As I'm sure most of you know, I am a very conservative republican. I try to be honest about my beliefs. What really chaps me is when politicians are dishonest or manipulative in their arguments. I believe democrats are usually more guilty of it than republicans, but there are some things the GOP have done recently that are really upsetting. 1. If you are a conservative who cherishes the Constitution, you most likely believe that the recent AIG bonus scandle was an unfortunate byproduct of the government getting involved in areas of the private sector where it had no business. To listen to Mitch McConnell talk about how outrageous the bonuses were, I get the impression he is simply running scared instead of leading. Also, for any republican to go along this nonsensical bonus tax plan that is obviously unconstitutional is an embarassment. Why doesn't somebody in the GOP just offer an amendment to demand repayment of these funds from AIG directly. It's only .1% of the bailout. No. Some republicans would rather pile on the public spectacle without regard to whether or not it is ethical. If the GOP really wanted to differentiate themselves and show real leadership, they would simply demand the money be withheld from the bailout to AIG. Personally, I would also demand that Senator Cox resign for being caught in an obvious lie and his corrupt dealings with Countrywide. 2. With the work habits of Reagan and W, where does any republican get off wise-cracking about Obama filling out a bracket. (I have a great level of adoration and respect for W and Reagan, BTW.) Seriously, this is just cheap. I believe the average voter can see right through it as a political cheap shot (Not to mention, Obama's supportive media will not let the GOP get away with it anyway). With the country's economy in the shape it's in, all politicians should be more mindful of the fact that whatever criticisms are made should be based in reality and principle. This just isn't the time for political grand standing. Furthermore, with the decisively liberal tone of Obama's policies, the GOP will have a clear opportunity to offer alternative ideas and debate the merits of the Obama policies in the next election cycle. For now, they should be the loyal opposition. Shout from the mountaintops why we as conservatives disagree with the current policies, but it is our patriotic duty show the office of the presidency its proper respect.
Nice post. I think both parties in Congress have fallen into a familiar comfort zone of incessant and unsubstantiated sniping. After the Rush incident, the White House hasn't shown to be above it either. Plus, there's a certain degree of pressure and demands coming at the White House that hasn't been seen in decades, and when Republican leaders use the same political tactics from 4 years ago, to me it feels disingenuous and sniveling. While future ambiguity and different points of political greyness in Obama's economic policies make it very difficult to come up with a strong intellectual alternative that can be easily filtered into the mainstream, they should at least put themselves upon the "crisis" standards they have heaped Obama. Republican leadership needs stick their necks out on ideas that are untested but is strong enough to spark public discourse on current policy. Historically, Republicans have never been great at reacting.
Thanks for the good, thoughtful OP. 1 I think the level of outrage over the AIG bonuses is way over the top. The bonuses are obviously crazy, but this has become more about grandstanding than anything else. 2 100% agree. The national GOP continues to look more and more like a freak show every time they start having seizures over small issues. Talk about "nattering nabobs of negativity"!
