The GOP Speaks

#27

2009-10-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

To be “in the opposition” is to allow someone else to define you by their actions and philosophy. The GOP should not stand “in opposition” but should follow its own principles and not swerve from those principles regardless of what a sitting US President – of either party - does. That’s my first quibble.

Quibble number two is that political philosophy should trump issues. Democrats love “issues” because “issues” prevent analysis of larger trends and political philosophies where Republicans dominate. For example it’s simple to look at the deaths of American soldiers and Marines and reach the conclusion that unilateral withdrawal is the answer without ever looking at the long-term effects of that decision and realizing that without a determined US foreign policy even more deaths and suffering will follow. The meaning of the Law of Unintended Consequences has always evaded Democrats on the journey to the exploitation of “issues.”

Now the areas where Republicans should focus should follow principles. Generally Republicans are on the side of “opportunity” which often brings them into opposition to those people who are more interested in “security,” but there is an issue where Republicans can attract those who are usually more interested in security. That issue is securing the US borders by the construction of a physical boundary and increased Border Agents.

The amount of nuclear material and the chances of some of that material entering the US in the form of a dirty bomb increases every day that we do not secure our borders and increase our inspections of international cargo.

The second issue is corruption. One of the keys to the 1994 Republican Congressional majority was the real and perceived corruption of the US House. In 2010, Republicans must make use of the under-reported Democrat scandals and the arrogance of both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The failed town hall meetings, the vote by the Senate Finance Committee to disallow a posting of the health care bill on the web 72 hours before the vote, the failure to reign in the slanderous rants of Florida Congressman Alan Grayson, the failure to remove Charlie Rangel from his powerful chairmanship (and for that matter, the apparent purposeful delaying of his Congressional investigation), the public statements deriding many of the American people by Nancy Pelosi, and the general contempt of Harry Reid all demonstrate an epidemic of arrogance that must be used. Then, Republicans need to be as ethical and as humble as possible or any advantage will be short-lived.

The third issue is energy independence. “Drill here, drill now” needs to be a mantra. In addition to pursuing alternative energy sources, nuclear power plants must be revisited in a common-sense way that allows safe, secure construction in a timely manner. Imagine a war between Israel and Iran and its allies. Now, imagine the cost of a barrel of oil after this war begins. That, I’m afraid is easier to imagine than a Middle East at peace and without sabre-rattling for the next 30 years while the current pursuit of alternative fuels plays out to a possible solution.

The final issue is health care. Contrary to liberal statements, the GOP has laid out possible solutions to bring about positive changes for health care: 1) The ability for companies to sell healthcare insurance nationwide which would make possible 2) truly portable healthcare insurance; 3) an inexpensive catastrophic healthcare insurance policy that would kick in only after $2 million in benefits over a lifetime (normal insurance should cover up to that point); 4 – reasonable tort reform; and, 5 – an insurance pool that would provide coverage for those people who are currently “uninsurable”. Another possible partial solution is to make medical training more affordable

By allowing nationwide health insurance coverage, insurance companies would have larger pools of insured clients allowing them to more accurately assess group risk and to write insurance policies that are less risky, so less profit margin is required to remain profitable because as a whole the groups’ results are more predictable. In addition, you would see “high-risk” policyholders get more affordable policies because some companies will be able to specialize in those areas and better predict losses – again due to larger groups and more feedback from the policyholders.

The catastrophic healthcare coverage was an idea years ago by the late US Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA) and because it would be so unlikely to be used, premiums would be very low – probably less than $100 per year for a family of four. Two million dollars is an arbitrary amount, but that is the maximum lifetime payout for many health care policies.

Tort reform could simply consist of a panel of doctors and judges (special masters) to determine if an injury suffered was malpractice or was within the allowable risk for a patient. For example, if the patient is counseled that the removal of a brain tumor has a 25% chance of saving the patient’s life but causing permanent blindness and blindness results the doctor should not be sued unless it could be proven that the doctor did something to increase the odds that the surgery caused the blindness. If the doctor came to the operating room with a hangover, then that is a different matter and a lawsuit should happen.

One last thing, foreign policy will probably be an issue before 2012 and Republicans need to be ready to offer leadership solutions because President Obama’s administration is weak in that area and proving it more every day.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The increase in the size and the spending of the federal government is of a great concern. We didn’t like it under President Bush and we don’t like four times that amount of an annual deficit under President Obama. The second part of the concern is that it appears obvious that President Obama knows as little about economic principles (and what makes people prosperous) as is humanly possible and has no intention of learning by theory or by practice.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Call me old-fashioned but I believe a good political debate is good for the nation. That’s why most Republicans opposed McCain-Feingold and other attempts to squelch free speech.

Does it help or hurt? It IS more complicated than that. I enjoy talk radio, but I don’t rely on it for facts, though it has proven to be much more accurate than the media elite gives it credit for. For example, does the fact that you failed to list Huffington Post as one of the websites you write for make you inaccurate? It’s certainly relevant to whether or not Republicans respond to your email and you left it off. So, do I ignore your request? No, I RESEARCH you further and find that I’m comfortable replying to you.

The bottom line is that MORE political debate is better than LESS. Any day, any way IF you have confidence in the American people and if you don’t then a Republic is not where you belong.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

Liberals recognize only two sins in America: racism and hypocrisy. I find that liberals usually fail to have concrete beliefs and fall into the “situational ethics” trap so they can’t be accused of hypocrisy. This leaves racism as the hammer with which they are most comfortable. You know, ask a carpenter to fix something and he will first reach for his hammer?

Race should not matter. Does racism still exist in America? Sadly, yes it does. Should we try to end it? Of course we should, but not at the price of freedom of speech.

As I stated earlier, the GOP must stick to principles and this includes freedom of speech AND equal opportunity. Who is more like me, the man who looks different but has the same values or the man who looks the same but hates the things I love? The man who has my values and loves the things I love is my brother. The man who would tear down that which I would build is my mortal enemy. It is about intent and belief, not appearance.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Republicans in my area want conservative leadership. I do not know a soul whose first choice for the 2008 GOP nomination was John McCain; this is not an exaggeration, I know of no one. He was suspect because he had no principles carved in stone. I believe Senator McCain loves his country. I believe he loves his family. I believe he loves the approving attention of the national media. I believe he does not have a coherent personal political philosophy.

To get conservative leadership, primaries need to be restricted solely to registered Republicans (minimum six months unless a new voter or recently moved) in all states where party affiliation must be declared.

Education is also an issue that gets ignored, probably because it is in such foul shape that no one wants to contemplate what it would take to repair it. There are a lot of good teachers caught in a poor system that forces them to be everything except teachers – and maybe Logic would be a good required course for middle school students, high school students and Congress.

Energy received a lot of attention, but as gas prices have declined that is no longer a focus. It needs to be a focus, because the decline in fuel prices is temporary. Where will the price of oil be if Israel and Iran begin a war?

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

I would say that the GOP has been a coalition of economic conservatives, social conservatives and libertarians. Social conservatives are not all religious and would include those whose primary concern is national security. That coalition is still viable.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

I wish you had asked about where Conservatives obtain their facts, what are their personal political philosophies and how long have they been politically active.

Thanks and sorry for the delay,

Ken Carroll

Dodge County (GA) GOP Chairman

#26

2009-10-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Our first priority should be to stop his legislative agenda.

Second we should work to win as many seats as possible in2010.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

Without question the country has elected a marxist that hates capitalism and liberty.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

These men are commentators on the news and ideas of the day just like news print journalist and Sunday talking heads. They have a different format and possibly are better at what they do than others. They do not hurt the right, I believe they help. They certainly are what the 1st amendment is about.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

It is not about race it is about ideology Justice Thomas, Thomas Sowell, Condi Rice, Micheal Steele, Alberto Gonzales and many others on the right are ignored or destroyed by the left but never celebrated.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

No

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

It is viable. If you talk the talk walk the walk.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Liberty is sacred if they can come for me soon enough they can come for you.

#25

2009-10-16T17:05:00.001-07:00

Dear Conor,

Many questions, little time. But here goes, in a nutshell what I am thinking about our future.

I have distilled down to the simplest concept of what it is we are (perhaps, ‘should be’ would be a better phrase) about: LIBERTY. How do we insure the blessings of liberty in the face of changing situations and dynamics. How do we maintain liberty as a desirable concept in the face of a state apparatus that wants ever more power and treasure? How to we promote liberty and honest government as many of our fellow citizens seem willing to sell their birth right for social spending from a corrupt system?

No one knows what challenges may arise that may change our situation in sudden and significant ways but knee jerk reactions such as the Patriot Act, McCarran Act and other government actions impose increased limits on liberty but are very hard to revoke.

NATIONAL SECURITY:

Republicans take the Constitution seriously when it comes to the whole “protect and defend” business and believe strongly in the “provide for common defense” phrase as it pertains to why we have a government in the first place. We frequently abandon notions of personal liberty when the security of the state is threatened or perceived to be. Republicans should think about this problem: when does the concept of security trump liberty and how to we find a balance and when do we discard restrictions? Note that Mr. Obama and the Dem controlled congress has not modified or revoked the Patriot Act.

LAW AND ORDER: one of our favorite issues. What we really want is citizens to act like Citizens without additional restrictions on liberty. A noble aspiration to be sure but frequently found to be a vain hope. We have to learn to be critical and selective on new laws regulating human behavior. Also, we must remain sensitive to the abuse of civil rights and the rush to judgment for heinous crimes.

We need party discipline. Would it not serve to throw out some miscreants from time to time? Bill Postmus, Ted Stevens and others that have used politics and the GOP to secure personal gain?
We need to develop and reward a hard core of party cadre to focus our efforts.

In a nutshell: leave the abortion debate to others, emphasize self-reliance and personal responsibility, work to de-fund the left, define and promote liberty, identify environmental greenness as a threat to freedom.

I could go on and on but you are probably already bored and I want to watch the Dodgers.

Thaddeus Taylor

#24

2009-10-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

“Bring Jobs Back to the USA”. The Republican Party should focus its energy on jobs for Americans. Not more government jobs, but tax incentives for corporations to bring manufacturing back to the USA. Relax prohibitive environmental restrictions so Americans can compete in global marketplace. Tax incentives for small businesses. Americans want to work and want to buy labels “made in USA”.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The most worrisome part of Obama’s presidency is the accelerated government takeover of corporations, banks, appointing czars and liaisons with labor unions. It appears the president is preparing to become dictator.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Talk radio and cable news hosts must be granted complete freedom of speech. The Republican Party as an entity should not react, that means that Michael Steele, Chairman of Republican Party should not react to media. Be proactive, not reactive. Individuals who happen to be Republicans may react at their discretion. It’s called freedom of speech.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

I hope that the Republican Party will do more to include the Asian and Hispanic community who, generally, share Republican beliefs of family values and individual freedom. Do not respond to democratic “race card” tactics.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Women I talk with are critical of Congress. Legislators on both sides of the aisle have not represented the American people prudently. Energy crisis, jobs going abroad, illegal aliens, healthcare…all issues that have been ignored for twenty years until it has finally broken…what you resist will persist. They feel like they have lost their voice. Grassroots efforts are critical in informing local voters about what is being done and what they can do.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

Yes, this is a viable alliance for the future of the Republican Party. Sarah Palin has done more to generate energy in the Republican Party than any other person since Ronald Reagan. It is too early to talk about the presidency, but the Republican Party would benefit by having her as its spokesperson along with Michael Steele. As a team, they could quickly unite the GOP and Independents. It is time for the Republican Party to go on the offensive and stop graveling. It could go a long way in uniting the Republican Party.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Yes, medical expenses are crippling the working poor. Government programs are not the answer. I would like to see some leadership from Republican legislators to create a forum and invite all levels of medical care providers to solve their own problem. Let “them” come up with insurance proposals, healthcare delivery systems, affordable drug programs, long time care and catastrophic illness care and present corporate sector solutions. Tort reform is a major issue and must be addressed. I know it is complex, but it can be done without government intervention.

Doug and Brenda Rogers
Virginia

#23

2009-10-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Gaining a majority in both houses. We should do that through good ideas, well thought out programs and viable fixes to current problems. Carping at the majority from the sideline doesn't portray leadership ability. It is popular to criticize "Congress". This has got to stop. It is a "Democratically Controlled Congress" that is wreaking all this havoc.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The arrogance displayed by the entire administration. The inability to process ideas that are contrary to your opinion is fatal.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Their listeners do not always or ever understand that they are entertainers. I'm not discounting their ability to formulate opinion or the good they might do as watchdogs. However, we must understand that in order for them to be successful, they have to have good ratings. Their decisions therefore are not based on the good of the Republican Party, but on how certain subject matters will affect ratings. We have to clearly delineate between members of the Republican Party and entertainers. We should be careful to ensure that people do not feel they are speaking for the Republican Party.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

The race issue is a minefield that's impossible to navigate. If the guy on the other side of the table is a different color, race is at the least, a perceived factor. I've never been successful in any interpersonal relationship where I have ignored the ethnicity of the person I'm trying to relate to.

As a personal aside, I get tired of everyone ignoring the ethnicity of white people. I cherish my Scottish heritage and it helps form the person I am. I'm proud of my ancestors and the oppression they overcame to build a vibrant and culturally rich society.

Anyway, the party needs to recognize that race isn't a political issue, it's a cultural issue. As long as we can all see, we will notice the difference between people. I would suggest that we embrace ethnicity and celebrate it. The difficult problem is getting people to understand that allowing your ethnicity to be an excuse is nonproductive. It allows the Democrats to take advantage of you, to push you into a group, to apply a common label and create a situation in which hard work and effort are not recognized as the way out. Nobody's ever going to give someone else as much as they have. They're always going to want an edge and they're going to want payback for what they give. Earn it and it's yours with no strings.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

The national media conversation? I haven't seen any of that lately, just people shooting soundbites of each other. Our county is very rural and has been hit hard by environmentalists affecting our natural resources-based industries. The folks in this county are hard workers and do for themselves. When your closest neighbor is 1/4 or 1/2 mile down the road, you learn to solve your own problems. When you ask for help, people know you really need it and are there for you. I guess our biggest issue is that people do not understand why we live here and that our problems are very much different from theirs. A guy who grew up in Chicago, doesn't know anything about my lifestyle. It's my feeling that there are more of us than you realize and the Republican Party has to make more of an effort to communicate with and energize us country folk. We can tip the scales, but if you want someone to drive 20 to 30 miles in the snow to vote you have to get them to understand how important it is.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

It certainly seems to me that that's the face of the Republican Party. I qualify for all those groups.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

A lot of stuff, but I've got to get back to work. Tell the media to give me the facts, I'll draw the conclusions.

Norris D. Boyd
State of Washington

#22

2009-10-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Bringing in younger members with fresh ideas and grass-roots commitments.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

Vetting of White House appointments.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Most talk show hosts merely reflect the opinions of those who listen to them, without making a large difference in the overall demographics of the nation (or region). The GOP should work with them, not against them, to facilitate enfranchisement among the grass-roots members who also follow these personalities.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

The GOP should follow Chairman Steele’s advice from his speech to the 2009 NAACP convention – give up on “outreach” and treat those who share our values as equals in partnership. We need to connect with those individuals and communities as they have more to offer the GOP than the GOP has to offer them.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

There is a generation gap (in both parties) that is not given the attention it deserves. The Baby-boomers are trying desperately to hang on to power and leave their legacy. In doing so they are committing a great disservice to the generations of their children and grand-children.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

I don’t see any change to this coalition. What we need are true conservatives in leadership who are not looking to merely compromise with the liberal sector of the nation (which means we continue to move left, only more slowly), but take a leadership role in moving the entire nation towards a small government, conservative economy, and libertarian society.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

I don’t anticipate any real change in either party until the Baby-Boomers are too old to participate and wield their will on the younger generations.

Sam Richardson, Chair
Fluvanna Republican Committee

#21

2009-10-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

The GOP must have a three-pronged approach to the state of the union:

a) It must stand upon the watch towers and expose the real agenda of the Obama administration in terms that common people understand and then effectively contrast them with the basic principles of conservatism.

b) It must use any and all means, parliamentary and well as political, to place speed bumps and roadblocks at every turn to slow down the statist legislative agenda.

c) It must recruit electable candidates who will stand for the basic principles of conservatism when in office.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The unbridled horse race to Fabian socialism on the one hand, and the fact that there are avowed and unapologetic Cummunists in the White House being paid by US Taxpayers who are advising the president on domestic policy issues.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Thank God for letting Al Gore create the Internet. The rise of cable news and Internet sources of news are our salvation right now. Were it not for real men like Limbaugh, Beck, Levin and Hannity, we would wake up in America in the not-to-distant future wondering what happened to our Constitution and our God-given human rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

I only see the Demcrats doing the race baiting. Texas got over that issue a long time ago. Take a look at all of the elected state-wide officeholders and you will find plenty of people to make Martin Luther King, Jr. proud - that is, unless your ideology is leftist. If so, then the remarkable achievements Texans have made at building a color-blind society are reduced to sneers of token representation and the worn-out and cliched slogans about Uncle Tom's fronting for the REAL power brokers.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Open borders and the resultant threat to our national security are an ignored issue. The financial drain and cost to taxpayers which illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and anchor babies put on border states like Texas is enormous. This issue will not likely be solved as long as both Parties compete for the Hispanic vote and keep the issue political rather one of national security.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

The alliance is alive and well. The Texas GOP Platform is a wonderful document in all aspects. It should be adopted nationally and it must be articulated by candidates who can reach into the souls of Americans on an emotional level to compete against the emotional dogma from of the Fabian socialists who promise a free lunch for everyone.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

I believe that the wreckless spending in Washington is part of a plan to wreck our economy and facilitate a socialist takeover of the basic industries as the Fabian socialists did in Great Britain following World War One.

The checks and balances of the collective 50 state constitutions and the overlapping US Constitution are not adaptable to socialism in their current form. So an economic collapse must precede an event which opens the door to a revolutionary rescue. The devasted economy in the aftermath of WWI allowed such an opening in Great Britain.

But the planners of such a collapse must know there will be God-fearing, multi-generational Americans standing arm-to-arm with first-generation freedom-loving immigrants who together will fight to preserve our Constitution and our American way of life. We will not willingly fall into the hands of tyrants.

#20

2009-10-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Brief answers to your questions.

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Go back to conservative roots--smaller government- cut the spending-find and the eliminate wasteful spending.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The extreem liberal agenda and taking America into an era we may not be able to recover from-a danger to our future generations

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Yes the Republican Party should listen to these voices. In many instances this is the only voice in the media that will hold the politicians accountable

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

Everyone should judge others by their character and not the color of their skins. Republicans are by far not the racist--I have observed a sense of racism in the older yellow dogs and the blind voting for a man just because he is black.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

There needs to be a fair and balanced approach to the national media reporting on the issues and a more intense "look" at the people makinng decisions for America and its laws.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

These are the core of the RP and most of the issues and values will be accepted by the vast majority of Americans if it is articulated properly. There will be no free lunches and we will pay for the current mistakes in the near future.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Need to show America in a visual form how much a trillion dollars really is. Truly mindboggling.

I have traveled in Wyoming, Montana and SD and to several parts of Texas over the last couple of months and the political conversation has been 80% in shock and awe over what is happening to our country --in a bad way.

Hope you find my brief comments helpful.

Joe L. Ward
Fannin County Texas

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2009-10-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

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#19

2009-10-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Well, they certainly shouldn't be focusing on renaming the Democrats through a go-no-where resolution! Talk about a waste of time and effort! How about the leadership focus on getting a continuing message out about principle instead of power. I am thinking that the power issue is what has brought us to the point of weakness we see today. The GOP seems to have traded its principles for power, now it has neither. The GOP should focus on returning to the constitution and calling to repentance those in the leadership that deviate from it. This would require education on the part of the party leadership.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The concern is Mr. Obama doesn't seem to have one check or balance put up against him. I realize that the congress and the senate are controlled by the Dem.s, but come on! Where is the outrage at the unconstitutionality of the programs he presents?! Is there anyone in leadership that stands for the Constitution? This is a very real wake-up call. (I see this week that we have some Republicans that are stepping up to the plate, Thank heavens!)

This guy is pushing an unconstitutional, socialist agenda and I never see it mentioned.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

My personal opinion is that these major news people are shills for whatever personal causes they happen to have. It is great when they pick up on a REAL conservative issue and run with it. But that isn't as frequent as it needs to be. The news people mentioned don't actually do that much to help, at times they actually hinder conservative issues. I refer to the last election; there was definitely bias in the coverage of the conservative candidates.

They could actually help the Republicans get their message out, but that would be a problem as it seems the Republicans don't actually have a concrete message. And I am not trying to slam the GOP. Many state officers are working on messages, that is great. But overall, there seems to be a national problem. And if they try to get a message out, good luck with any news media. (I will give a positive here; the networking through the web is a great move for dispersing information. In my state we are doing this.)

It seems many Americans see these news people as entertainers who sometimes actually have a message.

The news people seem to enjoy stirring the pot, but nothing ever comes of what they talk about, no solutions are ever reached. Glenn Beck would maybe one exception here, but he doesn't necessarily cover all that many conservative issues, but he has made some efforts in getting a voice for issues.

People seem to searching for a leader through these news people. Somebody is in for a let down.

More than anything these news people seem to be pacifiers for a restless public.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

It seems every time Mr. Obama's policy is threatened or there is a confrontation about an issue, out comes the race card. I see more division in this country over this proposed race issue than I have seen in many, many years. It seems almost purposeful. I see this race thing having been created so as to divide the American people. It could possibly be working. This race issue seems to be most critical for a few in leadership than anyone else. I fear that those in those in the leadership positions "doth protest too much."

Outside of the belt way, you probably get more eye rolling when you start mentioning it, the 'race' issue is way overblown. Sure, there are some issues somewhere. There probably always will be, but for the most part I believe the majority of Americans have moved out of the plantation era. The majority of people are good people, and usually care a little more about your character than your color.

Have you seen pictures of military people? I saw one last week. ALL ethnic groups were represented. They were/are united. Freedom unites.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

I have spoken with more than one person who is ready to bolt from the GOP. And these are people in local leadership positions. The party platform says one thing, the party does another. The frustration and disgruntlement is truly palatable. The leadership that strays from the platform, votes for leftist agendas is rewarded by a nomination for the presidency. Again, the GOP needs the where-with-all to stick to the conservative values it espouses and to expect no less of the leadership.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

Traditionally, really? That's interesting. Perhaps it would be better for all involved if they reflected those traditions. I think the most disgusting and discouraging event is when you have these leaders that profess to be one thing and then side with a socialistic, leftist agenda. You voice your opinion and it is heard. Then it is ignored. This dribble about not being heard is just that....DRIBBLE! The problem is the voice of the people is IGNORED. And then to add a little more insult to injury, the media does an eye roll over the voice of the great unwashed who actally protest what is going on. I think I have wandered bit.

Let me reflect a little bit about the last election. I am a Ron Paul supporter. I support SOUND government, sound finances. Ron Paul actually brought me back to the Republican party. So for my welcome back to the party, the GOP tried to pull the rug out from under the Ron Paul Freedom Rally in St. Paul. They literally went to the city to see if the city would cancel the Target Center arrangement that had been made for the rally. Sweet. Can you say alienating?

Then I get to watch Dr. Paul get dissed by the GOP at the Convention, the votes for Dr. Paul weren't even allowed to be given let alone counted. Uh huh. So the big convention turned out to be nothing more than a coronation ceremony.

The GOP went for the power. Did we learn anything here? The GOP got the spanking they well deserved. I don't know what the heck is going on with them..... almost seems like they are co-mingled with the Democrats.

IF the GOP wants to survive, they better figure our real fast that their group is leaning toward conservatism. They had better throw their arms around Sarah Palin and Ron Paul and the others that are actually conservative and hold them tight. If Sarah Palin leaves the party, she will take a very large share of the base with her. The GOP had better be willing to stand up and back these people and give credit where credit is due when it comes to supporting conservative issues AND conservative candidates.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Yes, I am sick to death of the media not reporting real news. Come on! I am sick of hearing about the weird duck keeping the girl/woman in a tent in his back yard or the eternal saga of Anna Nichole Smith. BIG FAT DEAL! The stupid super market tabloid stuff you try to shove at me is an insult to my intelligence. You just lost me as a listener. Your credibility stinks!

If I want to hear real news, I have to check out fringe news sources or world news or even do my own research.

There seems to be as much arrogance in the news industry, as in the political world. The condescending attitude is just beyond my ability to tolerate.

Listen news people," WE ARE THE NEWS!" Good ol' Joe and Jane American are here to stay. We aren't going anywhere. However, you might be going somewhere. The sooner you figure it out, the better for all concerned.

I hope I didn't sound too negative in all this. I am just very anxious for our return to conservative principles.

#18

2009-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

The Party should focus on grooming candidates for election, including the bottom - school boards, water boards, local commissions, etc. We should also act a a truth filter for the information coming from the Democrats and the main stream media.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

Every thing he does. He talks about "my health care plan," but hasn't produced one. His spending and printing of money is not sustainable. He seems intent on taking over all aspects of American life. He doesn't listen to his military commanders which will lead to unnecessary deaths of American service people. etc,etc,etc.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

First, I wouldn't classify O'Reilly with the others. Although he's not a liberal, he isn't a conservative in the tradition of the others mentioned. Second, due to scheduling, I've never heard Beck on the radio and have only seen snippets of his Fox show.

Its more complected than simply help or hurt. Remember that it was 3 Clintonistas who have reincarnated as Obamunists, Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Paul Begala, and James Carville, who started the '"Limbaugh strategy" to deflect attention from what Obama was doing. The talk show hosts and their staffs do the research and disseminate the information that main stream media won't. Overall they help. The Party should listen to them, as I do, but not let them set the policy.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

We need to point out that the Republican Party has a proud history on race relations, from freeing the slaves to passing the equal rights amendment plus more. We need to do more out reach to minority communities. But, we must be honest. When the Sottomayors of the world make their race based remarks we need to address them. It is the left, who can't defend their policies, that interject race to obfuscate what they are doing. They must be taken to task when they claim that anyone who disagrees with Obama and the the left are racists. As one who attended a couple of Tea Parties, I deeply resent being called a racists by people who hide behind the title "Progressive" to hide the fact that their political philosophy is deeply rooted in Socialism.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Local Republican issues are not covered by the San Francisco Bay Area press, and most talk radio focuses on national issues. In San Francisco the issues of out of control government spending, where the average government employee salary is over $90,000 plus $35,000 in benefits or that we have over 26,000 city employees for a population of 806,000 people are rarely covered. The Republican prospective is not sought by the main stream media. The political reporters act as if the county Republican Parties don't exists.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

We must be a big tent. The coalition partners mentioned must realize that no one group will always have their way.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

I'd like the media, especially local media, to know that county Republican Parties exist and have ideas on local government that will help to better manage local governments and create jobs, etc.

Howard Epstein
Chairman
San Francisco Republican Party

The GOP Speaks

2009-10-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Project description here.

Questionnaires below.

#17

2009-10-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

The Republican Party should focus its energy on Americans losing their freedoms.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The most worrisome part of Obma's Presidency is that he either does not understand what made America great, or that he wants to totally change it to a socialistic nation,

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

The only voice Americans have is the talk radio and cable, The national media cannot be trusted to report facts. They may as well be on Obama's campaign team!

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

Race will always be used in politics. Democrats like to tout what they have done for minorities but they are kept in slavery as a result. Democrats talk about helping minorities and Republicans actually help them. Look at who holds statewide offices in Texas!

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

The media generally has minimized the impact of tea parties. They have energized the general public and have a far greater influence on the course of politics than most realize. The media (and the democrats) will wake up after the next general election.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

The Republican Party must be made up of people in groups who have credibility and character. Americans want honesty in government not what we have now!!

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

It is important that the American people know the backgrounds of those who make up our government. They want people with stature and common decency running government. They want people running government who would be good to have living next door!

It is time for American citizens to take back their government, to get back to our constitution and make it the rule and guide of our government. No more czars and executive orders. No more voting on unread legislation! No more earmarks that circumvent our appropriation process. We need term limits and to do away with the automatic annuual pay increases of Congressmen.

I apologize for this rambling. It's difficult to put into logical words the disgust I feel for our so-called government1

M. A. Taylor, Vice Chair, McLennan County Republican Party
(former member Texas Legislature)

#16

2009-10-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Getting better candidates to run for office.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

His swift moves towards socialism. He is moving so fast that we may not be able to counter much of what he has done.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

It is more complicated than that but I believe in the long run they help because they help a lot of people to solidify their thinking.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

If we are to truly to have a intrigated country we have to ignore race. Race doesn't exhist. If we talk about it we are raceist. If we are truly color blind then we press forward on issues no matter who presents either side.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Our area is so small that we would not count in a national conservation. The main problem I see is our Freedoms are being taken away faster than we can fight back.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

That alliance would work and be strong if our elected officials would truly be conservative. We have to many powerful RINO's in the Republican Party. They are rich and powerful and as long as they are in office Republicans will lose.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

We cannot continue to trample on the Constitution and keep a free country. We will loose our country if we stay on the track we are on now.The government cannot do everything for us or we will destroy America.

#15

2009-10-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Defeating Obama!

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

His assult on the military.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

They are all we have. The McCain Moderates have done nothing to stop Obama and the Dems!

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

We should point out that the Blank Panthers,KKK,and ACORN are the shock troops of the Dem Party.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

ditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?We need to boot the McCain Moderates.....I am a Reagan Palin Conservative.We must focus on showing the Left in our Party the door................I am a County Chairman from Berrien County Ga

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

#14

2009-10-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

I think the constitution is a good place to start Over the years judicial interpretations have overstepped their authority. Legislating from the bench leaves the congress an out so they can tell their constituents they had no recourse when of course they have it. The original intent of representatives was to be in Congress a short period of time and then to return home to a real job. This way they do not lose sight of who they represent. Limiting the increase of taxes in a time of troubled economic times is rediculous. I would like to see more common sense in our representatives. The Senate in particular seems more of a fraternity than individuals representing their state.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

Obama's socalist tendencies and his constant campaigning away from Washington are very troubling. If he really cares for energy savings, he should stay home, talk to his Generals, read legislation and learn the job. He relies on the fringe for information and is either naive or has great disregard for the unique and can do qualities of the American people. How about a little encouragement. He is no Reagan.

3)There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

If it were not for talk radio and the limited TV channels and magazines honest enough to argue both sides, we would not get the whole story. It took weeks for any of the main media to even remark about Mr. Jones and other czars. I listen to NPR as well as talk radio and it is interesting what major stories NPR either leaves out or under reports.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

Those are totally ad hominem abusive arguments. There are a number of conservative blacks I would be delighted to support. Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, Allen West running for Congress, Alan Keyes, Michael Steele. How about Marco Rubio running for the Senate in Fla.
Dont forget it was the Republican Congress that passed Civil Rights when Al Gore's father and Bill Clinton's mentor Fulbright voted against it. This is a totally shameful and dishonest criticism.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

The double standard on reporting and criticism of Republicans and conservatives has become unbelievable. It seems that the majority of the media is state run, socailistic and has lost its objectivity-

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

I think it is a viable coalition. We appreciate our individuality, liberty, and our willingness to debate issues. Unlike the present Democratic agenda, one is not allowed to waver or they will be punished. This is not the Democratic party of the past. I worked for conservative Democrats years ago and there is little resemblance to them (of course a few of them were those who voted against Civil rights as I said before) If the Democrats try to get votes by making folks dependent on you, rather than encouraging their independence, that is a sad state of affairs- I was not raised that way. I supported my mother when my dad died, went to work and night school as Geo Washington University and still had a good time.

I suggest you watch Fox, listen to Rush and others and appreciate their research and intelligence. Wake up America, we have a great country, a loyal military and unfortunately a number of soft, spoiled folks.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

#13

2009-10-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

David Theiss:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Opposing Socialism

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

That he knows his time is short and he wants to overload the system in hopes that the American people will weary soon and give him what he wants.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

They are a voice of reason and a treasure trove of ideas.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

we should judge people by the content of their character and their actions.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

We want the federal government to leave us alone! Secure our borders, cut our taxes and let the free enterprise system work.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

Only when you appeal to the better instincts of independents and stick to your conservative guns. Be who you say you are!

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Be honest. Do what you say you will. Stop kissing up to the RINOs, the left, and the socialists! Do what is in the best interests of the USA. Get us out of the UN and get the UN out of the USA!

#12

2009-10-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Not on Dems because they are damaging themselves. Rather offer a compelling message of hope and a plan of action that incorporate conservative values.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

Not one but three. 1) violation of constitution; 2) weakening of national defense and a pandering form of foreign relations; 3) torpedoing the national economy in order to enhance the control by big government.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Put them in their place by subordinating them to a cadre of true Republicans Leaders. True Leadership should speak for and be the face of Republicanism with the 'boys" as cheerleaders.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

Race is NOT and issue ideology is the issue. Race is used as a weapon by those who have no other great ideas, policies or plans. When the race card is played it is intended as the TRUMP card when it is really a deuce in a minor suit.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Conservatives values does not receive adequate attention by either party. Gop seems to be reluctant to speak of them and DEMS denigrate them. Effective trumpeting of these values and how they pertain to daily issues will in fact resonate with the Independents and most Republicans, discounting the single-issue idealogues.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

The GOP should focus on the 60% of the voter base that is center and mainstream. Do not focus on or be hijacked by the fringe groups. There is enough within the conservative principles to engage the bulk of voters if communicated and apllied vigorously, frequently and consistently.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Don't be dogmatic; don't be flaky; don't be arrogant and bull-headed-- teh Dems have cornered this market. Be attentive, accountable, offer hope and positive action(behavior not just words). With the DEMS imploding and creating the problems, let's offer the solutions.

Larry Toney, Chair

Pickens County Republican Party

Best wishes for much success with thios undertaking!

#11

2009-10-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Rick Miller writes:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Our energy needs to be focused in several areas: exposing the truth about every initiative coming from the liberal Congress and the President; educating the voters about the issues affecting our Country; reaching out to all people including the whites and ethnic groups who share our conservative values and principles; mobilizing the base into a strong and vibrant grassroots effort focused on getting out the vote in 2010; and most importantly, finding and electing the “right people for the right positions who when elected, will do the right things for the right reasons” and not be influenced by special interest groups and lobbyists. Here in Fort Bend County, we are minority neutral and we hold 27 of 31 elected offices, and working to move into the areas specifically set-up to be Democrat.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The most worrisome aspect is clearly being shown...he is not qualified to be President. Meaning that he had NO executive experience prior to his election. The “job” is clearly above his head and capabilities. He had been “manufactured” over the previous 8 to 10 years by the far left. When he tries to be decisive, he makes a bad decision and has to back-off or change his approach to the issue, like the speech to the children. When he needs to be decisive, he can’t as we are seeing with the Afghanistan situation. He will say one thing for expediency and then try to do another. The other aspects that worry me are: his continual focus on himself, in a narcissistic manner, that everything is about him...”I am the President” – just listen to the speech he gave to the Olympic Committee; his continual apologies for America around the world; an Administration that continually attempts to or does violate the Constitution; the intrusion of government into corporate America; the lack of focus on the real issues facing America today – the economy and jobs; and the out-of-control spending by this Administration. We thought it was bad when President Bush was there...we haven’t seen anything yet if this President and Congress keep going the way they have the first 10 months. I am a a proud American...a Christian...a veteran of 30 years of active duty service to my country...and a Republican conservative. It appears that I am a real threat to this Administration. It is embarrassing to me when this President talks about our Country the way he has...and when I see him cozying up to some of the world’s most horrendous dictators. I served my Country to preserve the liberties and freedoms the Founding Fathers gave us...and will continue to do so as long as I live. If it was not for this Country, the world might just be speaking German and Japanese. This President should be proud of America...and be doing everything he can to preserve it...not destroy it.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

I think these folks are the only ones exposing the truth for America. The liberal media is still in love with this man...when will they catch a clue...perhaps when they go out of business. The press is supposed to report the facts...not make them like they are or over look them. Most Americans want to know the truth..and they want the Government out of their personal lives. I believe both of these groups help our efforts...the conservatives and the liberals. Where else are we going to get the straight talk? Just look at the ratings...liberal media and TV DOWN...conservative radio and TV UP. This love affair with Obama is about to end...can you count the successes he has had? Not many. And is he for America or against us? Hard to tell with some of his far right, socialistic policies or legislation he wants to enact. We need to interact with these people who only want to bring us the truth...and in every way we can. Just look at the 2.3 or so million people who marched on the Capitol a few weeks ago...was that real or not? Of course it was real, but the liberal media didn’t cover it and said that there were far less in attendance than were actually there. And what about the NY Times...profitable? Not in any way. So why is this? Reporting the truth? Not too much. Same thing here with the Houston Chronicle...circulation DOWN...BIG. People don’t want the garbage...so we don’t have to buy it.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

The issue is not race for the vast majority of Republican conservatives. We oppose the man and what he believes and what he is trying to do to take our country hard left...not because of the color of his skin. The issue of racism comes from the blacks themselves or the left who want to make this an issue, when it suites their purpose. But the issue should not be about race or color. Did the President tell the the truth when he was giving his speech to Congress? I think not. But because one Congressman made a statement...perhaps out of place...it must have been racial. It certainly wasn’t racial, but the left tried to make it such as did some of the media. I think it is terrific that we have a black man as President...we just got the wrong one. We must reach out to the “people of color” in every way we can...but not just to these people...to ALL Americans. The majority of these people share our conservative family and government values and principles...they have been told to vote the other way, just because. The only ones who are perpetuating the ideas of racism are the folks on the left...think about it. Personally, I don’t see people regarding their skin color...that’s just the way God made them. And I believe the vast majority of Republicans are like me. But if things don’t go the way the left or this President wants it to go, then the reason must be racial. This is utter nonsense and harmful to our Country.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

All of the critical issues facing our country...fiscal responsibility, role of government, taxation, family values, the economy, the hard left movement of the Administration...all of the values and principles we stand on as Republicans are being attacked...and not reported. I must admit, I have not watched a CBS, NBC or ABC news program for several years. What we see here is the reaction to all of these issues. Texas is one of the few states that is holding strong in all of these areas...and we are proud of what this state has accomplished. Perhaps one reason is that all of our State Officials are Republicans.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

It is a viable alliance going forward and I believe it will only get stronger. Why? Because this President, his Administration and the liberal Congress are waking up a lot of people up...and it will only continue to do so. Consider the Town Hall meetings on healthcare...consider the Tea Party Express and other related efforts...who do you think these people are who are showing up, standing up and speaking up? They represent all of the groups you mentioned along with a growing number of moderate Democrats who are “seeing the light.” I would add these folks to your list. We must capitalize on all of what is happening by keeping people informed and energized...and we will.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

YES...speak the truth...be the truth. Don’t make up things...give the people what they need to know to make good decisions. There are far too many critical issues facing our country for the press to not be telling Americans the truth. And don’t attempt to destroy people who may not agree with your personal political philosophy. Report the facts...just the facts, whether they are good or not about the President or anyone else in the political arena, be they Republicans or Democrats. This idea of personal destruction is not the American way.

#10

2009-10-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Klick from Tarrant County writes:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

We must get back to our core principals of limited government, personal responsibility, free market economic solutions and individual Liberty. I know this appear to be general in scope but these core principals can be applied to every issue that confronts our nation.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

Restrictions on individual liberty and the fiscal impact of his programs.

The President and his polices are causing a great deal of economic uncertainty. This President has no private sector experience. He has never had to meet payroll, or consider the fiscal impact of taxes and regulations on a business. When the burden becomes too great, businesses have to downsize to continue to compete. This President has no understanding of this. There is no fiscal discipline in this administration.

If the Healthcare Legislation or Cap & Trade legislation passes, the economy will further nosedive.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

All the shows you mentioned are successful competitors in the “marketplace of ideas”.

With millions of listeners , one of the important roles that Conservative media plays right now is covering stories that traditional media ignore, like the ACORN story. They also expose Republicans who are not voting and behaving as Republicans. Both are important.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

I think the left is overplaying their hand on matters of race. It is an effort to change the subject rather than debate the issues.

In Texas we have 3 statewide African American officials. All are Republican. In my county of nearly 1 million registered voters we have 2 countywide judges who are African American. All are Republican.

The Vice Chair of the Texas Republican Party and my own local Vice Chair are both African American.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Transportation issues and how to best address them are a huge issues locally. We have had enormous growth and with it increasing gridlock. Proposals for toll roads and rail are being met with a great deal of public opposition.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build? These groups still encompass a good deal of our base. With the Healthcare debate we are seeing the number of Senior Citizens and small business people getting involved locally. With Washington, now controlled by Democrats, we are seeing a surge in small business owners re-engaging locally, including those that are minority owned.

We are also hearing from Democrats who acknowledge they voted for this President, who are opposed to what he is doing and are changing Parties. The Rassmusen poll numbers also indicate

That that Democrats are losing support from their own base.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Ordinary Americans are paying attention. It has been amazing to watch ordinary citizens print off the House Healthcare bill, read it and take it to town hall meetings. This administration has promised transparency, yet the Democrats in the Senate voted against putting the text of their Healthcare bill on the internet. This is an abuse of power and needs to be covered by the press.

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to this.

Best,

Conor Friedersdorf

#9

2009-10-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Mr. Friedersdorf:

Thank you for your interest in grassroots opinion. It is certainly a new twist in political journalism. The “debate within the Republican Party” you refer to is not going on at the grassroots level. The “debate” is merely a fabrication of the mainstream media, in itself a misnomer as there is nothing mainstream about it. I will tell you that grassroots America is mad and it is obvious to anyone who will open their eyes and look.

I have received many requests from academia, particularly graduate students, wanting to survey those of us involved in local politics. I cordially thank them for their interest but I decline their requests because I have no reason to trust their intent or the purposes to which they will put information. It is too easy to misuse survey information or, worse, to twist it to suit personal political bias.

Your request would lead one to think you are an objective journalist with a conservative leaning. However, that is not exactly true. Therefore, I must decline your request although your questions do go straight to points that have not been covered by the media. Congratulations for realizing that.

Malcolm Green, Chairman
Grimes County Republican Party

#8

2009-10-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

Harvey L. Skinner writes:

I belive we are in a debate as to what should be the GOP mantra. Some believe we should have religion as a litmus test of a genuine republican. I argue this has lead us intoridicule because we position ourselves as the righious party and when our toe tappers and Brazialian trips are exposed we fall into ridicule . Whearas the Dems can have an openly queer sitting as chair and nothing is held against the party or the individual. I say yes we hope and pray you do go to church and hold up all Gods values but the litmus test is how are you fiscially. Ronald Regan had a big tent attitude I believe we too should.Lobby against earmarks and demand our people adhear to this standard. Lobby and use you voice and vote to become the American party of the common man and not be cast as the big business party. Somehow we must reach out to people of color especially Latinos. Our president is our president I respect and salute the office .I have little if any resect for the prent holder and most of his followers. We are rushing into Sosialism and that is where we need focus our energies in poing this out not on how many hail marys did you say. Keep pointing to the many mistakes he has made in his appointees. As to race if any issues involves a black ,someone will immeditally say race. example after example can be shown ,lartes is Pres Carter. W/O any proff he shows up screamming race. We need to seperate the office and the man. My county has ony 2 office holders that are Dems and these 2 have assured me they will file with me so we will be solid GOP. Our group have a small hard core mean spirited group a larger silent group of fair minded folk, some litmus test religious people, but the main group is solid fiscialy conservative. we must keep alive the rush to inflation facts the loss of USA world status due to $$$spending. Our debt must be reduced and the only way is the printing press which leads to Germany pre ww2 style money. Chide the churches for their lacking the leadership but do not confuse what our party should be about. Incidentally i am a very conservative christian ( Church of Christ) . We are to the right of the southern Baptist. We need to demand the media be more open and not purely liberal..........hs

#7

2009-10-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Gene Edwards writes:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Protecting personal liberties. Cleaning out corruption, both parties, in DC.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

His plan to fundamentally change the US as we know it and as it was envisioned by our founders. His contempt for the constitution.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

It is certainly more complicated with that. However, most of these men are critical in getting the conservative word out to the public. Hannity wears me out quickly, same shit over and over. I’ve tried, but can’t listen to Levin; the constant Libertarian stuff also wears me out. I watch O’Reilly, agree with about half of what he says, but he is certainly not a leading conservative or Republican. Only NY and DC would think he is a Republican. Limbaugh has been a conservative voice for a long. I don’t listen to him anymore, but I appreciate the fact that he is out there keeping people stirred up and informed. Beck is really something else. He has struck a nerve with people who are fed up with Washington and corruption. I probably agree with 75% of his views. He alone is responsible for the groundswell of conservative, patriotic resistance that will kick the liberals’ asses in 2010. He is a little scary, but God bless him.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

Obama is all about race. He campaigned on bringing the country together, but his entire focus is on race. He wants payback. I am a Republican county chair, but I don’t feel like a Republican and haven’t since the beginning of Bush’s second term. I’m just smart enough to know that you can’t change anything as an independent. You have to work within the system to make a difference. I often feel very lonely in the RPT because I don’t support litmus test. I’ve even been accused of not being Christian enough, but I’ll keep up the good fight. I hate everything about Obama except his race; I could care less what his race is. I despise him for what he is doing to this country. I’ve been to tea parties; and if you think those people are right wing nuts, you haven’t been to a tea party. There are the expected fringe people, but 95% are citizens concerned about their liberties and the future of the country. Obama and the liberals should fear them; they are not going away.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Most of the issues I hear about are covered daily on FOX, but probably not the so-called main stream media. I can tell you that Obama is the best advertisement I have had since I got involved in 1999. People are calling, emailing and stopping me on the street to ask what they can do to take the country back. I have known Democrats contributing the $25 to join the party because they know we are working for the same causes they are concerned about.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

The alliance is the same, and it will remain so. The Christian coalition controls the RPT. I am very much a Christian, but I do battle with them at every convention – I always loose. Bush, Cornyn, and others tried to sell us on compassionate conservatism, but we didn’t buy it. Cornyn is still pushing it, but we still aren’t buying it. Trying to sell the fact that illegals are actually God fearing family people like us, and we should woo them to the Republican party doesn’t sell. I wish that were true, but we realize they are only illegal Democrats.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

We are here; we are no longer silent; and we intend to take the country back. Washington, NY, Chicago, the east coast, the left coast and liberals in general think we are just a bunch of gun toting goobers from Texas. I may resemble that remark because I am always armed and extremely dangerous to anyone wanting to do my family, friends, or me harm. I am also an MBA, a retired Special Forces officer and a successful self-employed businessman. There are many of us. We are coming. Watch out for us. We mean business.

I probably didn’t give you what you were really looking for, but this is what I see, hear and interact with every day. The Republican brand is broken, but conservatives will bond together to defeat the liberal who are trying to change the US into Europe. I lived in Europe for 12 years. I love Europe, but this is America – the home of the individualist, the entrepreneur, the risk takers, the self-made man. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to change us into Europe.

#6

2009-10-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

Yvonne Dewey writes:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Speaking out against the bad policies of the administration . One of the things driving tea party demonstrations is that we have no leadership in D. C. representing us and speaking out.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

His hurry to gain total control of every aspect of American life. So many decisions have been made under the cloak of darkness, overnight. We feel we are marching toward the end of our liberties without having a chance to catch our breath.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Conservative talk show hosts help the right, I can’t see that any of them have done any harm to the right. They keep us informed, and that is very helpful. Republicans should and do pay them the respect they are due, and support them as they are under fire.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

RACE does not enter into this at all, until the left inserts it. It’s an issue they manufactured. They know that people really do not want to be called racist, so when the right threatens them in some way, leftists yell racism. Sometimes it works, and people back off. The right should not back down. Obama should be treated as a man who was elected President, with no regard to his race.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Texas passed sweeping tort reform in 2003, and it has made a huge difference here. Doctors can practice without too much stress, their malpractice insurance is greatly reduced, and I know of hospitals that have been able to use their malpractice insurance savings for new life-saving equipment or expansions. Keep in mind, though, that all we did was to cap punitive damages. Patients’ rights are still intact. Nobody in DC wants to talk about tort reform, but nationwide tort reform would make health care affordable. Obama’s sympathies are with the trial lawyers, however. And people on the right are not talking about it nearly enough.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

The alliance is viable going forward, we need to concentrate on our conservative roots from this point forward, and ignore suggestions from liberals and moderates that we need to move to the left or center. We need no new alliance.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

My personal feeling is that Republicans should be allowed to nominate their candidates, Democrats should be allowed to nominate their own, etc. etc. Republicans did not choose John McCain as a presidential nominee. Moderates, independents and Democrats chose John McCain for us, with a lot of help from the liberal media.

TO WHICH I REPLIED...

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond.

And if I may, one followup question. When asked about the most worrisome aspect of Barack Obama's presidency, you wrote, "His hurry to gain total control of every aspect of American life. So many decisions have been made under the cloak of darkness, overnight. We e feel we are marching toward the end of our liberties without having a chance to catch our breath."

I want to be sure that your position is understood, and I fear that this is vague enough that different people might interpret it in ways you don't intend. So if you don't mind, would you give a more specific account of your position? That is to say, what are the particular decisions you're worried by that were made under the cloak of darkness? And which liberties specifically do you regard as under threat?

Thanks again for writing, and have a wonderful Friday.

MS. DEWEY THEN WROTE BACK...

Yes, many people have trouble with my cryptic messages.

I am facing two serious deadlines, no time to do research, but I will try to be a little clearer, then again… Barack Hussein Obama’s decision to send $200 million to Hamas, to relocate those people in this country. Hamas is a terrorist group, their only goals are to destroy everyone who does not agree with them. i.e. Israel. Why bring them here? Has he not been watching Britain and France, their Muslim immigrants are creating real havoc. Despite what he said, this is not a Muslim Country, we do not need a Muslim majority ruling America. This is one decision that was made under the cloak of darkness.

The enormous success of Cash for Clunkers. What success? Car dealers have still not been paid for the $4,500 discounts, we did not reduce the need for gasoline by enough MPGs to make a difference, and the cars that were disabled were still drivable, perfect for the low income worker who is struggling to find a way to get to work.

His health care plan. I am sure you read the so-called Waxman 1018 page report. While parts were ambiguous, there were some definite “shalls” that were disturbing. There shall be periodic end-of-life counseling sessions. Bureaucrats will determine whether or not a procedure will be allowed depending on the value of the patient’s contributions to society, including estimated life span.

Obama wanted it passed right away, without giving anyone a chance to read it, even the Congressmen charged with voting. Why? The only reason Obama wanted it rushed through quickly before anyone could read it was that once it was in the sunlight, there would be too much opposition. What would the bill do if it were to be implemented? Eventually drive all insurance companies out of business to get to Obama’s “preferred single payer plan.” He admitted that to save money he would reduce payments to doctors for Medicare patients. Medicare is already paying too small a portion of the costs. He has said that Doctors would all be paid the same. That is not his call. His plan would drive the good doctors into some other profession and we would be left with mediocrity. His only argument has been that we are spreading misinformation, that the plan has not actually been written. If it has not been written, why are we rushing a vote?

What about the Constitution? Czars are unconstitutional, as are government takeover of car manufacturers or other businesses.

Obama has tried to intimidate the tea party attendees into silence. We are Nazis (odd choice of words for the Pelosi-Obamas); radicals, terrorists,

Cap and Trade we’ll save for another day. Another fiasco.

Obama administration has created a crisis here and there…. And need to act quickly to save the country. The bailout money….TARP funds, the list goes on.

\I have probably done nothing but muddy the waters….. but Obama is rushing to make changes that are unconstitutional, and will weaken our rights and freedoms.

#5

2009-10-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Nelson Baird writes:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Whether in opposition or majority the GOP should focus on principle. Little things like the founding documents of our country.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

He seems to assume the invalidation of everything this country is build on, has done, and the very condepts of fredom and individual rights on which it is based.

I seem to remember a similar charismatic socialist somewhere in middle Europe about a third of the way through the last century. In BO's case we see he and his party ignoring the rules (1st ammendment, 2nd, 10th, 14th, etc) procedure (see reconciliation). We see the Federal govenment attempting to own the means of production. Eliminate personal property. The Federal government as expressed by BO and his own is attempting to control our very bodies and our tright to life. Just a few minor little things like that. This is much worse than why we threw off King George.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

First tell the truth. Second commit to priciples. Third take committed action in alignment with those priciples. If the chatterring class has a problem with it then THE Chatering Class has a problem--let them keep it.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

In general these race is only an issue among racists of whatever color or ethnic background. This is the very thing that Martin Luther King was attempting to avoid. Honoring such claims with a polite response is a self defeating excercise--it legitimizes the claim of the unsatisfiable.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

Teaparty. rule of law. Actually being conservative in approach, and deeds.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

That alliance is about 80% in my county. Looks pretty good from here.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

Many pundits have the grass roots conservative groups upside down. They seem to take the Democrat model that things are always driven from the top. The pundits seem to think that the leaders in the conservative groups are using the members to do something. In each of the groups I have seen in person, it is exactly the other way arround. The members are using the organization and it leaders to accomplish something of importance to them. The leaders are merely attempting to stay ahead of the parade.

#4

2009-10-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Henry Glasheen writes:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

The Republican minority needs to work on new ideas. Simply obstructing Obama will not be enough. I am not sure that Contract with America ( a la 1994) will work because we just lost control in 2006. We have to ignore the fact that we do not have a voting majority and keep on making proposals. Otherwise green energy jobs will start to make a lot of sense. I think a lot of the leadership gets frustrated because nothing we propose has a chance at passage. That should not stop the Republicans from making proposals to counter the environmental and economic policy issues. Not just opposition, but proposals that would work without some of the undesirable side affects.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

He has the Clinton economic staff in place that brought us the .com debacle and allowed hundreds of banks to merge and create 5-6 super banks. That set the stage for the problems we are currently in, and I am afraid they will make another mistake that will not be easy to fix. Now we have Wells-Wachovia, Bank America-Merril-Countrywide, and JP Morgan-WAMU. They have continued to allow banks to merge, and we are getting close to a point where the federal government will be completely in charge of the banking system. The part that bothers me the most about his presidency is that I believe he intimidates the media to run only favorable information on his administration. I look at the situation with Rick Santelli, and I think the media moves even farther away from objectivity. Also, I don’t think he has a clue of what he is doing.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

I have never watched any of them, so I cant comment on specific content. I think they helped in 1994 because it was a new phenomenon, and the American public mistook it for alternative news. In 2009, it just frustrates the conservatives more to hear it. I don’t think berating the President is proper under any circumstances, but I also think that the American people are becoming very cynical about politics. I don’t think they (Rush, Hannity etc) make that any better, but I have never seen them so I don’t know. I think we have to be careful not to push the conservatives away from politics because they are frustrated and feel the game is rigged. We need to send the message that participation can help to oppose those things you do not agree with, not simply point out how soft the media is on him. I am sending invitations out to a fund raiser for our county party, and apathy is a problem right now. I think conservative talk radio has a lot to do with that.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

I think the right needs to take the high road on the whole topic. Enough Americans see it for what it is. It would seem to me that you are not going to win over the people who think it is racism, but you make points with the people that are smart enough to see it for what it is if you don’t enter the fray. Leave the entire topic alone. It might make sense to have Republicans say something like this. Race relations in America have been improved in a hard fought struggle by people like MLK, and we do not want to set those relations back in the name of partisan bickering. I think the media draws conservatives into that fight, but they should take the high road.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

If the Federal Reserve takes over control of banks in this country and crowds out the FDIC, we will lose about 85,000 jobs in Utah. It is a typical retaliation shot against the red states because those jobs go back to Ill, NY, NJ, and NC. All blue states. This and many of the environmental rules have really hurt our state.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

We have seen many elections where the various fringe elements of the Democratic Party had to just shut up and vote for a candidate because the party supported their cause. If the religious right cannot do the same from time to time, the party is in deep trouble.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

No. Not much sense trying to say anything to the media. They never listen.

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to this.

Best,

Conor Friedersdorf

#3

2009-10-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

Yes Sir,

Thank you for asking such a thoughtful questions.

As it pertains to question 1 the Party should focus its energy on retaking personal liberties. There has been a slow and steady erosion of our liberties since the Roosevelt administration. Our objective should be to retake those liberties, and in doing so, increase the entrepreneurial spirit that has made America great. Einstein did not arrive at his theories of general and special relativity on the mandate of a government bureaucrat. Henry Ford did not revolutionize the auto industry as a result of a government mandate. These were arrived at through individuals taking responsibility for their own destinies.

As it pertains to question 2, I think the most worrisome part of the Obama presidency is the blatant adherence to the socialist doctrine. Everything is a crisis. Everything is so important that there isn't even time for thoughtful consideration of stimulus packages, health-care bills, and the like. When in a crisis mentality, one cannot make rational decisions. Everything about Obama's presidency has been a crisis. It's disturbing.

As it pertains to question 3, these talkshow hosts (and I noticed that you did not include Michael Savage) bring up important dialogs. The party has to move to the right. We must be the party that embraces individual liberties, individual freedoms, and to the extent that these talk show hosts bring us to the right, that's perfect.

As it pertains to question 4, Republicans must reassert themselves as the party of racial equality. After all, we are the party who gave a moral dimension to the civil war. Up until 1934, every single African-American elected to Congress was a Republican. We have to capitalize on this. Liberty knows no color. We are the party of individual rights. We are also the party of women's rights. Of the 9 states that did not ratify the 19th amendment (allowing women to vote) 8 of them had Democrat legislatures. Even before the passage of the 19th amendment there were 26 states, all of them having Republican legislatures, that had state laws allowing women to vote. We have to reassert ourselves in this regard. We are the party of racial equality, sexual equality, and so forth.

As it pertains to question 5, I think Republicans need to reassert ourselves not so much as the party of "no", but as the party of "know". We are the rational voice. We are grown ups.

As it pertains to question 6, my own feeling is that the Republican Party has been little too dogmatic as it pertains to religion. I was personally raised Catholic, but I don't identify with that doctrine.

As it pertains to question 7, my own feeling is that it's OK for Republicans to address the race issue. When people think of "civil rights", they think the Democrats. This is totally incorrect. The 13th amendment (banning slavery), the 14th amendment (guaranteeing equal rights to all citizens regardless of color), and the 15th amendment (conferring the vote on the African-American) were milestones whose importance cannot be underestimated. When it came to the 14th amendment, every single Republican voted for that amendment, and every single Democrat voted against it. We have to understand that we are the party of civil rights. We are the party of women's rights, and we are the party of individual liberties.

Thank you for asking

Jeff Limón

Chairman

Benton County Republican Party (Oregon)

#2

2009-10-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Wayne Brady responds:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

Education of the electorate is always very important. When the Party is in the minority, education is more important than ever. We have to explain why conservative principals are better for the country and provide specific solutions to the problems we face. We also have to point out the hazards of allowing government to have more control of our lives.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

The most worrisome part is that the Obama administration my put us on an irreversible course toward socialism. The health care proposals coming from the Democrats could, if implemented, make it impossible to roll back. That would mean a loss of the country we were given by our founders and a terrible loss of freedom

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

It is constructive to get conservative ideas expressed in a public medium. I would not include Bill O'Reilly in this group. He is not conservative and doesn't spend much time on serious issues. Hugh Hewitt and Dennis Prager are good conservative commentators. These programs can provide a forum for Republicans to debate how to deal with current issues by calling in.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

Conservative have to do a better job of explaining why welfare reform is good for the poor, why keeping taxes low benefits everyone, why quotas harm minorities, and why big government hurts everyone (except for the government class). Conservatives are accused of not caring about the poor and minorities. We need to explain our positions better.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

I don't know if this is unique to our state or not. Voters in Oregon vote conservative on ballot measures and liberal when voting for elected officials. I don't know if this is a lack of understanding of conservative principals or simply a tendency to vote for personalities rather than issues.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

This coalition still makes sense. We have to make sure we don't ask for perfection in our candidates. Some people tend to be one issue voters and will not vote for a candidate who is not perfect on their issue even though he is good on everything else.

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

We must fight against people like John McCain who want to make the Republican Party more liberal. We must run as conservatives. Republicans have lost a lot respect among the electorate because they have strayed from conservativism.

#1

2009-10-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Project description here. If you find this worthwhile please donate on the right sidebar.

Conor,

This was forwarded to me by a Texas county chairman. I am the former chairman of Lubbock County’s GOP and still actively involved in party leadership. I now own and host a top rated political talk show called Pratt on Texas (www.prattontexas.com). Call on me if you need help. My answers are below.

The Questions

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

The GOP needs to work on defining what “conservative” means by looking through state platforms and making sure its public positions keep true to those which are adopted by the Party members.

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

That such large increases in government, dependency, spending, overall size, will be almost impossible to roll back. Also, Obama’s internationalist-leftist foreign policy stands to invite all bad actors to begin taking aggressive steps to destabilize our interests around the world.

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

Levin, Limbaugh and Hannity are genuine and fine leaders of conservatism in their own ways. O’Reilly and Beck are not genuine, both have moved their positions to attempt to be popular over the years. Interestingly as well, both O’Reilly and Beck are clearly lacking a depth of understanding of conservative political philosophy. Hannity rarely shows depth on his radio show but seems to have it. The GOP should deal with them just as any candidate or party does with an old fashioned editorial board – attempt to persuade when possible, to win over when needed, and recognize that at times the Party will be at odds with them.

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

The GOP should start an almost radically loud drum beat demanding we have a color blind society as Dr. King recommended. We should stop all measurements of race and actively fight the race-pimps who live off of division. An aggressive stance against institutionalized ethnic favoritism should be part of that move.

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

“Leave us alone” is the constant drum beat about Washington, the state legislature, city council and county government. Those who always “want something” from government are a small but vocal minority on everything from traffic laws to soccer fields and free healthcare to food stamps. Yet, they are always treated as an important majority politically. Most citizens respond well to government remaining “in the background” keeping the streets paved and water running. They want to be left alone in all other areas.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

Yes but there needs to be a pulling together of those interests. For example, Libertarians are big on Liberty and Property but want to ignore Life part of the great three. Some religious conservatives are big on Life but ignore how it is intertwined with Property and Liberty. We need a movement built around the big three: Life, Liberty and the use of Property for one’s own ends. It is almost the same as teaching about the Christian Trinity except that there is much less argument as to the hierarchy of the three .

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?

In Texas, outside of the autonomous county party organizations where work is actually done (elections run, candidates recruited, etc.) the other levels of the Party (state and national) are essentially unimportant and usually a pain the ass and not liked. The Party, as it is organized, works this way to the detriment of its real workers: State and National chairmen and board members get all the glory and do none of the work. Local people put in hundreds of hours of work, get no glory, and are looked upon as unimportant (until they need something) by state and national party folk. In Texas, county parties have all the statutory power and raise their own money – they get nothing from the state and RNC except those bodies coming in and raiding the donor pool with fundraising letters which outright lie to party members (saying they are the Local Lubbock Fundraising Drive for example when all funds go elsewhere). This type of thing drives those who do the work, and local party members crazy.

A re-ordering of how the Party is structured is sorely needed. New technology makes the centralized boards unnecessary. For example, big issues before the state party or even the RNC could be decided by Internet polling of elected county chairman or the like – that is the type of governance which was not possible even 20 years ago but is very possible now. I can vote in some national corporate shareholder elections online, we can surely run the party this way and we’d get a much more true picture of what the base thinks. And it would make it far more difficult for powerful Washington interests to sway things “their” way.

No editing here, just off the cuff.

Robert Pratt

Introducing GOP Speaks

2009-10-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

You've followed the national debate within the Republican Party about the political tactics it ought to use in an effort to better the country, retake Congress and challenge President Obama for the White House in 2012. But what do Republicans at the local level think?

To find out, I've started e-mailing a questionnaire to various Republican Party County Chairmen -- ultimately I hope to reach them all. This is quite time consuming, so if you find the information on this site useful, or think this is a worthwhile project, please hit the donate button on the side of the page. I'll consider doing other stuff like this in the future if I end up being compensated for it.

I've only sent e-mails to folks listed on an official GOP home page as a state chairman, a county chairman, a county vice-chairman, or a member of the county executive committee.

The responses are reprinted exactly as they arrived in my In-box.

The questions I posed:

1) So long as it's in the opposition, where should the Republican Party focus its energy?

2) What is the most worrisome part of Barack Obama's presidency?

3) There's been a lot of debate about the role that talk radio and cable news hosts should play on the right. Particularly controversial are Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and Mark Levin. What do you think about these folks? Do they help the right or hurt it (or is it more complicated than that?) How should Republicans interact with them?

4) One particularly fraught controversy pertains to race in America -- with the first black president in the White House, some conservatives have been criticized as racists for opposing him, and some on the right have accused the Obama Administration or its allies of racism or anti-white sentiments (for example, Sonja Sottomayor's "wise Latina" comment drew fire, as did the Skip Gates incident). As the right thinks about political strategy and policy, how should it approach matters of race?

5) Is there anything you observe locally, or that Republicans in your area of the country care about, that doesn't get sufficient attention in the national media conversation? If so tell me a bit about the issue, and the approach you think the right ought to take.

6) Traditionally the Republican Party has been a coalition of religious conservatives, libertarians, fiscal conservatives, and national security conservatives. Is that alliance viable going forward? If so, what must be done to hold it together? If not, what alliance should the GOP try to build?

7) Is there anything I didn't ask about that you'd like the media or the country as a whole to know?