Read it FIRST and then this second:
The task is to consider whether Bush has been faithful to the basic issues of conservatism and act accordingly. The U.S. Supreme Court will alter the campaign finance bill so that it will be satisfactory--indeed help conservatives. Trade is a malleable issue and can be refocused after re-election--if Bush has sufficient allies to assist him.
With respect to Attorney General John Ashcroft as a civil danger, recall that while we are engaged in a war every bit as serious as World War II when certain peacetime liberties had to be sacrificed, the FBI can attend the same meetings as any citizen.
Likewise, there are those conservatives who, facing the Illinois governorship, have determined either to stay away or vote for Democrat Rod Blagojevich in protest. That would be a mistake unless Blagojevich satisfies their philosophical needs on one issue or another. This is doubtful, given his extremely liberal voting record. Four years ago when I had a choice, I listened to two candidates, questioned them carefully and voted for social conservative Glenn Poshard, who was far more liberal than I on economic policy. Social policy meant more to me than any other. I have never regretted my vote. But we don't have that kind of choice this year, my friends.
What is there about some conservatives that makes them want to punish themselves with a Blagojevich governorship so they will--hopefully--''control'' their party in the future? Don't they realize that controlling their party is fruitless if they cannot elect anyone? In 1952, Robert A. Taft campaigned for Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and became his loyal majority leader in the Senate. In 1980, Ronald Reagan chose his moderate opponent, George Bush, a pro-choicer then but who loyally determined to agree with Reagan on social policy.
So in reaffirmation of a great phrase--used by Barry Goldwater in 1960 when the GOP convention defeated him in favor of Richard Nixon: ''Grow up, conservatives.'' The winning is at hand if you can determine when not to compromise--and when to do so. Believe me, when is now.
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