Posted on 11/18/2020 6:30:47 AM PST by Kaslin
I'm a conservative, and I guess I should be writing a column about my great distress resulting from this election. But I'm not going to write that column, because it's not what I feel.
I'm actually quite upbeat and optimistic about the country that I love.
With all my genuine, and legitimate, concerns about the chaos and violence that have ravaged many of our urban areas, about the strident rhetoric dominating our media, with its grossly distorted message about what is happening in America, when it came time to vote, American democracy prevailed.
Not only did Americans vote in turnout the nation has not seen in 120 years but it also happened peacefully, as it must.
Am I turning a blind eye to the real possibility of irregularities? No, I am not. We'll see what happens.
But take a look at what the Chinese are doing in Hong Kong. Take a look at Venezuela. Dictatorships stamp out and smother people gasping for breaths of freedom.
This is not happening in our great country. The rule of law will play out here. Maybe not to the liking of many, including me.
But the fruits of any democracy are just as good as the people in it. And this is also what makes me optimistic.
As anyone who reads what I write knows, I see profoundly disturbing and threatening trends defining our national reality today.
But, America is filled with tens upon tens of millions of wonderful people who are deeply committed to American principles and American freedom. I meet them all the time as I traverse the nation in my travels. They call me, and they write to me.
Most are busy making ends meet and raising their families. They don't have time for political theory or history books. They just have a feeling inside about what is true and right.
I am talking about Americans of all ethnicities. They are speaking up, and many of the trends that began in 2016 continued into this election.
I would remind readers that when Gallup asked Americans in September whether they were "better off now" than they were four years ago, 55% said yes. When the same question was asked in December 2012, under Barack Obama, 45% said yes. In October 2004, under George W. Bush, 47% said yes. In July 1992, under George H.W. Bush, 38% said yes. In July 1984, under Ronald Reagan, 44% said yes.
The hairsplitting vote counts that turned the election in favor of Joe Biden cannot be seen in any way as a mandate.
Even in my home state, the blue-as-can-be California, four ballot initiatives pushing to the left were defeated.
Proposition 15, which would have raised property taxes on commercial and industrial property: NO
Proposition 16, which would have restored racial preferences in government hiring and contracting and in education: NO
Proposition 21, which would have expanded government authority to impose rent control: NO
Proposition 22, allowing app-based transportation companies (e.g., Uber) to employ drivers as independent contractors: YES
Republicans have picked up nine seats in the House of Representatives, putting them in close range to regain the House in 2022.
Republicans appear in a solid position to retain control of the Senate.
All strong and bullish signs of underlying positive sentiment for Republicans.
Perhaps most revealing, Americans vote with their feet.
The top five states that showed net population decline due to out-migration in the last full calendar year, 2019, were all Democratic strongholds: California (-203,414), New York (-180,649), Illinois (-104,986), New Jersey (-48,946) and Massachusetts (-30,274).
For sure, the great burden lies on those who care about America remaining a free nation.
No action means that current trends toward more government, more socialism, and more rampant materialism and secularism will continue.
So, conservatives must continue the work to keep the torch of freedom burning.
We must, and we will. We have plenty to be optimistic about.
I wish I shared that optimism.
I have a lot of respect for Star Parker, but we hear this from way too many commentariats after every election that ends in heartbreak. “We’re still a center-right nation!” et al.
Sorry, but I’m not optimistic at all. The media, big tech, Hollywood, big donors, Wall Street, the entire pop culture, and I guess even the voting equipment is against us. How do you compete in a third world environment?
I’d share Star’s optimism if elections were still a fair fight in America
Ditto. We will soon find out if the SCOTUS still cares about the Laws.
Yeah, seriously.
“ American democracy prevailed.”
Can I get some of what she is smoking? Does she really think there will be another free election? The commies are doing exactly what they did to the people of Venezuela.
Uh oh, watch out for CatOwner and other purveyors of cheerful, uplifting observations of the world, lol.
I am not. No God no Country.
the past vote peaceful?...sure, but just before the vote we had major riots....cops did nothing...
no, I am not optimistic....
Your optimism is misplaced. I’m resigned to the fact Trump surprised the “machine” and it was determined to devour him. I no longer believe ANY election since probably Clinton was legit without software interference. Just look at the back stabbing Bush family, and Romney, and McCain...and countless more who proved they were NOT GOP SUPPORTERS. They are part of the “machine” and I’ve no doubt were “allowed” to be voted in. America is doomed. I will be burying my American flag with ceremony soon.
“Biden underperformed Hillary Clinton in every major metro area around the country, save for Milwaukee, Detroit, Atlanta and Philadelphia ... in these big cities in swing states run by Democrats…the vote even exceeded the number of registered voters.”
All elected Republicans are Surrender Monkeys.
cast me in with the cynics.
I am not in the least bit optimistic. We are not going to vote out people who just successfully executed a coup.
Star, you’re an idiot.
She is obviously an optimist and you are a pessimist who tries to make the lives of others miserable, unlike an optimist.
What a bunch of bullshit...the democrats are not democratic in the least...they will kill America as soon as possible and we are talking within a couple months of taking power.
If the dims steal the 2 senate runoffs in Jan, Star might need to revise this view.
I’ve noticed that a lot of professional conservatives are doing this type of commentary lately. It doesn’t ring true and the rank and file aren’t buying it.
I read on FR that Tucker opened a recent show auditioning for the Travel Channel and discussing America’s beauty. I’ve seen articles fantasizing about how the GOP is poised to retake the House in 2022. And of course, the Georgia runoffs are in the bag according to the professional conservatives.
If they let the dems succeed with their shenanigans in the 2020 election, things will be lost for a good half-century. But hey, visit the Grand Canyon!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.