The Case For Republicans
Contrary to some opinions, I have nothing against Republicans. In much the same way that Christianity isn't always best represented by people who call themselves "Christians", the Republican Party is a victim with many of those with whom it associates. As a result of allowing itself to become a merger of several large single issue public interest groups, the Republican Party is unable to contribute to the issues of the day in any meaningful way. The Republican Party can be best described as espousing these ideals:
1. All taxes are bad
2. Abortion should be illegal
3. No gun laws
4. Immigrants are bad
5. The Bible is the literal word of God
6. Government is bad, except for defense
These few issues leave very little room for policy debate. A Republican has to have the correct opinion on all of these issues or they are essentially purged from the party. A point of clarification should be made, however. Republicans who are just walking around on the street, the 21% of self-identified Republicans, can think whatever they want. No one really cares about them until election time. Elected officials, on the other hand, are held to a very high standard. Any deviation from orthodoxy will bring the full force of radio and cable talk show hosts and interest groups down upon the traitor.
I don't find this state of affairs to be good at all. The other "major" party in US politics is basically an extreme right right fringe group. The "leaders", such as they are, are loud, prone to nasty rhetoric, and have nothing to add to the major issues of the day, as would be expected from rigid ideologues. Without a major reorientation of the party in more moderate direction, the path back to "power" (which is all anyone cares about) is to convince a majority of the electorate that the issues of the day aren't issues at all. Then run a fear-based election focused on terrorism and hope for 51%. This should be a cause for concern because there is absolutely no indication that moderation is anywhere on the agenda.
The Democratic Party simply doesn't have all the best ideas. In an effective two party system, both parties would have something different and valid to offer. At times, Republican leadership may be more desirable. Or a divided government scenario might be the best course in some cases. At this point, the role of the Republican Party is being played by the more conservative Democrats, the Blue Dogs. Other Democrats are providing the balance.
At some point, it stands to reason that the Democrats will fall out of favor and independent voters will look to the Republicans. What they'll find will be truly frightening. They'll see a semi-populist, anti-government party that will use wedge issues to hide a very rigid political orthodoxy that won't become evident until they regain power.
We need a Republican Party that is once again the party of Eisenhower. However, even a return to the party of Reagan would be a big move in a favorable direction. The current Republican Party isn't close to either.
Labels: politics
