Learning to be the loyal opposition
posted at 7:30 pm on November 5, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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I’ve taken a few phone calls from friends on Capitol Hill, in the area, and from family wondering how I was taking the election results. Most of them apparently expected me to be drinking hemlock, or standing out on the ledge. Fortunately, hemlock is out of season in Minnesota, and my ledge is only high enough to turn an ankle if I was inclined to jump. Other than a butt-kicking head cold, I’m feeling all right.
If one participates in politics long enough, disappointment is inevitable. Great issues and dangerous times are always present, and elections and their results always matter. By no means do I want to minimize the importance of elections, but the truth is that people make choices with which we don’t always agree, for reasons we don’t usually like. In a democracy, we have to accept that as reality, and transition to other efforts that impact policy decisions until another election comes along.
Sometimes that transition is hard to make. A few people never made that transition after the 2000 election, for instance. It takes more than a few hours, or a few days. But eventually, if we value democracy, we have to accept the legitimacy of those elections we lose. Without that commitment, we can’t support democracy at all.
We now have to adjust to the fact that Republicans no longer control any of the elective parts of the federal government. We’re now the opposition party in the House, Senate, and the White House simultaneously for the same time since the 1994 elections. How we handle that role will help determine how long we have to remain in the wilderness, and how long it will take to rebuild our credibility.
Barack Obama is our president now, and we should respect the office while offering our dissent. We can energetically offer our criticism for his policies, appointments, and philosophies, and I look forward to that fight. We can let go of the issues in Obama’s past, though. The American electorate has heard those issues and absorbed them. His inexperience and lack of legislative track record made them relevant in the election, but they’re baked into the cake now.
President-elect Obama will be in office for the next four years, and the only issues that matter now are Obama’s actions as President. We need to focus on those, making our counterarguments and offering common-sense policy proposals as an alternative. We need to generate grassroots pressure on Congress just as we did with the immigration-reform bill in 2007 when we see the need, and get the Republicans to offer resistance to the radical parts of the Democratic agenda. We need to keep track of the performance of Obama’s team, document their failures and any abuses that may occur.
In 2012, we will be able to run against Obama’s record. He will not be able to vote “present” any longer, and he will have to commit to courses of action. Where he follows common-sense solutions that work towards private-sector growth and American strength and security, we should recognize it, and where he doesn’t, we can present those failures to the voters when Obama runs for re-election. We can also do the same with Congress, which has no more excuses for their failures, and make the case for divided government in 2010 — as long as we establish ourselves as worthy for leadership with American voters.
Some have said that acting like petulant children worked for the Democrats in 2006 and 2008, and scoff at the notion that we should act like grown-ups now. I’d remind people that we lost the majorities in 2006 and the White House in 2008 not because Democrats acted like petulant children, but because Republicans acted like Democrats, especially on spending, pork, and corruption. We can do better than that, and we’d better if we expect voters to trust us when we say we support private-sector solutions, limited government, and peace through strength. We won’t rebuild that credibility by using personal attacks as a substitute for a real governing policy and consistency.
It’s time to get to work.
Jazz Shaw and Lady Logician have more thoughts on this topic.
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Nicely stated Ed… For me, I want to rebuild the party from the ground up while we have the opportunity. Get rid of every Moderate, Liberal, Moron, or what ever you choose to call them. We also need to get rid of every so called “Conservative Pundit” that wants to modernize Conservatism to look much more like Liberalism. Conservative values & principles need not be altered in any way, shape, or form.
Complete overhaul! Conservatism wins out every time. John McCain is a great American, a great war hero; a Conservative he is not and has never been. In reality, McCain was not an attractive candidate, which is why we had such a low turn-out on the GOP side. Just look how McCain’s campaign reform bill worked out for Obama. Sarah Palin brought energy and some real Conservatism to the ticket, but then McCain and his staffers got to her and muzzled her message. Those who blame this defeat on Sarah are dead wrong. I only became interested when Sarah was brought on board, and that goes for most of my Conservative friends.
BTW: People like Bill Kristol need to get the boot!
Keemo on November 5, 2008 at 8:10 PM
I was curious Darth. As the little generation that could doesn’t vote a whole lot until they reach 28 or so.
Right now Baby Boomers, Gen X and the Gen X-Y’s (me) are coming into play. The Nintento/Wii/Gen Y kids are going to be the laziest generation. Just watch.
upinak on November 5, 2008 at 8:11 PM
BAHAHAHA!! Are you freaking guessing? Well, shoot, maybe if we just disengage from the world, everything will be hunky dory. There couldn’t possibly be ideologies or dictators who need an external enemy to refocus their own constituents rage away from the leaders. nahhhh, we’re just meddlers and got what we deserved, right?
trubble on November 5, 2008 at 8:12 PM
By accepting Obama’s victory do we have to accept the thuggish attacks on political critics, the voter registration fraud and voter fraud, the campaign finance fraud and associated credit card fraud as just a part of the political process?
Does this mean that from now on the primary qualification for being president is who has the best marketing?
There is so much in how we got to where we are today that is unacceptable.
Stephen Macklin on November 5, 2008 at 8:13 PM
I’m feeling very sadistic today. I hope as many morons as possible put all their hopes in Obama so I can feed on their suffering and despair when he smashes them into a million pieces.
Yesss… Give in to your anger!
Darth Executor on November 5, 2008 at 8:13 PM
They’re also extremely unhealthy with high rates of childhood heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The Gen X-Y’s like us are going to out live them all.
Heck, a lot of the Gen Xers are going to out live them at this rate.
JadeNYU on November 5, 2008 at 8:13 PM
It doesn’t matter if not a lot of them vote if all the ones who do vote Democrat because the conservatives died of old age and there’s nobody left to carry the torch.
Darth Executor on November 5, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Well said Ed.
I’d also second what Stephen Macklin said above.
jnelchef on November 5, 2008 at 8:15 PM
I think it has just been proven that the majority of Americans either don’t give a damn, or aren’t the least bit interested in a logical argument about what makes a candidate a good president. This was more like an “American Idol” contest than an election.
What makes you think it will be any different, or even no worse, four years from now?
It’s all about marketing– making your candidate look “more cool to vote for” than the other guy. Unless we play that game, be prepared for a lot more disappointment. I’m a republican because I believe in most of the principals that the party stands for, and I respect a candidate that will not tell me just the things I want to hear. I have much more respect for someone who sticks to what he believes in– I can handle a disagreement, but not being lied to.
Unfortunately, it appears that the majority of Americans prefer it the other way around.
dinobalz on November 5, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Jade. I have a small business (or had, not much incoming on email this year) junk jewlery business. I hired a 16 yr old and a 25 yr old to help me make necklaces and earings. Most of the stuff I have is real.. just not high quality jems and stuff.
The 16 yr old left after 2 weeks saying she was bored. The 25 yr old stole 400 dollars worth of peridote beads. Either lazy or the easy way… this country is screwed.
upinak on November 5, 2008 at 8:16 PM
This story is based on grumbling of a couple people in the campaign. I do believe there was tension between Palin and her handlers. But most of the stuff Carl mentioned sounds like somebody got their nose out of joint and is looking to get even. Ignore it.
Dee2008 on November 5, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Thanks for the link. I don’t believe Palin is a diva, but I do believe that Republicans are as comfortable as anyone with their elitism, treated Palin like the simpleton the left feared she was, and she resisted, thus accusations of diva-hood and her refusing to be coached for the Couric interview. I think all the coaching is what made her freeze early on. After the Couric embarrassment (aided in part by the editing and the interview being drawn out over the course of a week), I think Palin took charge of her coaching schedule. She’s green and new to the national game, but not slow and stupid. Also, I think there are some righties just as bitter about Palin’s nomination as they are about Obama’s win.
The ‘ole adage has it right: united we stand, divided we fall. In that way, the democrats didn’t have to do anything, only sit back and watch what we were doing to ourselves.
To end this most longwinded post, I will say that I believe this continued missive against Palin’s intelligence is an effort to discredit her forever on the national stage, thus paving the way for a Huck or Romney type Republican.
Oh, and I call utter bullshit on the Africa thing.
haikusrock on November 5, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Supreme Court appointments is my biggest worry! We lost the chance to have a conservative court that does not make their own laws. Also other courts appointments that haven’t been filled because of the Democrats.
Bullhead on November 5, 2008 at 8:16 PM
some thoughts relative to the NRO articale about why O beat the Republicans…….
1: Youth vote can be attracted by stressing Individualism of Conervatism versus the Collectivism of Liberalism
2: Minorities will respond to the socially conservative family values of Republicans
3: Ecomony can be greatly strengthened by championing Energy independence, along with stressing the importance of allowing American business to grow domesticly and compete overseas. (less taxes)
Can’t do much about any desire to punish W; that ship has sailed
5: Obama Dean machine: just like in business, copy what works and improve upon it.
my 2 cents as to a core set of principles:
Constitutional Government / Smaller government, and holding every one in government more responsible for their spending; insist on efficient government, and only government that is truly needed and outlined in the Constitution. Stand for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
Individualism: Stress individual responsibility, individual liberty, the Bill of Rights, and the significance of the Individual in Society
Energy Independence as both a National Security issue and a major component of revitalizing the domestic economy
Education choice; charter schools, vouchers, more power on local levels and less bureacracy
National Defense: rebuild the military to address these uncertain times
Red State State of Mind on November 5, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Democracy is overrated. And in a land of idjits, it’s suicide. The only safe form of democracy is the one this nation was born with when the constitution was created and that is landowner democracy. Only landowners could vote. It was set up like that for a reason. People with a stake in the nation, will always vote with their head, not their emotions. They vote conservative, in whatever way that is defined in their time. Those on the fringe, on the take, on the doll, most of whom are not landowners, always vote liberal/socialist/marxist. That political philosophy appeals to those who, for whatever reason, and those reasons are usually ones of poor character, have failed to succeed in life. So they look to take. Givers vote conservative, takers vote liberal. America, over time, unfortunately, has become a nation of takers, thus disqualifying democracy as a wise form of choosing leaders and directing policy.
The founding fathers understood that. Democracy was too important to trust it to just anybody. It was not trusted to the masses, for the ignorant masses can be fooled, hoodwinked, bamboozled -to borrow a phrase – and the corrupt masses could vote to redistribute largess to themselves. This idea that any idjit should be able to vote, is foolish. (I say that not just now, in the wake of McCain’s defeat, as a manifestation of sour grapes. I published a book arguing that very fact over 11 years ago.) Eventually, a nation fills us with the displeased, it fills up with takers, with ingrates, with malcontents, and the republic collapses from within. Democratitis.
Democratic elections legitimized Hamas, the Nazi party, the FIS in Algeria who swore to end democracy, and now they have legitimized an American Marxist and his socialist cohorts at all branches of legislative government in the world’s most powerful nation.
Don’t fall prey to this romanticized view of democracy. Democracy is just a tool, like a gun or a knife. It can be used wisely, or it can be used to destroy, and ironically, it can be used to destroy itself in the end if it so chooses. Democracy is only as virtuous as the people are wise.
keep the change on November 5, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Eh………a couple hundred thousand in uniform who would differ with you. That doesn’t count all the peace officers in your own backyard.
We still have them. Wish I could share the emails from some fellas in the desert. The summary: We haven’t let you down yet and don’t plan on it now.
Limerick on November 5, 2008 at 8:19 PM
I have no clue what Lew Rockwell wrote. Nor do I care. But I do know they he’s right about much more than he’s wrong about.
LibertarianConservative on November 5, 2008 at 8:19 PM
I’m sorry, Ed. You seem like a genuinely good person. I’m sorry to disappoint you.
But I can only be the DISloyal opposition at this point. I can only give Barack Obama about as much of a chance as Democrats gave W.
Forgive me, if you can. But I cannot provide loyalty to those I disrespect, and there is nothing remotely resembling respect in my heart for the man about to be president.
Vyce on November 5, 2008 at 8:19 PM
What office will you be running for, and when can I vote for you?
jazz_piano on November 5, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Sorry, I didn’t support Ron Paul because of his comments regarding World War 2. He was dead wrong about that. But I did admire his old school Conservatism.
LibertarianConservative on November 5, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Hey! I DON’T support Democracy. I support the Republic — which is, or at least used to be, NOT a democracy.
Democrats bite. Let them all die.
No support. No “loyal opposition”. At least, no “loyal” part.
Just plain outright opposition — now and forever.
SunSword on November 5, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Nope. I’m saying that they attacked the US in revenge for the fact we’re acting like the world’s policeman.
Everything happens for a reason.
I don’t justify it, I don’t condone it. But I will not turn a blind eye to the truth.
LibertarianConservative on November 5, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Yes indeedy, but what irreversible structural changes will he have brought about by then? As a Canuck, I am all too aware of how nearly impossible it is to get the government out of things once they have been let in. My fear of an Obama win for y’all has always been that he will bring about change, change that isn’t good for America and that you will never be able to undo. And that’s before I start talking about the mess he’ll make of foreign policy!
ProfessorMiao on November 5, 2008 at 8:23 PM
+1….they have ACORN we need WALNUT or something….
sven10077 on November 5, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Bull. Neo-Cons are Pro-war Conservatives who take marching orders from Neil Podhoretz. Period.
LibertarianConservative on November 5, 2008 at 8:24 PM
here’s a couple problems, ed:
1. OBAMA HAS A 25-POINT CUSHION FOR APPROVAL RATINGS OVER BUSH, CARTER.
Bush is at 20something percent, as was Truman, as was Carter at one time. But each time, Black America had no overwhelming die-hard support for the president. In fact, you could more or less guarantee that even Bush being perfect (other than when we actually did unite on 9/11) would only garner a 87% approval rating because 13% of America (black america) hated his guts.
So likewise, Obama could actually be in the crapper with the rest of America (approval rating of 37%) but it would actually be a decent 50% because he’d have the full support of 13% of blacks.
I’m not being simplistic or attempting to take shots at black voters — when you go for “your guy” 96-1 (as black females did) it’s a bit hard to escape the sterotype. ANd you can’t tell me that Obama’s success will be judged for its merits — no, Obama’s success/failure will be tied to the success/failure of “ALL BLACK AMERICANS”. you know how this is going to play out. No ‘content of the character’ here, this is going to be blindly following and hoping for the best because your entire freaking IDENTITY is wrapped up in Obama’s success as president. Say hello to Tavis Smiley & Roland Martin defending obama more than olbermann ever dreamed of.
The end result is a much tougher first-termer to knock off in 2012.
battleoflepanto1571 on November 5, 2008 at 8:25 PM
My friend manages a Starbucks and the kids are driving him crazy. They don’t show up for work and don’t even bother calling in to let people know they’re not coming. Then, they are shocked when they get in trouble. They’re big argument is, “Oh…right…..like I’m the first person that’s ever done that before!”
Do you have a website for the jewelry? I love handmade jewelry!
JadeNYU on November 5, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Sadly, I’m afraid you’re correct. I admire President Bush for many reasons, but I do not share his idealism when it comes to spreading democracy. Some people cannot be trusted to choose good.
jazz_piano on November 5, 2008 at 8:26 PM
I’ve said enough here. Don’t want to get banned.
Thanks for playing.
LibertarianConservative on November 5, 2008 at 8:27 PM
They’ll mostly be dead 60 years from now (assuming the US is still around after The Messiah bankrupts it). I’m thinking long term.
Darth Executor on November 5, 2008 at 8:28 PM
GREAT thoughts, and the Glenn beck link has som every cogent reasoning in it. What i am reading from what some of you are writing, is that part of the PROBLEM in the Republican party is elitism? is that why Palin was treated like such a hick by so many?
Personally, I think common sense often trumps over-thinking and over-anaylizing every problem. Would we benefit as a party if we went ‘back to basics’? I was a big fan of the Contract with America because it was clear and consise. And when I heard Clinton call it “the contract ON America” I KNEW the Republicans were on to something strong. As many of us know, when your enemy keeps telling you that you are doing something wrong, you are probably doing it just about right.
Red State State of Mind on November 5, 2008 at 8:28 PM
We may not be good at policing the world, but we helped end the Holocaust, stop the brutalities of Imperial Japan, save South Korea, protect Western Europe from Stalin, restore order to the Balkans.
Have our missteps (whatever those may be) outweighed our successes?
jazz_piano on November 5, 2008 at 8:30 PM
2. WE WON’T WIN BACK ANYTHING WITHOUT LATINOS
ANd we can’t just ‘pander’ because that is a stupid, racist strategy in itself. (look how it worked for mccain — 29% baby! he’d have been better going Tancredo and getting cons to show up to the polls)
I want to say we come out and present ourselves as low taxes, pro-famil (housing incentives, no marriage tax penalties, tax credits for kids, etc.), and “GET OUTTA MY LIFE AND LET ME WORK” government policy. And we have to advertise it, and recruit young people and retruning hispanic iraq vets to run in Laredo & Imperial county & Denver. Not just for congress, but for state legislatures. Go to the party chairs in places like NC or Arkansas, that have growing hispanic pops, and PUSH ties to the states gop parties (those are currently both in the minority i think, so more opportunities to run).
Problem is, this sort of latent approach has failed miserably with blacks. How will it work with latinos? And the door is closing fast, friends. A new english-speaking gerneration is marching in LA & seeing ‘anti illegalism’ as ‘racist’. I know it seems wrong, but we have to forget about anyone already here illegaly. Be glad they work hard and are Christian (from an assimilation purpose). Yes, i know, S. Cali is full of illegal gangs and prisoners, but it’s not like that in say, Tennessee. Ditch the ‘deport’ plank, and focus on the future. I read here before, EVERY TIME WE ARE ON TV, say “We want to INCREASE the # of Mexican immigrants to this country Legally. We want to stop illegal immigration for safety reasons, but at the same INCREASE latino immigration into the USA”
How do we do this without looking like pandering fools?
battleoflepanto1571 on November 5, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Am I obligated to call Obama MY president?
He is THE President for certain, an office to which I am constitutionally and statutorily obligated to respect and obey.
But I have no personal investment in the man and ain’t quite ready to call him mine.
greenonions on November 5, 2008 at 8:32 PM
I haven’t seen anything bannable. We disagree. Vehemently. That’s allowed around here. The only way any of us learn is to argue and let the ideas stand or fall on their merits. Snark may be the weapon of choice around here, but strong ideas will win out. See ya next time. And please consider the following three possiblilties
1) dismantle the containment policy and let Saddam do what he pleases, relinquishing the policeman role.
2) continue the containment policy, knowing it led to huge corruption in the UN (and it’s gotta be huge to be noticed over normal UN corruption) and was steadily growing weaker (Thanks Chirac!) and that it directly contributed to the 9/11 attacks, according to Al Qaeda’s late ’90’s declaration of war.
3) Remove Saddam.
There are no easy answers, all have risks.
trubble on November 5, 2008 at 8:35 PM
There is a small problem here. Within the next 4 years, illegal aliens will have the right to vote. Mark my words.
And in the words of the Great USA founder Benjamin Franklin:
lsutiger on November 5, 2008 at 8:36 PM
3. WE HAVE TO FIGHT WHILE SMILING EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY
This to me is the hardest and the easiest to do. Every time we give interviews, give them live. We need to learn every bias moment and every dem past of these MSM types, so that when Chris Matthews says something, we can respond “Well Chris, you worked for DEM Speaker of the House Tip ONeill, and were a speechwriter for Jimmy Carter, and you are going to run for senator as a DEM in 2010, so I understand you are asking that question from a biased liberal position. Plus, you said Obama’s words are a “new testament” that make you “weep” and “get thrills up your leg”. Ask me that question again without your lifelong liberal spin, please?” Dont just do it to the partisans, do it to the MSMs. In primary debates, when asked about evolution, say “Brian Williams, did you ask this question to the Democrats? I know you were a speechwriter for DEMCORATS before going to NBC news, and you publicly have voiced support for the last X # democratic presidential candidates. I assume asking about evolution is a bias, considering you said off-camera at the ABC dinner last year “republicans are crazy bible thumpers” or something. So why don’t you tell me why you asked the GOP this question and not the dems, or let’s just skip it until we find a more neutral moderator”
DO THIS EVERY TIME. EVERY INTERVIEW. DONT PLAY NICE. PLAY HARDBALL. CUT OFF THE INTERVIEWERS. DONT ACCEPT SPIN. Repeat. repeat. repeat. I can’t stand Pelosi, but in the 06 campaign, her crew had slogans, some 6 point plan to fix america. Who knows what it is, but they said it ALL THE TIME. Repeat your talking points and CALL THE MEDIA OUT. Did Soledad OBrien make fun of Palin’s hair? Tell her that at the next interview “Soledad, you said Palin was a ‘hick’, while praising Obama as ‘the one’. Before you start asking me, will you, the wife of a Democratic XYZ, apologize, right here and now, for your biased and hateful comments of Governor Palin? Will you promise to ATTEMPT to be nonpartisan for the next 5 minutes, knowing that will be hard as you are a registered democrat?”
SAY it every time.
Ok, that’s not a question really, but more of a point.
I think it would work, but you’d need some huge newsbusters-like database of every media hack out there.
battleoflepanto1571 on November 5, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Worst post ever, Ed.
For shame.
VolMagic on November 5, 2008 at 8:40 PM
MB4 on November 5, 2008 at 8:42 PM
Great post Ed, displays of class like this are among the things that initially drew me to embrace the Republicans and to reject the Democrats. Thank you.
somejoe on November 5, 2008 at 8:43 PM
That sounds so pedestrian.
MB4 on November 5, 2008 at 8:45 PM
Well, we have lost an opportunity to make the court consistently conservative. But I wouldn’t worry about Obama’s Supreme Court appointments. The only justices likely to retire (or die) anytime soon are liberals. So the best Obama can do is maintain the status quo. He can’t recast the Supreme Court. (The lower courts are, of course, another story.)
paul006 on November 5, 2008 at 8:45 PM
Class is overrated.
MB4 on November 5, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Nicely said, Ed. Quite frankly, I was over it by 11:30 last night. I took it harder when my Giants and Devils lost the championships. That’s because I get emotionally wrapped up in sports, but, not politics. That is for Libs.
William Teach on November 5, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Which generation is that.
I’m in Generation Y, and if you think we’re bad with the Obama support, you don’t even want to know about how it is with teenagers.
The liberals have got to them early. I’m not even being conspiracy-theory level hyperbolic here, I wish I was. You may not HAVE a conservative movement whatsoever in a matter of years, because there will be no one left among our youth not brainwashed into liberal ideology…..and that’s all happened BEFORE Obama got elected.
Vyce on November 5, 2008 at 8:49 PM
4. YOUTH VOTE
Last night’s split was 66-32. The youth gap was BIGGER than the republican share. In 04, it was 55-45.
We CANNOT overcome that, simply cannot. EVen if 10% switch sides as they get older, it will still be 56-42 when they are older and parent-aged.
How the #$#^@ do we fix this one??
battleoflepanto1571 on November 5, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Socialism fosters oppression, socialism fosters servitude, socialism fosters cruelty; more abominable is the fact that it fosters idiocy.
Tav on November 5, 2008 at 8:55 PM
BTW I emailed Manly to say people were asking about him. I am going to miss that turd!
Here is what he emailed back, a gentleman to his word:
I cannot return to Hot Air, Upinak. I made a promise and I believe in keeping my word. There are other vistas, other horizons. I need a few days to get my head together and then move on to those horizons. With your permission I would like to forward your recipes to my son who is in culinary school; I think he would appreciate them marvelous much. If you stayed in touch with me from time to time I would be pleased, as I always did enjoy our bantering. We were kind of like Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis in Moonlighting – except that I’m not nearly as attractive as Bruce Willis and I’m far, far wittier than he could ever be, because all that neat shit he says is scripted for him. Stay warm on those cold Alaska nights and stay in touch with old Manly, you hear? Your friend, MR
upinak on November 5, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Understand Manly’s stand…and askin favor???? You have his Personal e-mail? Forward this. (Not very eloquent, but from the heart:
Dear, dear Manly. I have been a HA member for a very brief time, but have moniored this blog for a long, long time, so know you (Not-ly) but admire you (greatly). I have seen you rally troops, encourage the discouraged and slap the CRAAAAP out of the disspirited (sp)me included, at times. If you truly choose to stay away, I understand your choice: free will. If you want to reconsider…. (Oh sigh, as I write this it is futile. You are a man of your word and I so, so admire that.)You will blog elsewhere (not part of your pro,mise, so hope to encounter you soon.
Signing off: Newbee to Master.
Upinak: ‘Mind forwarding this (betcha’ got lots of others.) Thanks!
Chewy the Lab on November 5, 2008 at 8:55 PM
chewy, i’d like manly back. it’s time to watch the gop rebuild itself as conservatism, counldn’t hurt to have more voices, particularly encouraging ones.
battleoflepanto1571 on November 5, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Well armed opposition. I already went to Cafe Press and ordered my “Obama is not my President” sweatshirt which I will wear to the mall on Jan 20 and beyond.
bill30097 on November 5, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Cooperation and bipartisanship do not unite people as much as a common hatred for something.
Tav on November 5, 2008 at 9:01 PM
From all I have read based so far from the article and thread, the long-term solution that I see is this: we need to influence the younger generations (later than Gen Y) in the schools. I do not see how they are going to take us seriously otherwise. I am always concerned when I hear my college undergrad classmates talk about how they are excited about the One, but then again they are a lost cause.
turpentine on November 5, 2008 at 9:03 PM
This is the beginning of my dissent. Policy aside, the following is a major sticking point as to why I can not call him “President”:
Mr. Obama does not respect me as an American citizen. I respect the office but not the man shortly to be commander in chief because of how he disparaged those of us who did not agree or vote for him.
He has said that I’m clingy, bitter, hold onto my guns and religion, implies I’m racist for not agreeing with him, that I listen to the wrong talk radio shows, watch the wrong tv networks then calls me basically decent and sound but asks me to call him President?
In his victory speech he asked for my support then told me he WILL be my president. Call me shallow and bitter or call me a rebel but he WILL remain just Barak Obama to me.
Night Wind on November 5, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Editorial: The GOP’s Defining Moment
The Republican Party needs to come to terms with itself, if it intends to come to grips with the American people. Tuesday’s debacle proved anew that the GOP of Ronald Reagan is now nothing more than a distant memory. And the truth is, the farther it removes itself from those former days of stalwart stands, the further its fortunes will likely decline. And rightly so.
The Democratic Party, on the other hand, for better or worse, leaves no doubt as to where it stands on its guiding principles, its willingness to run on (instead of away from) them, and its unequivocal determination to bring them to fruition. Like it or not – and the majority of Americans clearly do – President-Elect Barack Obama established himself as the most liberal of liberals, with Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi standing proudly at the same end of the ideological continuum. And, they carried the day.
Now, the GOP has to make a decision. It has arrived at its Defining Moment. Is it going to continue operating under the dome of the Big Tent, trying to be all things to all people, pleasing few and offending many? Or, is it going to reign in the rogue elephants and once again return to its base?
The fact is, the defeat of John McCain was not the people’s judgment on the conservative cause. It was, at least in part, the people’s judgment on Mr. McCain’s tepid brand of Democratic Republicanism. John McCain, for better or worse, is a moderate liberal. That is what he has lived as. That is what he ran as. That is what he lost as. And if the Republicans continue to undercut their conservative base by running tepid moderates, while the Democrats continue to reinforce theirs by running true liberals, the Grand Old Party may one day in the not-too-distant future find itself the Gone Old Party.
The alternative is to return to their Reagan roots. Will it work? In every state (except, of course, Taxachusetts) where a tax referendum was on the ballot, tax cuts carried the day. In the three states where gay marriage was on the ballot, it was banned. And, perhaps most significantly, in the one state and four localities where term limits were on the ballot, the people in their wisdom told the politicians “don’t quit your day jobs.”
Some 50 years ago, when faint-hearted Democrats were convinced that the only way to beat a Republican was to act like one, the plain-spoken Harry Truman advised, “Given the choice between a Republican and someone who acts like a Republican, people will vote for the real Republican all the time.” On November 4, the GOP should have learned the lesson that the converse is also true. Otherwise, the nation will continue to be saddled with two-party elections—and one-party rule.
http://alg31blog.timberlakepublishing.com/default.asp?Display=711
manwithblackhat on November 5, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
Tav on November 5, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Vyce, there are many homeschooled children and young adults out there, my daughters 20,23, and 25 among them…do not underestimate their fervor or intensity. Most homeschoolers are activists and unapologetic Christians. It still is the fastest growing educational movement in the U.S. These are the ones who will LEAD!
CreationistConservativeWarrior on November 5, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Oh, lord, I hate these lectures. After the way the democrats have behaved for 8 years, we are the ones who end up getting the scolding. Well, the hell with that. I’ll do what I think is best — with or without anyone’s approval.
Blake on November 5, 2008 at 9:09 PM
The political party in power is like a diaper. You need to change them periodically, and for the same reason.
Tav on November 5, 2008 at 9:10 PM
This is generally true in normal elections. But I believe that what has happened in this election cycle requires much more than offering criticism of the Obama/Reid/Pelosi regime. The fact that this country can elect someone so unvetted, so far left and so controversial as Obama points to some serious signs of trouble in our democracy. Both in the process which saw incredible media bias, coverup and dishonesty as well as in the very questionable, if not illegal, tactics on the part of the Obama campaign. It also points to an electorate that has become easily manipulated by marketing and record-braking ammounts of money, and that might have significantly shifted left.
I don’t think we can treat this election just like a typical loss and just move on. These signs and issues need to be thought about and addressed, or our republic is in very serious trouble.
neuquenguy on November 5, 2008 at 9:10 PM
SCREW “loyal opposition” It is time to fight as hard as the left wing hate machine fights. By any means necessary. Loyal opposition gets steam rolled. The sooner conservatives learn that the left hates you more the anything in the world, the better. It is time to hate the left just as much as they hate us. The left is not merely misguided, they are evil.
Sean on November 5, 2008 at 9:12 PM
I wasn’t born to walk on water
I wasn’t born to sack and slaughter
But on my soul, I wasn’t born
To stoop and knuckle under
A man can learn to steal some thunder
A man can learn to work some wonder
And when the guantlet’s down,
It’s time to rise and climb the sky
And soon the moon will smoulder
And the winds will drive
Yes, a man grows older but his soul remains alive
All those tremulous stars still glitter
And I will survive!
Let my heart grow colder and as bitter as a falcon in the dive
Tav on November 5, 2008 at 9:12 PM
I wish that was the case, but are not Democrats in the senate sitting on about 80 Bush nominations to federal courts across the country?
neuquenguy on November 5, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Ed. for all that high minded stuff, let me say that I am in opposition, but I will be just as “loyal” as the lefties were during the past 7 years.
In 2000, I would have been comfortable, albeit not thrilled, if Gore had won because I believe he did have the best interests of the country in his heart. I could not stand the condensention.
In 2001, after 9/11 I held the belief that if Gore were president, he would have done the right thing for the country. Perhaps not the same thing Bush did, but some morally equivalent right thing.
However, over the past 7 years I have been fed a diet of how I am evil. This year I learned I am a racist because I did not blindly support the one. I am tired of it.
They can all go to hell. They want loyalty, they have to earn it. They want respect, they have to earn it.
I am seriously considering going Galt. I do not own a business, and I am under 50. I command a $100K salary; my skills are in demand. I have seriously considered using a loophole to withdraw my IRAs tax free and simply walking away from the US. I’ll leave the cars in the driveway, and let the bank foreclose the house. Let them find me.
Dr.K on November 5, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Somewhere we need to be pushing to get the issues of voter fraud and intimidation resolved. It wasn’t the innuendo and feigned criminality that the left bleated about in the last election — this was real. The Ohio secretary of state enabled them to steal Ohio, the Black Panthers were caught on tape intimidating people. Acorn’s actions were real regarding illegal registrations. This isn’t about sour grapes or losing — if this kind of thing that destroys the very foundation of our republic.
AZfederalist on November 5, 2008 at 9:29 PM
I have seen so much smugness from lefties at my workplace all day. One of my cow-orkers told me Obama cares for those people who didn’t vote for him.
I plan to drink serious tears when reality strikes these guys.
Sekhmet on November 5, 2008 at 9:29 PM
This is what really gives me hope for the future of our country, and the Republican party.
I’m a staunch conservative thanks in part to Bill Clinton — and he was, and is, quite a moderate Democrat. I can only imagine the surprises in store for our younger voters over the next four years.
We all talk about Palin and Jindal as the future leaders of our party, but it’s only partly true. The future leaders of our party are in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I can’t wait to see what happens to ACORN when they go up against a fired up core of vets trained and experienced in counterinsurgency. Community Organizers are amateurs.
ClintACK on November 5, 2008 at 9:33 PM
I’m still in the anger phase and don’t expect to get out of it any time soon.
Buck Ofama.
cannonball on November 5, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Manly come back.
Here’s why.
We lost and are in danger of losing because our best minds are leaving us for greener and more celestial pastures and they are being replaced as “elder statespeople” by the Peggy Noonans of the right.
We have lost Milton Friedman, Buckley and several others and with each loss of our stars we lose the opportunity to have members of these last two generations find on their own “the satanic verses*” of conservatism.
* “satanic verses in the sense that to moonbat teachers they represent heresy
Reagan did not happen in a vacuum he had the backing of Hayek, Friedman, Schlafley, and a slew of others. The fact is we need to get out of the hard social engineering business not because it is not the right points of view but because the education of the new masses will take time and the most powerful moral arguments are ones they will arrive at themselves. It is our duty to either educate our own kids and their peers or infiltrate academia.
Barry’s victory is the culmination of a 55 year undermining of our values in education. Many conservatives were far too busy to worry too much about the slow drip of the teachers towards moral ambiguity and undermining the perception of American exceptionalism. The hand that rocks the cradle and all that.
We need to sell these kids the noble concept of freedom to choose in matters beyond teen sex, abortion, and drugs. These kids have a damn near anarchial love of personal choice beating in them that is busily stifled as they mature in the academy. You don’t bargain with snakes* you behead them when able.
*snakes in this case being the doctrinaire education experts and systems.
The main thing is we have to accept that the 1980s did not happen after a 4 year gap from ‘76 it was a fight that started in 1952 and was a big team effort that was sold to the young and middle aged by an active engaging punditry that had more integrity, ethics, and values in their ringfingers than the Noonans have in their whole hand.
More to come,
sven
sven10077 on November 5, 2008 at 9:40 PM
Yes Liberals never got over the 2000 election and they probably expect the same behavior from conservatives. I thionk most of us are already over it and ready to move on the next fight.
ldbgcoleman on November 5, 2008 at 9:44 PM
I think that in addition to the strength of our ideas, we are going to need attractive messengers who can package those ideas persuasively. Let’s face it, we haven’t had anyone like that since Reagan. And we need to be a whole lot better at defining our candidates successfully before the opposition and the media does it for us.
I think we also need to think about how dependent we are on talk radio to get our message out. This is a strength but also a weakness. There are a whole lot of people who never listen to talk radio. We have to find a way to infiltrate the MSM and manage our message better.
Bennett on November 5, 2008 at 9:47 PM
You forgot the millions of Bureaucrats, Judges, Federal Attorneys, State Department Officials, CIA, FBI, National Security Heads, Military appointments, Committee heads, Teacher’s Unions and Trade Unions, and numerous other appoint able positions that are all Leftist Radical Democrats that will be entrenched with life-time appointments……………………. and the current GOP leadership will not oppose anyone of them in order to get along, and the United States of America will forever change.
They will dig in, work behind the scenes, control the media and Hollywood, lull you to sleep, keep promising the world, opposition will disappear……….. and then one day, you might even say “What the hell happened?” before it is your turn………..
Seven Percent Solution on November 5, 2008 at 9:50 PM
I am fighting the next fight. Buck Farack.
john1schn on November 5, 2008 at 9:52 PM
And bankers. Oddly enough.
john1schn on November 5, 2008 at 9:53 PM
If it had been an honest and honorable win by Barry the Three-Faced One then “loyal opposition” would be reasonable.
Considering the complete deception just pulled on the country by Obama and his loyal Media pimps, I can only join a Disgusted, Obdurate Resistance.
The hell with Barack for his slimy, shameful treatment of a true war hero (even if Mac was too kindly to stike back effectively… which makes it even worse, ultimately) and the mendacious Clintonian Take-Any-Advantageous-Position pandermania that had Barry posing as Heir-To-Reagan one day and Mocha-Goldwater the next.
He played 51% of the country for total suckers.
He can bite me.
profitsbeard on November 5, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Agree. I am not saying go nuts like the KOs. But we have to do more than passively criticize (when it doesn’t offend anybody) and wait for our turn. We keep doing the same things and expecting different results. We have let the Dems get away with all kind of things, including slandering and embarrassing our country, and out leaders, for the benefit of the whole world.
neuquenguy on November 5, 2008 at 9:57 PM
chewy, i’d like manly back. it’s time to watch the gop rebuild itself as conservatism, counldn’t hurt to have more voices, particularly encouraging ones.
battleoflepanto1571 on November 5, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Could not agree more: Want a little anticdote? Here’s where it’s already starting to go down:
I’m a Realtor, and dang proud of my profession. (I know a lot of you think we’re scum). I give at least 3 days a month teaching newly-licensed Realtors how to serve their public. I consider this my civic duty. Today was one of those days. I was scheduled to teach a class for new R/E licensees. Man, was I depressed when I got up this morning, but I made a commitment and went in with a smile on my face.
Tough day for me, but, I’m glad I had something that made me get out of bed this morning, otherwise, I think I’d have wallowed in self-pity. Anyway, I learned that the company for which I teach this once a month class (as an independant contractor) laid off about 50% of their work force today.
Since this is a side job, for me, I’m fine. I expect, and have been told, that they most likely won’t be able to afford me as of January 1. (Again, this isn’t my “day job” so I ain’t whining or gnashing any kind of tooth), but, unfortunately, I think this is the tip of the iceburg, and it’s my report from middle America today.
No one will be working in the Obama economy, ergo: no one will be spending. Minor things with all the other things I fear for our
Republic…is it Ok to be an Eeyore now (want to slap myself for that!!!!) God Bless America. I love her so!
Chewy the Lab on November 5, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Herb London has an interesting piece on the prospects of an “o” Presidency …
I can’t wait to read the next, now that we have to deal with it.
jerrytbg on November 5, 2008 at 10:03 PM
p.s. You have to scroll down to read it…
The first articles are a nice preamble anyway…
jerrytbg on November 5, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Well, I dunno…
After 6 years of enduring every type of Chimpy McBushitler Pretzelgagger slur and slime job, somehow I’m just not ready to let bygones be bygones and fall into Happy Nice Step.
I think it needs to be get in the face time, especially if The Dear leader abandons Iraq.
After 1/20/09 I’m feelin’ like “you brokle it, you bought it.
Hey there Donks, howz it feel to have to be responsible?
Don’t expect a helping hand when a kick in the nuts will suffice.
Bruno Strozek on November 5, 2008 at 10:11 PM
lol… I just reread what I wrote …too much scotch! sleep…
jerrytbg on November 5, 2008 at 10:16 PM
This is a good piece Ed.
Part of me agrees with you. Another part says, “Well…”
I owe Obama my loyalty only so far as my service requires me to until I retire next October. After that, no more.
With that said, I won’t treat Obama in any way like Bush has been treated by the Left for eight years. When he screws the pooch, I will be vocal and energetic. But when he asks for my support, I don’t have to lift a finger for him.
I will say that playing nice and taking the high road though hasn’t done anything for us. Again, I’m not saying we need to be venomously disgusting, but when the times arise for us to take the attack to the Left, we need to hit them with both barrells.
You do not win a war or battle by following the rules that the other side stopped playing by years ago.
If Obama and the Dems do ANYTHING contrary to Conservative and TRUE Republican ideals, the Republican party as it is better do everything in it’s power to disrupt, delay, defeat or otherwise deny any part of the Liberal agenda.
The days of “reacing across the aisle” better be over. Any Republican who tries any more “Gang of 14″ type crap better be drummed out of office at the next election, etc.
We need our own “surge” as it were and nothing less than principled, conservative ideals need to even be considered.
catmman on November 5, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Manly come back.
The above was pasted (primatively) from someone else’s post. Manly made a pact with a troll.
Troll bested pact. Manly is man of his word. I worship Manly. Therefore, respect his choice. Want him back, too, but…
Moving on.
Let’s preserve, repair and advance this republic…btw. keep your heads down…this is the part that worries me…comrades?????????!!!!!!****** (NOT)
Chewy the Lab on November 5, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Oh, now the Dems want unity? Now? Where was the unity when Murthafu*ker was libeling our troops? Where was the unity when John effing Kerry was calling our men terrorists? Where was the unity when Mr. Obama was saying to a San Fran wine and brie crowd that middle Americans cling bitterly to their guns and religion?
That kind of unity? I can do that.
Buck Farack.
john1schn on November 5, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I like this, the last paragraph from Coulter’s latest column:
For now, we have a new president-elect. In the spirit of reaching across the aisle, we owe it to the Democrats to show their president the exact same kind of respect and loyalty that they have shown our recent Republican president.
catmman on November 5, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Signing off for the night. Have gotten zippo sleep last three days. Keep our Republic safe… and keep her a Repubic. God Bless, God Bless our Dear America!
Chewy the Lab on November 5, 2008 at 11:05 PM
OOps. Before I sign=off for real, saw the Ann Coulter comment: Snarky, but I LOVE IT. LOL
Chewy the Lab on November 5, 2008 at 11:07 PM
What leads you to believe there will be any such opportunities for recognition, Ed?
While it clearly wouldn’t benefit conservatism for individuals to adopt the tactics of Code Pink moonbats, Republicans, if the party is to survive, do have to learn an art the Socialists have mastered: That of playing hardball. It will be hard to do with the bulk of the media having abandoned all pretense of objectivity, but our politicians need to be persistent, critical, and loud. They have to reject George Lakoff’s newthink labels like “progressive” and hammer home the fact that the Democrats are in fact Socialists, and do so unabashedly, consistently, and repeatedly.
Obama and the Socialists in congress need to be hammered for every single mistake they make, and even when a negative outcome isn’t clearly they fault, they need to get blamed for that, too. Everything possible needs to be done to ensure that “independent” Americans are painted a picture of Obama in office as arrogant, power-hungry, incompetent, and both detached and disdainful of the very country he presumes to lead (and which even a cursory glance at his personal history illustrates he scarcely even knows). Silly theatrics and protests will do nothing to help, but don’t delude yourself that there is presently room for civil discourse in Washington. We’re about to be thrust into a knife fight over the very survival of what little remains of this nation’s founding ideals, and be assured that the socialists aren’t remotely afraid to draw metaphorical blood. This is no time to be polite.
Blacklake on November 5, 2008 at 11:44 PM
uh, they attack us because they have more money and time than they know what to do with. and we are the most prestigious target. end of story. if we hadn’t developed Saudi oil for them in the 50’s we wouldn’t have this problem.
anti-boomer on November 6, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Well said Ed…
We should all take your advice, stay classy, and be a loyal opposition based on a difference if ideals and on issues…
But, having said that, I disagree that Obama’s chequered past and nefarious associates are off limits, or have somehow been baked in the cake by the electorate…
That would be true, had not the MSM shamlessly controlled the narrative for him, and slavishly covered nearly his every spoken word. Indeed, they also helped debunk, call into question, as well as paint as RAAAAACISTS anyone that might question him or were even critical of his ideas. For the most part, they were active, partisan, members of his campaign; they accepted any risible explanation or assertion without question, explained every flip-flop as a commonplace political event, allowed his explanations for gaffe’s or inconvenient truths to evolve before their very eyes over a period of days without batting an eye, and participated in smearing Joe the plumber shamlessley for the crime of inducing the one’s mask slippage…
The same bunch that breathlessly descended on Wasilla, and Toledo, never chose to vet Obama even a fraction as much. And their active participation in getting this enigma elected regardless, makes it fair game for continued research and questioning of the unknown elements of his past…
Sure we should debate him on the issues, but we still need to know the full truth, and all the details, of his past-now more than ever…
RocketmanBob on November 6, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Frankly, I’m not feeling that cooperative with “the new majority”. I have no doubt that we are the “loyal opposition” in that we are still loyal to the interests of America. The party that just took over threw that out the window of their own car a long time ago.
CP on November 6, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Great article, Ed. I truly believe that the Republican party needs to do the following to stand a chance at getting back:
(1) be a more inclusive party (which means including more young people, more non-white folks, more women in the party, changing the “tone” of the immigration debate,etc)
(2) sidestep the social conservative rhetoric. I understand that there are extremists on both sides of the aisle, and I personally do not condone any of them. But the influence of social conservatives on federal policy only serves to minimize the true conservative principle of a small government which does not interfere with people’s lives.
(3) emphasize the issues that matter to all Americans – healthcare, how their kids go to school, college, and so on. They need to better connect to the populace on how fiscal conservatism can create wealth for *them* as opposed to creating wealth for their employers or somewhere high up in the management chain.
My $0.02
The Family Guy
peter_griffin on November 6, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I too miss Manly. He was the HA happy warrior, always rallying the troops. I just registered this week and am new as a commenter, but have been reading here for a while.
We need conservatives to throw as much sand into the machine as possible. We must make ourselves burdensome, not only to our current crop of elected officials (Democrats and Republicans alike, by remaining vigilant of their votes on important issues), but to those challenging them – weed out the RINO’s, the weak-kneed, and the inconsistent – in the primaries. Man the ramparts!
And do all of this with firmness and good cheer; part of the great appeal of Gov. Palin is the sheer joy she exudes in all she does.
Fallen Sparrow on November 6, 2008 at 1:00 AM
My brother and I disagreed on the election. His candidate won. So rather than whine further about that fact, I asked him to suggest concrete results he’d like to see from his choice. I offered mine, which are the same as I’d have liked to have seen from McCain:
Perhaps other could share theirs, and challenge the Obama supporters to face the fact on their own that they have no clue what their chosen leader will do…
cap_losaltos on November 6, 2008 at 1:06 AM
Your points are well taken but you missed the biggest one. Public Relations and Communications.
Both of which are the reasons we lost and will continue to lose to the Liberal Democrats. The same reason that George Bush has an approval rating of 23% while Congress has consistently had an approval rating of 18-19% and what does the public do? It rewards them by giving them more seats in both houses.
The Bush Whitehouse could never communicate effectively. We have a war that is being won, this month we have the lowest # of casualties since the war begun and they let the media take the story off the front page or any page. Remember Iraq, that was going to be the big story this election year.
We have a President that has kept us safe and free from terrorist attack for 7 years, something that would have been unthinkable back in 2001 and he gets no credit nor is it even part of any discussion.
Why, because the Democrats are the ones who frame the debate, who decide the issues.
Then there is this disaster of a Wall Street meltdown. Much of the blame lies with Democrats like Chris Dodd and Barney Frank who were in charge of the Fannie and Freddie banking committees and blocked oversite and regulation and put off those who warned of looming disaster.
Most Americans never were given real honest information and know so little about what is going on in their own country. The Republican Party and Bush Administration allowed the corrupt Media in this country to put out a constant drumbeat that it was George Bush and the Republicans that were bad, and most people are not smart enough to look beyond a Jay Leno monologue or a few minutes of Jon Stewart for their news.
The Republicans better figure out how to win the PR wars.
oped01 on November 6, 2008 at 2:34 AM
“We can let go of the issues in Obama’s past, though. The American electorate has heard those issues and absorbed them. His inexperience and lack of legislative track record made them relevant in the election, but they’re baked into the cake now.”
I don’t agree. While it’s fairly useless to harp on it continuously, I don’t plan on letting anyone forget that the unsavory and criminal elements he ‘hung’ with not only helped build the person that he is, these same people that did him huge favors in the past will be looking for returns.
That’s when the bullet will hit the bone. Not just for him, but for all the misguided fools that voted for him. Taking a leap of faith based on the economy while ignoring the mans corrupt character is a huge mistake, and the idiots that put him there endangered us ALL, not just themselves.
So I plan not to let that go, or eat any of that vile cake of which you speak. You eat it. I won’t support a damned thing this guy does unless he suddenly takes an extremely honest turn…which isn’t likely.
I’m not going to make things easy on him in any way, shape or form financially, socially, or politically. If he’s looking for any support from me, quite frankly he can kiss my left ass cheek.
Spiritk9 on November 6, 2008 at 4:39 AM
We should be the “loyal opposition?”
Are you serious?
Were the Democrats the “loyal opposition” when they sabotaged the War on Terror for partisan political gain?
Were the Democrats the “loyal opposition” when they imposed a pro-abortion ideological litmus test on judicial appointments?
Were they the “loyal opposition” when Joe Wilson lied about Niger and the yellow-cake, and then they demanded that a multi-year witch hunt be established with the intent to indict Rove and Cheney?
Were they the “loyal opposition” when they invented out of whole cloth non-existant “scandals” where they and the media could wax indignant, feeding the moonbat frenzy. Remember Jim Gannon?
Were they the “loyal opposition” by introduction several impeachment resolutions without any justification?
Were they the “loyal opposition” when they sabotaged 2 very effective tools for tracking Al Qaeda.
Were they the “loyal opposition” when one of their fellow travellers bombed a NYC military recruitment station? Where they “loyal” when Code Pink went to Jordan to give $600,000 to Al Qaeda while we were fighting them in Fallujah? Where were Democrat’s calling for their arrest and prosecution for treason?
Where they the “loyal opposition” when they aided and abetted Code Pink attempts to mau-mau Rice and Petraeus by allowing them into congressional hearing rooms and the State of the Union speeches? And how about that “loyalty” they are showing in Berkeley by blockading the USMC recruitment offices?
Nuts to that! I’m going to be as “loyal” to Obama as Democrats were to Bush.
georgej on November 6, 2008 at 6:35 AM
Our founding fathers made a deliberate effort to protect us from democracy in it’s purest form. Protection from a tyrannical central government was meant to be provided by balancing power with the states. So, I agree with folks like Keepthechange, who remind us of democracy’s inherent flaws. Our constitution was designed the way it was to protect us from the breakdown of democracy.
Our government has been hijacked by a greedy populace, one which was bought by the idea of robbing some citizens in order to benefit others, by the idea of one man’s arbitrary view of “fairness” as opposed to the blind justice of our constitutional mandate.
I’m NOT going to follow meekly along behind Barack Obama as he leads us further down the path to socialism. And I’m NOT going to accept his past associations as benign. There shouldn’t be ANY acceptable types of racism in this country or ANY acceptable level of domestic bombings.
Murf76 on November 6, 2008 at 7:23 AM
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