Thoughtful Conservative

Charlie Cook has written a fabulous article for the National Journal Magazine entitled “Self-Destructive Conservatism: From the look of things, the Republican Party is in danger of cannibalizing itself.” I wrote a similar piece just after the election in which I challenged Republicans to modernize. I believe Charlie is right in believing that the party’s rightward movement has become self-perpetuating. Conservative commentators barely let President Obama finish his twelfth dance of the night to the same song before getting back to Democrat-bashing. The problem here is that finger pointing only works when there is someone to point it at. One day into a Presidency is not quite enough time to warrant the blame game. Instead of spending tonight’s television hours discussing Obama’s flubbed oath and whether or not Caroline Kennedy is withdrawing her bid for Hillary’s seat, why not discuss the merits of Obama’s big government program versus the Republican strategy of tax cuts to stimulate spending? Instead of bashing the coming Guantanamo shutdown, why not discuss alternate proposals so we can bring those responsible for acts against our country to justice while not compromising national security efforts? Republican leadership must remember that my fellow twentysomethings are much smarter and more passionate about the issues than given credit for. Partisan bickering is unattractive at a time when the economy is in crisis and the average person just wants to make sure their future is secure. Let’s participate in constructive debate and discourse and work together to come up with the best solution. People want to hear a message of hope, not negativity. I implore all who read and who are afraid the party principles we stand for are being shuffled by the wayside to remind people what you stand for. Also remind them that the Party is bigger than any one individual, and just because a President or group of elected officials believe in one set of principles, their beliefs do not necessarily represent all Republicans.