I wouldn't classify you as either. It's not an easy or pleasant thing to contemplate and it requires work later on to remove the dem that we just put in.
But at least you do understand the significance of the situation. I've been talking about this since just before the primary and when most people heard it they thought that I was kidding. When I explained it in more detail and gave them time to mull it over, many came back and agreed that I was right.
As to a civil war within the party, the sooner the better. I'm serious. We have been sold a bill of goods by the RINOs. Adding people to our tent who don't share our values does not advance the conservative cause. It only serves to dilute our message and increase the chances of electing liberals.
The same people who push to elect Specter are the same ones that fret over other RINOs bailing out in a close vote. Hello!
We can't keep waiting to remove those who are working to subvert our values and our rights.
I started this post online and now I am typing it offline so I can send it to you later. Damn XP! This OS has got to be the most unsecure thing I have ever seen.
There, my modem is unplugged, now send your stinkin bots through my computer, ya' bastards! God, I hate these problems. Ok, I don't have your original reply here but I think I remember enough to provide a response.
A few months ago, I was talking to a Right-Wing friend of mine about this very same thing. It seemed to me that the GOP was TRYING to get rid of its Conservative base. This angered the both of us and I have to say a few things have looked a little bit better over these past three months. However, we all know how the GOP will start to pander to the base to shore up our support.
On a thread by black GOP members about a similiar situation, I explained how I was limiting my contributions to only right-wing groups like the Heritage Foundation and the NRA (Technically, maybe the NRA is not right-wing but for all intents and purposes, it is in this culture.).
I have given quite a lot to the GOP over the past five years and I have to say that after 2003, I have cut my donations down about 90%. I regret not giving to the RNCC because I like the House Freshman but I am at the end of my rope.
I have defended "playing politics" in the past for reasons of realpolitik, yet when we gained power over every branch of government (I just threw in SCOTUS for kicks.)it was too much to see them waffling around like Neo-Conservative puppets (I dont think they are but that's what they seemd like to me.). That's the REAL reason that Neos are not liked by us, they adore big-government. Of course, when the mainstream press mentions Neos, they do it because it sounds somewhat sinister. We should explain that the reason Neos are so bad is because they are former liberals that still haven't quite grasped the meaning of the Conservative philosophy.
RINOs of course, are far worse. They have all of the faults of the Neos but none of their good points. I know it is difficult to influence the GOP as a whole, but I am using the only thing I have available to me, money. We all know how important money is, LOL!
My resources now go almost exclusively to the Right-wing. I have also explained to the RNSC, NRCC, RPTF(Republican Presidential Task Force), and The Inner Circle of the RNSC why I have witheld my membership dues and further donations. I have also told them how I have the ability to directly reach several people and make them stop funding the GOP as well.
I plan to get more in their face about it and participate more in the future. If all volunteers and funding sources for the GOP say the same thing, then they will listen. The Conservative Base gives the most cash, and volunteers the most time so in essence, the potential for changing them is ours. Conservatism has been in worse shape within the GOP in the past but we did lose quite a few good Conservatives due to retirement the last time around. I am going to miss Sen. Helms and Sen. Graham in particular.
I am very close to your position on Sen. Specter. Hell, as a matter of fact, I would be very amused if you guys did that and let the GOP know what happened exactly. Sen. Specter is beneath contempt in my book and although I pride myself on manners, I don't think I could have shaked his hand either, LOL!
Brent Schundler and Pat Toomey are what I consider top of the line Statesman (Would have been anyway, and still will in the future.), and the way the GOP dealt with them is a shame.
When I talk to folks up here, and they include some small time GOP politicians (Who are RINOs, they live in Mass man!), I tell them that it is not good to anger the Conservative base like this. A few of them have told me that it doesn't matter because they will vote the party line. Knowing how passionate Conservatives can get, I told them that we were not like the Dems and would NOT see our principles destroyed. Comprimised perhaps, but NEVER destroyed.
On a final note, I just asked myself what I would do if I lived in Pennsylvania and you know what, I would never vote for Sen. Specter anyway. I guess that means I would be in your camp. I just don't want to have a WIDE-spread civil war within the GOP right now. If you guys can do this then you will have sent a very powerful message to the GOP.
A broken GOP would be easier to fix for us but we would not be able to battle the GOP AND the Dems at the same time. I think I like your idea. It shows that the base will not be bullied and if it gets rid of that egotistical maniac, so much the better.
I just weighed in because this thread interested me and I realize I don't have the same situation you have but you can know that I am definately an ally in this. I guess we have to declare a cold war on the GOP and a hot war against the Dems. Sounds like a challenge to me, LOL!
Sorry for the long post! Arioch7 out. P.S. Those that called you a DU or Dem troll are out of thier freaking minds. Lefties do not have the strategic sense for this type of action. Also, what you are suggesting is beneficial to Conservatism. In other words, you are to thoughtful to be a leftie, LOL!