an excellent start to redefining and reducing government.
Last word. This term "rino" that so many FReepers keep mentioning here on FreeRepublic, is overused and frankly abused. As sinkspur said, "... parrotting the "RINO" label for every Republican [is] tedious, stupid, and hysterical". I couldn't agree more. I use the ACU ratings system for a snapshot of where our government officials stand on the issues and exactly how they voted.
In addition, I don't see the Republican Party fading away and being replaced in the next ten years, but there is a lot of work ahead. There's no third party that is capable of handling head to head confrontations with the Democrats. That includes the Libertarian Party, the Constitution Party and the Reform Party. A bunch of washed up has-beens and also rans. Then again, I would support the creation of a true Conservative Party. Problem is, the right is so factional and fractional, I don't know if it can survive intact, long term. The reactionay absolutists would eventually screw things up. For now, I'll stick with the Republican Party and support the most conservative candidates at election time.
I don't agree. The TN Rep. Party is not speaking, from the top, with one voice denouncing Sundquist and his sell-out of a core principle- lower taxes. I have heard people say publicly they are disappointed in the lack of Republican unity against Sundquist and the income tax. Like it or not, the party is being tarred with a broad brush.
I would agree with you if every Republican in the legislature was against a state income tax. We would be declaring party unity against a traitor - Sundquist. We have some serious work to do to boot RINO's out of leadership in TN.
It has to start by setting some written concrete standards or policy which represents the core beliefs of the GOP and sticking to them. I know you don't think much of Phillips but read this platform.
I don't agree with it 100% but I do like seeing it written out. The party believes in it enough to print it for all to see. I find myself probably about in 70% agreement with it. This last election I could not find 35% I could agree with the GOP on or rather pin them down to anything on.
My use for the term RINO is a republican who for all practical purposes should be a Democrat and go ahead and make the switch. Snowe, Collins, Whittman, and a few others come to mind. The GOP does not need them. You mentioned Newt. It was the Whittman / Malanori type republicans that got him out. Remember? Newt was stupid in one respect only. He failed for a person in his position to maintain a lifestyle that would keeep him free from possible blackmail. So what did Clinton know on him and when did he know it? Newt must take blame on that one.
Now for Keyes and Phillips. Phillips has done a lot for the Conservative cause. He's been pushing conservative issues since before Nixon and I applaud him for it. Alan Keyes is a needed voice as well. I've listened to him for years. You want to see Department of Health & Human Services turned around? Give it to him. Let him put out some speaches and litature on moral issues. I'd rather see what Alan says than in cases like in the case of the CDC see this. Why are my tax dollars supporting this web site or even a link to it?
We are in this mess because the idea of win at all cost has replaced fight for the principle. That has allowed the GOP to be saturated with less than desirable congressmen and senators. Electing more of the same for short term gain isn't the solution. Take a lesson from the DEMs. The governor of Tennessee a RINO Don Sundquist was so sucessfull in helping push the Dems agenda they wrote off the last governor election. Now that the man thank goodness is leaving they are ready with a canidate that can win. What did they loose? Nothing because Don Sundquist-R did their work for them. What did conservatives loose by not replacing Sundquist in 1998? Plenty the damage is very substancial. The party thought for the sake of a win a RINO should be re- elected. That in turn made it very difficult for conservative Republicans to contain the damage Sundquist caused. Sundquist is a Hillary Care shill and nothing less. Look for W to appoint him to a position where he can continue this destruction of the health care system.
We can win the seat of Fred Thompson. Why not the best man for the job rather than a friend once again of the family? Each time a name comes out of the White House these days it's either a friend od Bush Sr or former Daddy's term man. Four more qualified and better records on key issues were imediately dismissed for another Gerald Ford Republican. Tennessee can put a proven and up to date on issues Conservative Senator in office why not now? Go for it now is the time! Will the GOP once again push that aside for less than the best for a political favor? Is GWB & Company scared to death of Conservatives?
I partially agree with you, but would replace the word blackmail with scandal. I don't accept for a fact, that Clinton had something on Newt. That doesn't ring true. Sounds a bit like Clinton conspiracy nonsense to me.
Keyes and Philips are hardline conservatives, far right wingers and thereby, impractical idealists. Such ideologues have no place in government. I think their efforts can best serve the conservative movement in an activist and advocate capacity.
>>>We are in this mess because the idea of win at all cost has replaced fight for the principle.
I don't agree with you. Politics is all about compromise. The Founding Fathers understood the complexities of politics, even in their day. Ronald Reagan understood the pragmatic nature of politics in contemporary times and realized that compromise was the only way he could get the bulk of his agenda passed through the Congress. A president is not a dictator. We have three co-equal, power sharing branches of government. We've had a wide political swing to the liberal left, over the last seven decades and it will take significant effort to swing things back to the more traditional and conservative position.
You only need to look at the results from the last general election cycle to get the facts. Harry Browne of the Libertarian Party garnered less then 400,000 votes. Howard Philips of the Constitution Party received about 100,000 votes. And Pat Buchanan received less then 500,000 votes. Setting aside Ralph Nader's 2.7 million votes, which mainly came from the extreme leftwing of the Democratic Party, Buchanan, Browne and Philips managed less then a million votes between them. So much for the power and influence of third party's. It doesn't exist.
The Republican Party is the best place to present the conservative agenda and remains home to the vast majority of conservatives.
I live in Tennessee. I would crawl across glass to vote for Marsha Blackburn for the U. S. Senate. I wouldn't vote for Alexander if the ballot was hand-delivered to me with a cold, frosty bottle of Pilsner Urquell as a bribe.
Amen...Dick Riordan learned that last Tuesday.
So, if your choices are Lamar Alexander, or Harold Ford Jr., who would you vote for? Lamar or the liberal Ford?
Basically every good thing Ronald Reagan accomplished the Bush family has tried to systematically tear down including the military. By the time Pappy got done with the navy it made Carters look good. Clinton just finished the job. As for politics being about compromise? to a certain extent yes. But would the founders have sold out the very Constitution they pinned? That much they all did believe in. Now both parties are auctioning it off in bits and pieces for political gain. It is either our Constitution the foundation of our goverment or it isn't. Right now it is willingly being ignored by both Dems and GOP. That created a hole for Bill Clinton to abuse the office of POTUS without so much as a yawn in the senate. We either fix it now or we will see a one party nation very soon. Even GWB last election made it clear him and Gore were close on most issues. I see a bad problem with that myself. The two parties are too friendly with each other and have too much the same goals it seems.
>>>That is why W is no Reagan nor will he be. Think about it Reagan didn't enjoy these poll ratings. Beware of any politican who can please all.<<<
I think under the circumstances, President Bush is doing many things, in Reaganesque style and substance. Bush's high poll ratings are directly attributed to, the American people approving ofr his war time leadership. Stop being so damn cynical!
>>>Basically every good thing Ronald Reagan accomplished the Bush family has tried to systematically tear down including the military. By the time Pappy got done with the navy it made Carters look good. Clinton just finished the job.<<<
Well, Bush41 wasn't a conservative and wanted to make his own mark as President, but George Bush was no Jimmah Cater. Give me a break. You're too much. LOL. The downsizing of America's military started under Reagan and continued through Bush41, Clinton and Bush43 today. Clinton's loathing of the military weakened our readiness and made us unprepared and vulnerable to hostilities and outright attack. That part you're right about.
Without getting into specifics right now, as far as the Constitution goes, there have been many laws enacted and decisions made through the years, that are unconstitutional. OTOH, there have been other laws enacted and decisions made, which I consider acceptable and constitutional. I'm not an absolutist when it comes to the Constitution. I think the document should be taken at face value, but lets not forget. This is the 21st century and not the 18th century. Times have changed and people have changed since our Republic was first created. Human beings adapt to change very well and Americans are no different in that regard. We will never return to the way things were on July.4,1776. Thank God.
You read my post, so it must be clear to you what I would do. It would be up to Tennessee conservatives to see to it, through the primary process, that we wouldn't be stuck with such a choice. California conservatives didn't settle for the party's choice, and neither will we.
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