Dear Jim Robinson,
I think that it's inaccurate to say that we social conservatives are unwilling to compromise. Over the years, we've compromised plenty.
Even on the issue of abortion, we've often compromised. For the good of the [pro-life] Republican Party, I've voted for folks here in Maryland who weren't pro-life. Folks who aren't completely conservative can be valuable in lower offices to help build coalitions and party strength. I understand pushing for the real conservative in the primaries, and voting for the much-less conservative in the general election.
As well, with regard to presidential candidates, most of us are willing to vote for candidates who are clearly flawed. An example was Sen. Allen.
Sen. Allen was in favor of abortion's legality in the first 8 weeks or so of pregnancy. However, he was also in favor of permitting states to come up with their own laws relating to abortion, ranging anywhere from total bans to abortion on demand.
That position, of course, required overturning Roe, which of course, would require appointing justices who could see that Roe's finding of a "right" to abortion in the Constitution was deeply flawed, and requires reversal.
I'd have voted for Sen. Allen for president, even though, as a pro-lifer, I found him far less than 100% in agreement with the pro-life perspective.
That's compromise - real compromise.
But the rudybots aren't asking us to compromise. Their asking us to capitulate. "Compromise" means being entirely defeated on the issues of life, traditional family, the Second Amendment, etc. Mr. Giuliani doesn't represent a partial victory for social conservatives, but rather a complete, utter defeat.
As well, the election of Mr. Giuliani to the presidency would be a more thoroughgoing defeat of conservatism, especially social conservatism, then the election of Mrs. Clinton, in that the Republican Party would be destroyed as a vehicle for future conservatism, especially social conservatism.
No, asking actual conservatives to vote for Mr. Giuliani isn't asking for compromise, it's asking us to commit political suicide.
But my how the rudybots, RINOs, and outright liberals whine when we refuse to drink the poison.
sitetest
Well said.
Senator Allen would have made an excellent candidate. I have some growing hopes for Romney.
All I see from Rudy is a chance to beat Hillary. Not a great chance at all, but a chance. And that's motivating people these days.
I'm willing to be patient as things develop, and confident that time will work things out in at least a minimally-satisfactory manner. Until then the preening, chest thumping and aggression will continue to bore me.