What do Republicans need to do to rebuild the party?

What does the GOP need to do to rebuild the party?

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Shafner on May 7, 2009 at 4:04am
Neo-Cons are not moderates. We are proud conservatives who distinguish ourselves from the type of so-called conservative that Pat Buchanan claims he is.

We are proud supporters of Israel and are not hell-bent on railroading the Jewish state on matters of security and survival. Each of us Neo-Cons has different reasons for supporting Israel, but generally we believe, as Rush Limbaugh clearly articulates, that peace is won by capitulation of the adversary, not by a negotiated settlement. G. Gordon Liddy has expressed parallel thoughts.

So, if there's something I'm missing in the Neo-Con game of labels, let me know, either privately (and with civility) or publicly.

I always vote Alan Keyes, FWIW.
Permalink Reply by Bill Schroeder on May 7, 2009 at 7:36am
There are so many people out there who truely have conservative values, but they feel disenfranchised by the GOP. If you really look at the party, there is no true leadership like they enjoyed during the Reagan years. We need to find the next Ronny type figurehead that can rally everyone back to the same platform. The whole reason BO was able to rally so many people was not that he really stood for something, but that was a charismatic speaker behind his teleprompter. I would venture to say that there were tons of conservatives that did not feel compelled to vote because they did not feel it would make a difference. Ever since Reagans last election, there has been the notion that people are voting for the lesser of two evils. Unfortunately the LIBS have done a good job in the last 9 years promoting that they are the lesser evil. We need strong leadership from a person who can unite the conservatives, and I just do not see anyone out there right now who can fill Ronny's shoes. There are many who can take the role to start bringing people into the fold, but until that true figure comes forward, it will not completely work. I have been doing my part to keep the conservative flame alive. I have shown a few BO voters the err of their misguided vote last November. Throughtout the whole elections, my wife's grandmother supported BO, and after he got into office she admitted that I was right with how he really was. I know there are a lot of people like me that are keeping our voices loud, but unless we can all come together in an organized movement, it will be for not.
Permalink Reply by Bill Schroeder on May 7, 2009 at 7:47am
I agree with what you are saying. I would like to call out every Veteran of our armed forces past or present. Every one of us who took the oath of military service swore to uphold and defend the CONSTITUTION of the United States of America against all enemies foriegn and domestic. When discharged, not one person has ever been unsworn to this obligation. It is still our duty to act in defense of the CONSTITUTION. As far as I am concerned, our CONSTITUTION is under attack by those who would see its core framework destroyed. It is time for everyone who ever served to raise their voice for the defense of what we believe in.

Herb Kelley said:
What GOP?
Republican, Democrat, Moderate, Left Wing, Right Wing, Conservative, Independent or Liberal?
I cannot tell the difference, it’s like throwing all kinds of fruit in a blender and mixing them into juice.
I am what is politically correct called a senior citizen and it would be easy for me to just live out my remaining years and look the other way and ignore what is happening (unless Barry Hussein starts euthanasia) to this great country that I love.
The problem is, I was born just before the Second World War. Our country had pride then, they had purpose to preserve the freedoms our forefathers had fought and sweated for. Brave people enlisted to fight and die to uphold the integrity of these inherent rights, they didn’t burn our flag or riot in the streets, they went off to fight and die to preserve our way of life. They returned home as victorious heroes.
But then, along the way, came “The Korean Conflict or Police Action” as it was called. Americans went off to fight again but this time, it was for political ambitions. Those service people shed blood once again, but this time it was all about politics. Fear guided our leaders then and left the two Koreas still divided and we see today the waste of lives back then. Our troops came home unheralded simply because there was no victory except for the politicians. That was the fifties.
Another “conflict” came along in the sixties…and again cost thousands of American lives, all for political gains. Only this time, there were riots and protests and burning of draft cards and the Amercan flag. “Conscientious objectors” fled to Canada for asylum while returning service men were cursed, ridiculed and spat on. Politicians again acquiesced in fear and we came home with our tails between our legs….disgraced.
From that point onward we seem to have adapted a pacifist attitude, reach across the aisle, don’t make waves and more socialistic programs began to accelerate from Washington until we arrived where we are today.
Today, Washington is like a jellyfish with no spine on either side of the aisle. The radical left agenda of the ruling oligarchy is being rubber stamped and shoved down our throats. Where has the morality and dignity of leadership disappeared to?
I listen to Rush, Sean and the other echo chamber folks, looking for answers. Much like these blogs, they identify crisis and what is wrong. What they don’t do is commit to how to stop the runaway freight. Terms like “we need to”,“ we have to start”, etc. don’t mean much without action. E mailing, writing letters and faxing representatives are exercises in futility….at best the reply will be from a clerk thanking one for their interest.
To restore conservatism to government, if it is not too late, Americans must take a history lesson from a damn Liberal…Justice William O. Douglas...”I do not know of any salvation for society except through eccentrics, misfits, dissenters, people who protest”.
This is valuable information; it worked for Viet Nam protestors, gay protestors in San Francisco, illegal Hispanics parading with their flag through the streets of Phoenix, The million man march on D C, and the civil rights marchers and protestors of the sixties. Washington pays attention to those demands.
Is there anyone that, quote Sean, “who can articulate conservatism” and take the leadership necessary…..and do it without a teleprompter?
There can be no “we need to”, “we have to start”…..action MUST START NOW; time is to valuable to waste waiting for 2010 or 2012…
Labels are in abundance, extremist, far right, angry old nut, I don’t care, I have lived through these times and seen the moral decay of leadership and realize that future generations will pay the consequences of what is happening today.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Permalink Reply by Bill Schroeder on May 7, 2009 at 7:48am
I agree with what you are saying. I would like to call out every Veteran of our armed forces past or present. Every one of us who took the oath of military service swore to uphold and defend the CONSTITUTION of the United States of America against all enemies foriegn and domestic. When discharged, not one person has ever been unsworn to this obligation. It is still our duty to act in defense of the CONSTITUTION. As far as I am concerned, our CONSTITUTION is under attack by those who would see its core framework destroyed. It is time for everyone who ever served to raise their voice for the defense of what we believe in.

Herb Kelley said:
What GOP?
Republican, Democrat, Moderate, Left Wing, Right Wing, Conservative, Independent or Liberal?
I cannot tell the difference, it’s like throwing all kinds of fruit in a blender and mixing them into juice.
I am what is politically correct called a senior citizen and it would be easy for me to just live out my remaining years and look the other way and ignore what is happening (unless Barry Hussein starts euthanasia) to this great country that I love.
The problem is, I was born just before the Second World War. Our country had pride then, they had purpose to preserve the freedoms our forefathers had fought and sweated for. Brave people enlisted to fight and die to uphold the integrity of these inherent rights, they didn’t burn our flag or riot in the streets, they went off to fight and die to preserve our way of life. They returned home as victorious heroes.
But then, along the way, came “The Korean Conflict or Police Action” as it was called. Americans went off to fight again but this time, it was for political ambitions. Those service people shed blood once again, but this time it was all about politics. Fear guided our leaders then and left the two Koreas still divided and we see today the waste of lives back then. Our troops came home unheralded simply because there was no victory except for the politicians. That was the fifties.
Another “conflict” came along in the sixties…and again cost thousands of American lives, all for political gains. Only this time, there were riots and protests and burning of draft cards and the Amercan flag. “Conscientious objectors” fled to Canada for asylum while returning service men were cursed, ridiculed and spat on. Politicians again acquiesced in fear and we came home with our tails between our legs….disgraced.
From that point onward we seem to have adapted a pacifist attitude, reach across the aisle, don’t make waves and more socialistic programs began to accelerate from Washington until we arrived where we are today.
Today, Washington is like a jellyfish with no spine on either side of the aisle. The radical left agenda of the ruling oligarchy is being rubber stamped and shoved down our throats. Where has the morality and dignity of leadership disappeared to?
I listen to Rush, Sean and the other echo chamber folks, looking for answers. Much like these blogs, they identify crisis and what is wrong. What they don’t do is commit to how to stop the runaway freight. Terms like “we need to”,“ we have to start”, etc. don’t mean much without action. E mailing, writing letters and faxing representatives are exercises in futility….at best the reply will be from a clerk thanking one for their interest.
To restore conservatism to government, if it is not too late, Americans must take a history lesson from a damn Liberal…Justice William O. Douglas...”I do not know of any salvation for society except through eccentrics, misfits, dissenters, people who protest”.
This is valuable information; it worked for Viet Nam protestors, gay protestors in San Francisco, illegal Hispanics parading with their flag through the streets of Phoenix, The million man march on D C, and the civil rights marchers and protestors of the sixties. Washington pays attention to those demands.
Is there anyone that, quote Sean, “who can articulate conservatism” and take the leadership necessary…..and do it without a teleprompter?
There can be no “we need to”, “we have to start”…..action MUST START NOW; time is to valuable to waste waiting for 2010 or 2012…
Labels are in abundance, extremist, far right, angry old nut, I don’t care, I have lived through these times and seen the moral decay of leadership and realize that future generations will pay the consequences of what is happening today.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Permalink Reply by Toby Arthur on May 7, 2009 at 9:39am
Frank said:
Stand and fight. Clear sounds bites of why we have the better ideas.

OBAMA

One Big Ass Mistake America!

I like the "OBAMA" stands for. That's hilarious, but true.
Permalink Reply by Jim Robinson on May 7, 2009 at 12:59pm
There are major differences between true classical Conservatives and Neoconservatives - I just don't have the time to go into great depth right now due to my schedule. But Neo-Cons are not true Conservatives - they are a warmongering, compassionate big government offshoot that have tried to take over the mantle of true Conservatism. Neo-Cons support too many things that cannot be supported by our Constitution or the intent of the Framers of our Constitution. As I said once before, Neo-Cons are a flash in the pan; they make a lot of noise, and they dominate much of television, but they do not adhere themselves to truly conservative principles that fully line-up with the Constitution. (And please don't give me the liberal pitch that the Constitution is outdated and no longer relevant to our political problems!) If it does not line up completely with the Constitution, as Neoconservatism does not, then it has no business masquerading as true Conservatism! This is my point, and I am sure it will spark some much needed discussion about the very real differences between true Conservatives and Neo-Cons.

I am not being mean here, or trying to start a fight with Neo-Cons, but I am being factual and honest in my assessment. Neo-Cons do not speak for all Conservatives - and true Conservatives still outnumber the Neo-Cons!

Daniel Shafner said:
Neo-Cons are not moderates. We are proud conservatives who distinguish ourselves from the type of so-called conservative that Pat Buchanan claims he is.

We are proud supporters of Israel and are not hell-bent on railroading the Jewish state on matters of security and survival. Each of us Neo-Cons has different reasons for supporting Israel, but generally we believe, as Rush Limbaugh clearly articulates, that peace is won by capitulation of the adversary, not by a negotiated settlement. G. Gordon Liddy has expressed parallel thoughts.

So, if there's something I'm missing in the Neo-Con game of labels, let me know, either privately (and with civility) or publicly.

I always vote Alan Keyes, FWIW.
Permalink Reply by David F on May 7, 2009 at 1:19pm
Tell the truth about what is going on - expose the people that continue to support liberal change by exposing their untruths
Attachments:
Permalink Reply by Daniel Shafner on May 7, 2009 at 4:09pm
Jim Robinson said:
There are major differences between true classical Conservatives and Neoconservatives - I just don't have the time to go into great depth right now due to my schedule. But Neo-Cons are not true Conservatives - they are a warmongering, compassionate big government offshoot that
have tried to take over the mantle of true Conservatism. Neo-Cons
support too many things that cannot be supported by our Constitution or
the intent of the Framers of our Constitution. As I said once before,
Neo-Cons are a flash in the pan; they make a lot of noise, and they
dominate much of television, but they do not adhere themselves to truly
conservative principles that fully line-up with the Constitution. (And
please don't give me the liberal pitch that the Constitution is
outdated and no longer relevant to our political problems!) If it does
not line up completely with the Constitution, as Neoconservatism does
not, then it has no business masquerading as true Conservatism! This is
my point, and I am sure it will spark some much needed discussion about
the very real differences between true Conservatives and Neo-Cons.

I am not being mean here, or trying to start a fight with Neo-Cons, but
I am being factual and honest in my assessment. Neo-Cons do not speak
for all Conservatives - and true Conservatives still outnumber the
Neo-Cons!




OK, then, issue by issue and not with broad-sweeping generalizations and grand philosophies, where do we stand and where don't we stand. And where should we stand? If by war-mongering you are talking about Pat Buchanan's "Amen Corner" then you bet'cha, I'm one of them in that Amen Corner. I make no compunctions about it and I'm proud to say that some battles are worth engaging in. That includes Iraq. That included Kuwait. It includes Afganistan if we prosecute the war properly which Obama and his band of idiots don't know how to do.

I don't see myself as big-government at all. What Ronald-Reagan Republican would?

I think thgat the word "Neo-Con" was coined by Pat Buchanan as a code word for Jewish Republicans who are very pro-Israel. Buchanan can spin what he wants to say, but he has animous for anything Jewish. I think if you scatch the fella you find a Lyndon LaRouche connection not far away. Now, for the rest of the very pro-Israel Republicans, they're just being led by us, as if we are organized and agree on anything cogent.

So who are the Neo-Cons? Paul Wolfawitz? Donald Rumsfeld? VP Cheney? Ari Fliescher? Rush Limbaugh? G. Gordon Liddy? Newt Gingrich? Alexander Haig? George Schultz? That's a pretty good gang.

Who are the moderates? They're well-known. John McCain, Presidents Bush 41 & 43, Trent Lott, Chris Shays (sp?), Snow & Collins, George Pataki, et al. Some of these guys are like Benedict Arlen, R.I.N.O.s Phooey on them.

And with some of those moderates it's still issue by issue. Labels are cheap.
Permalink Reply by Jim Robinson on May 7, 2009 at 8:01pm
Pat Buchanan did not coin the term "Neo-Con." Liberals coined that term. I wish I had the time to go issue by issue to point out all the real and major differences between true Conservatives and Neo-Cons, but I work for a living and my job is very chaotic right now. However, I do stick with issues and not labels, as you say.

Do some homework for yourself and you will find out that Neo-Cons are a very new phenomenon that had nothing to do with the Conservative movement in this country. It is the Neo-Cons that have hijacked the Conservative movement, and that is why modern Conservatism is in shambles. That is the plain truth. (And what makes you think that Pat Buchanan speaks for all true Conservatives? Your information is twisted.) I think you need to go back to school and do a little homework if you want to continue this discussion in an intelligent manner. All I have heard you do is trash all Conservatives that don't fit your Neo-Con mode, and that is why I jumped in on this discussion. Neo-Cons are destroying the Conservative movement - not helping it! I am a true Conservative and not a Neo-Con!
Permalink Reply by Jim Robinson on May 9, 2009 at 12:40pm
Our choices in the Conservative Movement do not come down to only moderates and Neo-Cons, as Mr. Shafner apparently believes. We do have more choices than just these. (I personally do not support either the moderates or the Neo-Cons because both have strayed far from the Constitution! And I cannot support anyone, like Gingrich, that has repeatedly voted in the past to surrender U.S. sovereignty and interests to the United Nations.)

For me, and many other Conservatives that do not support Neoconservatism, our choices come down to principle and not personalities. I am not Conservative because of someone like Ronald Reagan, Rush Limbaugh, or Sean Hannity. I am Conservative because of the Conservative principles enshrined into our Constitution by the wisdom and foresight of its Framers. Where Reagan or Limbaugh or Hannity agree with the Constitution, and the full intent of its Framers, I will agree with them, but where they disagree with the Constitution must I stand with the Constitution. Unlike some in this forum, I am not looking to men for guidance but to the Divine and the Constitution.

The Conservative Movement is sinking because too many "conservatives" (whatever variety or flavor they claim for themselves) are more focused on personalities than they are on principles, and this is the real problem that I am trying to address and focus on in this forum. As Conservatives, our arguments and positions need to be centered squarely on the Constitution, at all times and in all things, and not on our many "personal opinions."

Our movement has lost its focus and balance - and, until we return to the full intent of the Framers of our Constitution, our movement will continue to splinter, fragment, and implode. Now is the right time for all true Conservatives to get their heads out of the sand and back into the Judeo-Christian heritage and Constitution of this great Republic! If anyone in this movement chooses to blindly follow personalities, instead of wisely following sound constitutional principles, then they need to move on and stop claiming to be Conservatives-in-name-only (CINO's).

Right now, we seem to have too many CINO's in this movement. No wonder Conservatism is struggling to again find its voice (the voice of its Framers and our Founding Fathers). Too many fools are making too much noise claiming to be the true voice of Conservatism while promoting their personal opinions over the Constitution itself. How Liberalism must be howling in laughter at us! (Wait, they already are. Hmmmmmmmmmm???!!!)
Permalink Reply by Bruce B. on May 11, 2009 at 7:20pm
I'm new here, guess I'll start with this question. The Republican party needs to concentrate its energies on:

-The economy and jobs. Somehow, we must bring manufacturing jobs back to this country. We simply cannot continue exporting our manufacturing jobs overseas. How can this be accomplished? It's very discouraging to pick up a product, say a pair of blue jeans, with a great American name, (Levis, for example) and read "Made in someplace you've never even heard of" on the label.

-Small government, low taxes for all. To paraphrase former Governor William Weld, keeping government out of your pocket, and out of your bedroom.

-Making America the most attractive place in the world to do business. (see above)

-Keeping America a secure, free nation. (a strong defense)

A little side note here: One freedom I see slipping away, is freedom of speech. Liberals love freedom of speech, but only as long as they're the ones who get to use it. Anyone who makes a statement that is not in line with their way of thinking must be screeched at, yelled at, and smeared. I know others see this as well.

And that is what I think needs to be done.
Permalink Reply by Thomas Powell Peterson on May 11, 2009 at 8:14pm
#1, Republicans have to stop trying to out liberal the liberals. Whenever a foot compares itself to a yard it always comes up short. If we think we can win by being Liberal they are sadly mistaken.

#2, confidence and conviction are everything. Uncertainty is very easy to spot, so easy that even dogs can do it. Republicans reek of it right now. The American people could smell it a mile away in McCain.

#3, People will follow a strong leader and expose posers. Leadership is everything. This is why Ronald Reagan was so successful.

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