What's Wrong with Republicans?

National Review ^ | 05/07/08 | Victor Davis Hanson

[Sub-Driver]

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

What's Wrong with Republicans? [Victor Davis Hanson]

On this great debate, I tend to agree with Mark Levin and others that conservatives should reach out with conservative principles better framed and presented, rather than change the message for the perceived advantage of the hour.

What the Republicans need is not an abandonment of conservative principles, but a smarter, more articulate defense of even more conservativism, not less.

E.g., Gas Prices? More nuclear power, hydro-, refineries, clean coal, drilling off coasts and in ANWR. And why? As a necessary bridge to next-generation cleaner and non-petroleum energy so that in the time lag, we don't empower our enemies, demand that others abroad who are less environmentally sound produce the oil we consume, and watch our hard-won way of life decline.

Taxes? Not hikes, since revenues went up, not down with past cuts, but more fiscal discipline to end the deficits. The problem was not tax-cutting, but wild-eyed spending that ran up debt and discredited tax cuts.

The border? Close it, not out nativism or racism, but out of respect for the rule of law, the tradition of national sovereignty, the need to promote integration and assimilation, the need to be more concerned with American entry-level low-paid workers, and a desire to help Mexico wean itself off remittances and make the tough-love decisions to modernize its archaic government and economy.

Judges? We need constitutionalists, because they alone follow the rules of the legislative branch and what is written in the Constitution, do not turn rarified, laboratory theory into the law that millions must suffer under, and bring respect to the judiciary sorely damaged by aristocratic elitists on the bench.

[the invisib1e hand]

that's a good groove.

We never suspected that Alice Cooper' act would one day look tame.

[the invisib1e hand]

They got no 'nads.

'nads offend people.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

I couldn’t agree more.

[bushfamfan]

LMAO!

[Tolik]

Agree. Thanks for the heads up! Incoming...

[Tolik]

... In short, low taxes, secure borders, moral governance, sober government spending, ethical leadership, exploration and conservation of petroleum, and strong defense is what the American public wants — but those core principles have to be articulated hourly and can't be compromised. In an honest debate, Obama's alternatives to the above would be to turn toward more government, higher taxes, more bureaucracies, more dependence of the individual upon the state, etc. And I can't believe the public wants a prescription that historically simply doesn't work.

I think in their depression, the Republicans fail to see that their problems were not in their principles, but rather in the sometimes sleazy and sloppy way they advanced them — and even more often in the manner that they abandoned them — and as a result, they are apparently eager to compromise on them.

To the degree McCain can articulate the above, he will win; to the degree that he either cannot or believes the latest gurus that he must abandon them, he will lose. Moving toward a lite version of the Obamian/European "bipartisan" and socialist view of government and calling it a new conservatism is a prescription for utter disaster.

No one can out-Obama Obama.  

Hanson absolutely nails it here.

Combined ping to 2 ping lists

Nailed It! This ping list is not author-specific for articles I'd like to share. Some for the perfect moral clarity, some for provocative thoughts; or simply interesting articles I'd hate to miss myself. (I don't have to agree with the author all 100% to feel the need to share an article.) I will try not to abuse the ping list and not to annoy you too much, but on some days there is more of the good stuff that is worthy of attention. You can see the list of articles I pinged to lately  on  my page. You are welcome in or out, just freepmail me (and note which PING list you are talking about). Besides this one, I keep 2 separate PING lists for my favorite authors Victor Davis Hanson and Orson Scott Card.

Victor Davis Hanson Ping !         Let me know if you want in or out. Links:    FR Index of his articles:  http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=victordavishanson                 His website: http://victorhanson.com/                 NRO archive: http://www.nationalreview.com/hanson/hanson-archive.asp                 Pajamasmedia:   http://victordavishanson.pajamasmedia.com/

[.cnI redruM]

In Congress, the Dems are smart enough to pay them well for being a docile minority. It's actually easier that way. They get the bucks, the bimbos, and no pressure or responsibility whatsoever. Like Cypher Reagan, a lot of Don Youngs and Jerry Lewises just want to be plugged back into the K-Street Matrix.

Their districts are gerrymandered, their party is hopelessly out of power, and they get $2mil in earmarks apiece to shut up and stay fat, dumb and happy. Tranquilo, Baby!

[The South Texan]

“What the Republicans need is not an abandonment of conservative principles, but a smarter, more articulate defense of even more conservativism, not less.”

Boy, isn't that the truth. The current GOP leadership is about as inspiring as seeing sick dog at an animal shelter. You feel sorry for it, but you know it needs to be put out of it's misery.

Whenever I see Bonior, Blunt, etc come out on TV, their is not enough coffee in Seattle that could keep me awake.

[JasonC]

"Drilling oil might kill caribou."

Dependence on mideast oil kills Americans. Drill.

"Chuck is out of work."

Get a job.

"Sue is pregnant."

Marry the dad.

"Juan is here illegal."

Go home.

"War in Iraq kills people."

Some people need killing.

It isn't hard at all...

[Piquaboy]

That is because we are stuck with a bunch of gutless RINO’s.

[BluH2o]

That is because we are stuck with a bunch of gutless RINO’s.

Just released in paperback Bernard Goldberg's book 'Crazies to the left of me/Wimps to the right' addresses this very well. A good read.

[BJClinton]

What the Republicans need is not an abandonment of conservative principles, but a smarter, more articulate defense of even more conservativism, not less.

Bah, to long for a tagline.

[PjhCPA]

Please add me to your VDH ping list.

Thank you.

[calcowgirl]

What the Republicans need is not an abandonment of conservative principles, but a smarter, more articulate defense of even more conservativism, not less.

Bump to that!

No one can out-Obama Obama.

True. But the arrogant RINOs will lose, trying.

[Rebelbase]

.

[Tolik]

Added to the VDH ping list. Thanks