Posted on 02/21/2010 12:51:59 AM PST by americanophile
It took only the single tap of a computer key, and just like that I'd exited the Republican Party after 30 years of active membership. The context might sound impulsive, but I'd been thinking of becoming an independent for a long time. I just hadn't expected that a trip to renew my driver's license would mark the end. Just before my photo was snapped, I was asked if I wanted to register to vote. For me, the question was borderline offensive. I first registered after turning 18 in the spring of 1980 and haven't missed an election since. And I'm not just talking presidential races. I mean all elections. Congress, town council, school board, whatever.
"I'm already registered," I offered. Next came the unexpected question of whether I wished to change my political affiliation. I'm not sure why that is asked of someone renewing a driver's license, and I question whether it is even appropriate for most. But in my case, it was the only impetus I needed.
Years ago, I grew tired of having my television or radio introduction accompanied by a label, with some implied expectation that what would then come from my mouth were the party talking points. That was me 26 years ago, when I was the youngest elected member of the state delegation to the Republican National Convention, but not today. I'm not sure if I left the Republican Party or the party left me. All I know is that I no longer feel comfortable.
The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn't fit neatly within its parameters.
(Excerpt) Read more at philly.com ...
What party is he talking about?
Surely not the party of Dede Scozzafava, Lindsay Graham, John McCain and Ron Paul?
Cz, I think I'd rather join the party he describes than the Republican Party any day.
The same old, same old, the guy is too liberal, he will probably start calling himself a libertarian at some point.
This is just the latest Rat/RINO strategery to try and head off the Palin avalanche. Hillary will also inevitably try to grab everyone in the “middle” - she believes that’s her ticket in. So, her people keep trying to make more “middle” to grab later. You know, Smartest Woman In The World, and all that.
Libertarian leanings.
Yep.
You’re correct.
(Never heard of the guy before; have already forgotten him now.)
#
http://www.google.com/search?&rls=en&q=Michael+Smerconish+%2B+LIBERTARIAN&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
If he thinks Barry is not a socialist, he hasn’t been paying attention.
The solution for his personal problems is not taking the route of dropping out.
The radicals of the 60’s and 70’s did exactly what everyone suggest.
They infiltrated the Dum Party, colleges and University, Government.
And one day 11-4-2008, we woke up tho find that they had taken over the country.
I have no sympathy for anyone that would rather quit than fight.
Third party is NOT the way, rescuing the Rep from the Rino/Progressive (use to be call Rockefeller Repubs) is the only solution.
The Democrat Party is gone, it is now in the control of the Destroy America at any cost bunch.
Smerconish was an Arlen Specter fan and he deserves to leave along with Alen.
“The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn’t fit neatly within its parameters.”
I wish! I guess he didn’t notice the CPAC
OK Smerconish...buh bye. Have fun in the C-Span caller “I’ve been a Republican all my life but” line.
Isn't it now standard blabber for liberal writers to begin "I've been a Republican all my life, but...", then continue the liberal screed?
I give these articles as much credence as manifestos from serial killers.
Ditto that.
And I have serious contempt for anyone who would stay home in protest rather than exercising their privilege of voting, which thousands have bled and died to preserve. Purists who stay home have voted for the winner.
“The same old, same old, the guy is too liberal, he will probably start calling himself a libertarian at some point. “
the problem with libertarians is that they have no room for national security hawks. So, the social liberals try to mess up the GOP (see: CPAC).
This sounds like a sniveling cry baby that can not get his way, so he is going to pick up his toys and go home.
While I abhor the RINOS of the Republican party, I really have no choice but to stay a Republican, even if I want to think of myself as independent.
I would never in a hundred years be a Democrat.
“I think President Obama is earnest, smart, and much more centrist than his tea party caricature suggests.”
This guy is either a liar, a loon or a DU plant. No ONE Who ever espoused conservative values could say that with a straight face.
As a Rino Obammunist supporting talk show host (60 stations), he discovered his broadcast opportunities were fast deteriorating.
yitbos
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