The GOP and the Coming Civil War
With a title so inviting of hyperbole and hysteria, the first question which likely comes to mind may be, “Is he talking about a fight within the Republican party or open combat in the streets?” It’s a fair question, and to be honest, I’m not sure which we should focus on right now. What I do know is that we are living in a period where persons with my particular hybrid, hard-to-pigeonhole political persuasions have a lot to concern them.
First, we have an era of government which is currently dominated not just by Democrats, but by the most ambitious, far reaching liberal agenda imaginable. Any and all thoughts of conservative fiscal policy and debt / deficit awareness have been whisked out to the woodshed for a stern thrashing. While some brights spots have shown up in the foreign policy arena, Washington’s current direction in handling of the budget, health care reform, the stabilization of a floundering economy and proposed industry regulation are deeply troubling indeed.
But this is also a time when looking to the GOP for a unified front offering sound, reasoned solutions to these shortcomings seems equally futile. I would first suggest that you take a look at Rick Moran’s column from yesterday, The Different Reality Inhabited by the Conservative Base. At first glance I thought some of the criticism in there, largely drawn from one study by James Carville’s Democracy Corps and a thought provoking column by Peggy Noonan, was a bit harsh. But on further reflection, it seems to me that it may not have even gone far enough. (By all means, follow the links to those two source pieces in addition to Rick’s essay. They are eye openers, and not in the usual partisan hack festival way.)
There has long been a reasonable amount of healthy debate in the Republican ranks, largely between the primarily fiscal conservatives and social conservatives. Such discussion is useful and productive. The problem is that, ever since their trips to the woodshed in 2006 and 2008, a variety of GOP tribes have been fighting intensely to lay claim to the mantle of being “true conservatives” and attempting to raise their standard as the definitive flag of the Republican party.
This has now reached the truly alarming stage after listening to certain “hard core” individuals who consider their definition of conservatism to not only be the single valid one, but a casus belli against anyone who doesn’t speak in the proper code phrases. The calls for “purging the RINOs” from the party in the primary process (which is partially how the party lost me back in 2005) have given way to much more hostile tones in some circles, as I found out while browsing the comments section of my column from Sunday at Pajamas Media.
I had dared to suggest that the moderate-to-liberal Republican who is running on the GOP ticket in NY23 might actually merit the support of the national party, (having won the party’s nomination) rather than having a NY Conservative Party candidate divide the vote and hand the election to the Democrat. Allow me to share with you a few of the responses I received from readers in that “different reality” which Rick Moran referenced.
The Republican Party is not the party that fights liberalism; it’s the party that enables liberalism. As for me, I’d rather face the enemy bayonets across the trench than have the bayonets of my “allies” sprouting from my sternum.
No @@##$$!!!! RINOs!!!!! What don’t you people understand!? True Conservatives are sick of this s*** and will no longer go along with it “for the sake of the party”. Reform is coming, one way or another- it is up to you moderates and liberals( on both sides of the aisle) how it happens. . .
I’d rather take to the streets against these lawless criminals running our country and trampling our Constitution before supporting a Marxist Lite Obama agenda which is at best what Scozzafava supports.
We need new blood. We can’t keep putting our enemies in office under our flag. We need people who respect the Constitution. Regardless of what Obama says we are still, even though barely, a Judeo-Christian country. When we are no longer that we will cease to exist forever.
We must take to the streets or we will lose our liberty.
It’s time to stand up and be counted…Our country has been usurped by communists…let’s not mince words here….COMMUNISTS…what will YOU do about it…I will fight..
To hell with all you RINO scum! Your the reason I stayed home during the last election. Not one vote, not one penny, for the lesser of two evils ever again. If the people have to, we can take our country back by armed struggle, We’ve done it before, in case you’ve forgotten. Why do you think the sales of guns and ammo have sky rocketed in the last nine months; 10.000.000.000 rounds, yes that’s billions with a B, and if you Rino scum keep pushing the American people, you’ll be hiding under rocks beside your commie dhim friends when we come looking for you. Just a thought…
Do you suppose things like this have led to the strain on the Secret Service with an unprecedented number of threats against the President? But I digress.
Before any of our left leaning friends here become too self-righteous over this, I would remind you that I’ve seen more than a few calls for internecine warfare among the Democrats as well. There have been curious demands to challeng the Blue Dogs in traditionally red states because of your displeasure with some of their votes. Of course, putting a Nancy Pelosi type liberal up in most of these races would just result in handing the spot back to the Republicans, but who cares, as long as it makes for good press, right? But to your credit, I will admit that you generally do it in a more polite, less “blood and tear gas” fashion.
As most regular readers already know, I moderate an online chat most weekdays at my friend Ed Morrissey’s show. It’s a generally enjoyable experience with great guests and a very lively crowd. But over time, taking part in the general chatter can bring me down from time to time. As has been made clear here in the past, I’m no fan of most of President Obama’s domestic agenda, and it can be a good experience to get in with like minded people and discuss the problems with these policies and possible alternatives. But we also get more than our fair share of people who have no interest in the specifics on some of these things and simply choose to go on and on about Obama’s “secret agenda” to transform America into a socialist state, sell us out to Iran, Russia and North Korea, or make claims that the president hates his own country. It gets tiresome. I don’t think Barack Obama hates America at all. I just don’t happen to agree with his vision on how to handle the economy, health care and a number of other items.
The point is, it can get rather depressing when you’re in the mood to have a reasoned discussion on the future of conservatism. Don’t get me wrong… I’m well aware that people such as the ones who left the comments I quoted above actually only represent a small but vocal percentage of an otherwise largely civil society. (As I pointed out in a previous column.) But the problem is that the chief forums today for such debate and productive discussion – almost exclusively on the internet – seem to be dominated by the loudest, most divisive voices. There is little room for reasoned discussion of serious problems which likely could be solved with sufficient elbow grease and cooperation.
The ideal solution, of course, would be the formation of a viable third party focused on moderate, states based approaches to social issues with a strong national focus on fiscal responsibility and accountability. Sadly, the two party system is too deeply entrenched (at least for the time being) and we’re unlikely to see that any time soon.
UPDATE: A group of police and military members standing ready to defy the government? Connected?
UPDATE 2: More at Memeorandum
58 Responses to “The GOP and the Coming Civil War”
As Democrats of the Democratic Party, we join together in seeking reform within the Democratic Party.
Many Democrats already know their elected representatives within the Democratic Party are no longer following in the time-honored footsteps laid down by the founding fathers of our great Nation. More importantly, we as democrats see our elected representatives within the Democratic Party abandoning the values and principles as set forth within the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
At the very least, many of our elected representatives within the Democratic Party are no longer abiding to the sole reason the Democratic-Republican Party was founded by Thomas Jefferson – “Strong state governments with a weaker federal government.”
This is only the beginning of our problems as Democrats, for many of our elected representatives within the Democratic Party have clearly set their own agendas over the members of the Democratic Party, our Nation, and the American people. Overall, many of them no longer think of themselves as being our elected representatives, and now refer to themselves as leaders in the true form of tyrants.
Most Democrats already know their pleas are only being answered by repeated insult and injury by their elected representatives within the Democratic Party. Despite this, we as Democrats can restore control of the Democratic Party back to the party members. All we need to do is cut off donations to the local, state, and national headquarters of the Democratic Party, and to make sure the donations are made directly to worthy and honorable Democratic Party candidates.
So spread the message to everyone of our fellow Democrats, for the Democrat members are taking back control of the Democratic Party. Also, please don't forget to contact and request the Unions and other outside contributors to follow our lead as patriotic Americans. Thank you!
Web site: http://www.democraticreformparty.com
Epearson,
I just checked out the website you reccommended as well as the blog that is attached to it. It does a good job of pointing out how the Democratic Party has strayed from its Jeffersonian root.
Unfortunately, it also 1) claims that Obama was born in Kenya and is not a U.S. citizen, 2) Repeats the Barack Hussein Obama meme, and 3) presents a rather biased comparison of Democrats vs. Republicans that basically defends the Republican Party's position on every single policy.
So you might be able understand my concern that your website isn't all that genuine about reforming the Democratic Party.
Yes, it would be nice if the Democratic Party would return to its classical liberal, Jeffersonian roots. Unfortunately, your website would rather have them adopt the Republican Party's platform (which is neither classically liberal or Jeffersonian).
J. Davis: You certainly have invited skirmishes initiated again, as usual, from the lefty Civil Warriors.
Sadly, it's not limited to kids here, but includes kids currently in government, who are so impatient and imperious they even feel the need to pick on one media source that doesn't parrot their political views or worship them suitably…
” If they do it right, the Cap and Trade nonsense will no longer be needed.”
They're afraid to pass a tax on energy (fuels) before the elections, and they prefer to meddle, become intermediaries (perhaps to benefit financially from this, too — don't be surprised if they do), and to have more power. Cap and Trade means they get to engage in energy rationing.
Presumably if it could be hyped into another “crisis,” they'd love an excuse for water or food rationing, too.
Unfettered 2nd Amendment: Whatever is necessary to maintain a strong militia. Militia here does not mean National Guard (that's federally funded). A militia is a general population armed for war and at the ready until the state calls. As was the case in the 1700's, if the army had it, the militias had it.
And you shouldn't talk about horror stories about fruitcakes with weapons performing terrorist acts (and they are terrorist acts) to support your belief in an unarmed public. As was with the case of the black honor student murdered in Chicago by being beaten to death with a board. Are we thinking about outlawing boards?
You must severely, and I mean severely, punish anyone who commits a crime with a weapon. I have never done so, so please don't believe that I am dangerous because I am heavily armed. I am not. I am a law abiding citizen who excercises his 2nd Amendment rights. The aim should be to keep arms out of the hands of criminals, not out of the hands of those that obey the law.
And I totally agree with the free clinics. Bravo! I'm onboard. Regulation may, indeed, be circumvented; but as was the case in Teddy Roosevelt's time; regulate and break up the mega-monopolies. Yes, it will return after a time….Then, just do it again; and keep doing it. Allowing a forced government program to replace private enterprise is still not a good idea, IMHO. Do the Teddy Roosevelt maneuver again. It will make a huge difference in what people pay.
Amen on the energy independence, brother. I'm all for green and renewable energy. I always have been.
I just take offense when they use coerced science to further their agenda. As I've stated previously, I've seen the research and done much of it myself. The cyclic nature of the earth and sun bring warm and cool periods in a predictable pattern. The next apex (ironically enough to the Mayan calendar) is in December 2012. Look for some unique solar and climatological activity then. Should be fun.
I prefer weening off of fossil fuels vice total immediate switchover that the lefists prefer. We have so much natural gas (that is cleaner than gasoline) and ways to clean what we have until the green tide is perfected. I believe it was “Pickens Plan” wasn't it? It makes sense. Anyone who doesn't think our national security is directly tied to our dependence on petroleum is not being honest with themselves.
I agree with the cyclical nature but am greatly concerned since this is a time when we are supposed to be cooler and are still warming. As for the science I go with the largest percentage of climatologists since I am not an expert, but to be honest and a bit cruel the US with a few exceptions will not get hit with the worst of it, Africa, South America and Australia will(the south west US will be a dust bowl but they already have water issues they should be thinking about when planning where to move too).
My concern is about the acidity of our oceans which is linked and the fact that we live in a bubble meaning earth. If you pump in chemicals after sealing tight a fish tank some chemicals will leak out like on the earth but the remainder will stay in our environment, the only valid question is what does that mean and how fast will it happen and I believe we are seeing many of those effects now though in a mild way. The reason they are mild is because of global dimming caused by the fossil fuels we have burnt in the past that have yet to dissipate or reach the earths surface which makes the planet a bit like a smoky bar room which has made the effects mild but they are still moving at an incredible rate. My fear is the acidity rise in our oceans though and it is not being discussed much yet because it is some scary shit. Forgive me my ocean ignorance but I think you will get the jive of what I am saying but actually know the terminology which I do not. The ocean conveyor that cycles through the seas is fed through in layers and it cycles over time. We are currently seeing the water from the WWII era come to the surface and it has greatly higher acidity than in previously tested samples. It is already eating reefs and causing ocean changes which is why the jelly fish are exploding in population currently while other fish decline. The problem is this is caused by co2 in our air slowly getting into the oceans and our waste products and if we are looking at the 1940's the pollution levels only rise from there. I will not go further because I have already probably said something wrong but look into it I think you would enjoy the research from your interest in the topic in general plus the Navy background, to be honest that is the stuff that scares the living hell out of me, that is why I think we will need to find a way to reverse it either way since I think we have gone well past tipping point in it though we will not feel the full effects for another 5 or so years probably(on the global warming side the ocean thing I think will take longer to scare people but it should now).
We will baby step it we have no choice, this is a huge undertaking and the tech is largely new. Geothermal which is about the best thing since sliced bread but is still an infant and not yet ready for prime time(I am a tech geek) but we now have the batteries and the solar, wind, wave, nuclear tech is ready now as are electric vehicles for all but long haul drivers.
The problem is getting the tech out and making it affordable when it was actually needed twenty years ago which leads me to my prime concern with the republicans. They are so tied to being the grand oil party that they have no interest in taking their foot off of that pedal even though we have the tech to do so, what I mean is that instead of doubling down on the family fortune it woulda been really sweet if they had invested in the research for our future oil independence because then it would have been ready even faster. He liked us tied to the Saudi royal house though because they are his families benefactors, I am still not sure why Reagan took off the solar panels and doubled down on ME oil the way he did but maybe his VP Bush had something to do with it. Every dime that is spent on oil fuels terrorism in my opinion, that is where we buy it and the Saudi's have the schools and invest in them in other countries that then send them to terrorist academies in Pakistan(a country that Reagan gave nukes to) who then attack our troops and us, the same goes for heroin and anything tied to poppies. We will be forced to do it slowly but we need to have it done yesterday for our planet, ourselves and our nation but we will take our time because we have no choice and it is not even a political thing.
They can make caps on fuel efficiency until the cows come home once we switch to electric its game over because it no longer matters. They cant mandate you have an electric car but they can give incentives to get one and they will also have to build the infrastructure which will likely take a decade or more. After that you will see carbon taxes that effect gas guzzling cars in any real way but by then most people would have bought electric or converted their car to a hybrid or an electric in some way(how to's on the web
) and that is only if we have not found a way to reverse some of the effects which I think we may have. Then you will likely pay a tax to reverse the amount you created which would probably be pretty minimal akin to gas taxes now. I am also not fond of natural gas because I believe in self sufficiency and if in 10 years I can make my own electric at home to power my home and car I am independent, if I cant I am a consumer and dependent. But I have no problem with the natural gas until then though it is not really needed for cars since they will be out starting in 2010 at competitive prices.
Would you believe that I have a degree in that very field. It was my second major.
That's why I stand up on end every time I hear that agenda being pushed. Like I said, it's not the goal that bothers me in this, it's the path.
This year, the polar ice caps actually grew and the global AVERAGE temperature decreased. It was the hottest summer in recent history in Seattle and a few other places, but the average global temp dropped. This is the same argument started recently with Al Gore that was caught on tape in Britain. His questioner, Phelim McAleer, is a noted climatologist. I've read his work and he's dead on. I believe he has a movie coming out to counteract Gores. If you simply go and check out the climatology data yourself, it's right there. You don't have to be a climatologist to understand it. It's really amazingly obvious.