Posted by
Brian A. Iannucci on Monday, May 26, 2008 5:46:22 PM
Ron Paul? A Republican? Seriously?
Certainly this must be a mistake. How is it that an avowed member of the Libertarian Party seek the nomination of the GOP and get away with it? Simply put, this is just another example of the Republican Party’s lack of leadership. The constant barrage of attacks from the “Paul-istas” demonstrates the need for a firm and resolved direction for our party.
The idea that a faction of disillusioned Democrats, Independents, and Libertarians can push a candidate like Ron Paul for the Republican nomination for president is certainly a problem. However, without the votes to sustain a campaign and the paltry minority that the Paul-istas have brought to the polls there is a new problem that is emerging. The problem is that we now have to deal with this cadre of Paul-istas trying to transform our party into a shell of its former self.
Through e-mails, protests, annoyances, and vilifying the leadership of the local counties, the Paul-istas are seeking to be a vocal minority that allows for the destruction of the Republican Party. With national vote totals barely at 6% and a pathetic 19 delegates Ron Paul’s supporters are trying to sway the national opinion of the GOP by being the fly in the ointment. Further, they are trying to take over grassroots positions at the local level to further their cause.
Much like Rush Limbaugh’s Operation Chaos, the Paul-istas are attacking the GOP and trying to affect the outcome of the convention. While the national media’s eye is focused on the Democratic Primary the truth of the matter is that there is no cooptation of the Democrat Party structure such as is being attempted by the Paul-istas against the GOP. Further, if a group of individuals, obviously not Democrats, tried to affect these sort of changes that the Paul-istas are trying, the media and Democrat Party backlash would be so great that it would quash the entire plan.
As conservatives we must stand up to this stupidity. Go to you local Republican Party meetings and observe for yourself the stupidity that a small faction of fools can make. As conservatives we are loosing our party to the middle and just becoming a party that is more “Democrat Light” than Reagan-esque.
Forget big tent for a minute. We must fight for what we know to be principally right and not allow for the inclusion of ideas that are detrimental to our cause. Lower taxes, border security, reduced pork barrel spending, and victory in the War of Terrorism are the basic premises we must espouse. If we think for a minute that there are not enemies among us then we are sorely mistaken.
I would rather have a party that is morally right and stands on conservative principles then be subject to compromise. This is the only way to push the right agenda for America. We must stand for our principles and fight for what we know to be right.
Finally, a heart-felt thank you is in order for the members of the armed service pas and present and their families. On this Memorial Day we remember your sacrifices and acknowledge the fact that our nation would not be where it is today without your efforts.
God Bless you all!!