Anti-War Republican. Seeking current, former and new members to the Republican Party. Must be fiscally Conservative and have a basic understanding of the Constitution. Must understand that a declaration of war is a reserved power of the legislative branch of government. Must resolve not to transfer that ability to the executive branch of government. Must be willing to encourage legislators to stop funding and authorizing further involvement in affairs that are not directly in the interest of the United States. Must be patient with those whose Tourette's syndrome includes the words "Islamofascist" and "9-11".
Must be able to smile on cue when the names Ronald Reagan and Newt Gingrich are mentioned in polite conversation. Not knowing who Walter Mondale is may be considered a plus.
Ragged "Kerry/Edwards" bumper sticker on car is automatic disqualification. However "W04" may get you a premium parking space at local Party headquarters, next to handicap ramp.
Must be able to resist the urge to laugh when statements like "the surge is working" or "he had WMDs, but we couldn't find them." Tolerance of family and friends with opposing viewpoints will come in handy.
Memberships in National Rifle Association, John Birch Society, Christian Coalition, Conservative Political Action Committee, National Right To Life, Log Cabin Republicans, not required, but available upon request.
Current subscription to National Review or owning anything written by William F. Buckley helpful.
Attire: business and business casual. Tie-dye shirts and sandals not recommended. Male applicants should not sport earrings, pony tails nor hold hands of male significant others at party functions. Button with "TMI Glows On" should be left in dresser drawer at home. Wearing of optional holster should not attract attention.
May be required to show Passport, state Driver's License or National ID card upon request.
Prior military service for self or family members not required, but appreciated.
Firm positions on health care, school vouchers, climate change, capital gains taxes, political finance, diversity, immigration, whale and spotted owl sanctuaries not required, nor expected.
My wife and I registered as Republicans in the Michigan primary, so we could vote for the only anti-war presidential candidate. The war in Iraq trumped everything else for us this year. The Democrats said they weren't going to count our delegates from Michigan, so some members of my wife's family ended up not voting. This year, neither party put forward candidates that got the voter's enthusiasm. Maybe it's time time we run some want-ads for qualified candidates in both parties?
Unless enough Republicans come to the conclusion that a sustained presence in Iraq is not in America's interest, there will not be a significant change in foreign policy. The votes haven't been there to change the Bush administration's empire building. If some Democrats would say "fiscal Conservative" enough times, and take a "moderate" approach on some of the DNC issues, you would see a few Congressional districts shift this year, or in 2010. There might be room for some new Mike Gravels and Dennis Kuchiniches, to help out Ron Paul, on at least the war.
I guess things haven't gotten bad enough for voters to demand that change, yet. The Democratic voters are still mesmerized by the promise of free healthcare and unlimited energy from windmills. Without real money in our pockets and our National Guardsmen home for Christmas, those other things won't matter.
By nominating John McCain, there is a real possibility that voters will come out in droves in November to cast a dissenting vote for anyone the Democrats put up as a candidate. Like the Andrew Jackson campaign of 1832, which he started when he lost the 1828 election, the Republicans might as well start now for 2012. It's going to be rough four years, regardless who wins.
With 64% of Americans opposed to the U.S. War in Iraq, this issue alone could cost the Republicans the Whitehouse. The Republican party is clueless, if they think that more people are interested in Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution than by following the Constitution.
The stability of our two-party system comes from the sad realization that both parties tend to reflect what voters want, to a greater or lesser degree. If Republicans want to stay relevant by staying in office, they will have to figure out another way to "win" this war on terror, rather than by keeping tens of thousands of troops stationed in foreign countries.
Now if the people don't say "enough is enough", it will happen anyway, in time. You'll know it when you get paid in Euros instead of dollars.
©2008 Bob Nightingale, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Last modified: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The views expressed in this article are those of Bob Nightingale only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Bob Nightingale is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
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