CONSERVATIVES DISH ON CAIN, RACE: My Interview Below
| This is article appeared Sunday, June 13, 2011, in the Philadelphia Tribune and is written by Zack Burgess |
For more than two weeks now, and especially since Herman Cain was hit with allegations of sexual harassment, several talk show hosts have rallied around him, using race and his conservatism as a way to ex:plain why he has encountered some of his recent troubles.
First there was Rush Limbaugh, who recently said on his show: that the article in Politico is part of a process to tear down a Black Republican. Then there was Ann Coulter.
“Liberals detest, detest, detest conservative Blacks,” Coulter said. “…This is now the second time a conservative Black has had outrageous, and what appear to be false, allegations leveled against him.”
The first, in her view, was Clarence Thomas.
She didn’t stop there, inferring that a cadre of women, who were quick to forgive Bill Clinton for his sexual transgressions, was now attacking Herman Cain. “If you are a conservative Black, they will believe the most horrible sexualized fantasies of these uptight white feminists,” she said.
This prompted radio host Sean Hannity to wonder why liberals were, in his words, so “threatened” by Cain. Needless to say, Coulter was blunt in her response.
“Our Blacks are so much better than their Blacks,” she said, speaking of Democrats. “To become a Black Republican, you don’t just roll into it. You’re not going with the flow… and that’s why we have very impressive Blacks in the Republican Party.”
There has been a collective response to the Politico.com report that GOP front-runner Cain had settled two sexual harassment lawsuits when he headed the National Restaurant Association, a lobbying group for the food industry, in the 1990s.
And given that Cain gave inconsistent answers to questions raised by the article and has refused to acknowledge his latest accuser, Sharon Bialek — he has only been his own worst enemy.
“People refer to Herman Cain as a “Black conservative” as if he is some alien species,” said political analyst Mitch Baroody. “While the NAACP means well in protecting civil rights, I find them to be very quick on the trigger in pulling the race card and setting up divides. By talking about whites and Blacks like they are so different, it effectively makes them different. It allows people to use race as an excuse not to perform or an excuse as a defense to criticism.”
Coulter evoked the Thomas parallel when she dredged up the famous phrase from his nomination hearings 20 years ago.
At that time it was Thomas who made the statement that effectively neutralized questions about inappropriate sexual conduct raised by attorney Anita Hill.
Keep in mind, Coulter has called the Rev. Al Sharpton a “fat, race-baiting Black man” and has defended the white supremacist Council of Conservative Citizens as being unfairly accused of racism.
“The rendering of Black people as the ornaments of diversity, rather than incarnations of it, is one of the essential reasons why Blacks clash with conservatism,” said Political analyst Yvette Carnell.
Cain’s rise to the top of the GOP presidential pool has set off a furor among conservatives who saw Cain and other conservative minorities as victims of the so-called-liberal media. Limbaugh compared Cain’s problems to those of Marco Rubio, the U.S. senator from Florida who frequently told the story of his family fleeing Castro, which turned out to be untrue. Apparently the Rubios left Cuba several years before Castro came to power.
In a 12-minute exposition on the subject, Limbaugh called the reporting on Cain a “hit job.” “Anything good that happens to any Black or Hispanic in American politics can only happen via the Democrat Party. If it happens elsewhere, we’re going to destroy those people a la Clarence Thomas,” he said.
Speaking of Blacks’ place in America, MSNBC contributor, author and former Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan said in his just-released book, “Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025?”: “The European and Christian core of our country is shrinking.”
He says that “Old heroes like Columbus and Robert E. Lee may be replaced on calendars by Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez.” He goes on to write: “The End of White America. Those who believe the rise to power of an Obama rainbow coalition of peoples of color means the whites who helped to engineer it will steer it are deluding themselves. The whites may discover what it is like to ride in the back of the bus.”
For 21 consecutive months now, MSNBC has been No. 1 among African-American viewers in prime time. So it’s no surprise that Buchanan, hasn’t appeared on the network since his comments.
The Huffington Post’s reported that Buchanan hasn’t shown up on MSNBC since Oct. 22, while doing the rounds on other stations to promote his new book.
“A Conservative does not change because he is a different color,” Baroody said. “A Liberal does not change his philosophy because of his color either. Color should not be a part of this debate. People should lean on the side of conviction and not outward appearance. But because people have put such an emphasis on color, it allows politicos to make excuses like, ‘the media doesn’t like me because I’m a Black Conservative.’ It’s disgusting that we have let our society come to this after the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968.”
ColorofChange.org, a civil rights group, asked its members to sign a petition urging MSNBC to fire Buchanan, rattling off a series of questionable comments he has made over the years.
The Anti-Defamation League also chimed in, labeling Buchanan a racist and anti-Semite. Calderone even spoke with a station executive, who told him that, “the network is taking the concerns seriously.”
He also stressed that the decision to freeze out Buchanan was made long before the groups started rallying against him.
“To me, it’s disgusting,” Baroody said. “Blacks and whites are equals, only different in appearance. In the progressive age we live in today, Blacks and whites should be sticking up for each other more and calling out those that abuse the ‘race card’ as an excuse. Every time someone refers to a candidate as a ‘Black Conservative’ there should be whites and Blacks protesting this type of language because it sets up divides.”
Zack Burgess is the enterprise writer for The Tribune. He is a freelance writer and editor who covers culture, politics and sports. He can be contacted at zackburgess.com.
A Taxing Situation
I happened to check out The Hill today and as a result, my focus on unity, peace, and love for the Liberals in Washington quickly decreased.
Obama and Co. can take partial credit for shooting a terrorist who needed to be killed, but it still doesn’t fix the biggest problems in our country: THE ECONOMY and now, SENATOR KENT CONRAD.
Senator Kent Conrad, a democrat from North Dakota. has a plan, and believe me, it’s quite a plan! As the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, he is now pushing a new tax plan that will tax every American based on how many miles they drive. This differs from the current gas tax because the government will basically become more “Big Brotherish” and keep a closer look on motorists.
Why is this a “taxing situation?” Frankly, the way they want to keep track is pretty scary. These guys must be in cahoots with Steve Jobs over at apple. They want to put tracking devices in every American vehicle. These devices will keep track of the mileage and people will be required to pay the tax at gas stations.
Seriously? I mean, really? And no, this isn’t some tea party or government conspiracy talk, it’s true. It sounds more like something out of a Science Fiction movie but it’s here..electronically tracking us to pay taxes.
What is next, a tax on how many times we flush the toilet every day? I guess nursing homes will go out of business! Better yet, a tax on profanity. There we go. Every time you say “Damn” that is .25 cents. Worse curse words are taxed more heavily. I guess Joe Biden would be in big trouble if this were the case.
While the price of gas is rising to nearly historical levels, the democrats in D.C. apparently want to move towards another historic move: The extinction of automobiles. I cannot wait to see how liberal scientist Bill Nye will try to explain this. It’s easy. I’ll help him out. It’s a cataclysm called “Liberalistic Geo-shifting of the Transportation Infrastructure.”
There Bill Nye, hope that helps. Seriously though, how do they think Americans will afford yet another tax, to increase the cost of driving, that will supposedly benefit our highways?
For states like South Carolina, Maine, and New Hampshire, the funds collected will go to bigger states like California and New York. Have you driven on a road in South Carolina any time lately? They are horrible. Part of this is the state legislature’s fault in South Carolina and part of it is the Federal Funds South Carolina gets, go to putting Jim Clyburn’s name on various universities instead of paving the roads. Just saying.
It doesn’t make up for the simple truth that roads in other parts of the country are fantastic. Don’t think for one second that a tax like this would restore the roads in a smaller state like South Carolina. The money would never see the light of day in small states.
In conclusion, this assault on the American pocket book is just another liberal plan to cripple an already decaying economy to the point of no return. If there are benefits, I would certainly like to see them. Unfortunately, by the time any benefit are seen, no one will be driving on roads to enjoy their restoration!
Thanks Kent Conrad! Way to help out the American people. Better get used to being chauffeured around piggy back style!
By MEB
If you want to read more in depth about the plan, check out: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/159397-obama-floats-plan-to-tax-cars-by-the-mile
S.C. First District Congressional Race: Campbell’s Soup v.s. Scott Paper Towels
Truthfully, I never planned to get involved in the race for Congress in the First Congressional District. But I felt like there was a candidate that shined out above the others and couldn’t resist. I never cared for Rep. Henry Brown. Yes, I did attend his barbecue where half of the attendees got sick. That was probably to help them forget the less than memorable job he did in Congress.
When I would walk around the House office buildings in the U.S. Congress, I would sometimes see Rep. Henry Brown wondering around, lonely and confused. I once saw him sitting in a house meeting room, by himself, hours before the meeting began. I walked in and looked at him. He looked at me confused. I looked at him wondering why a Congressman wasn’t busier. I don’t think he had the passion to do his job and this was in April of 2009.
This was before his big barbecue and before he ever announced his retirement. I knew he had reached his peek. His lackluster performance and staleness had reached a point of no return. The first district needed a savior.
The first to arrive on the scene was a name familiar to me. 
People in South Carolina referred to his father, Gov. Carroll Campbell, like most Republicans refer to President Reagan. In fact, I often consider Gov. Campbell as the Reagan of South Carolina. The name I kept hearing about was his son, Carroll “Tumpy” Campbell.
I was thrilled to have heard someone had the bravery and courage to stand up to an incumbent that had been in Congress several terms. After hearing from people who worked for him and from seeing him myself, I knew Mr. Brown would never serve another term. Tumpy Campbell led the charge to bring the representation the first district deserved. But then, the race slowly but surely, became James and the Giant Peaches.
There will certainly be a runoff in this race. The top three contenders for this seat are obviously Tumpy Campbell, State Rep. Tim Scott, and Paul Thurmond. I want to focus on Campbell and Scott, so let me briefly dismiss Thurmond. Paul Thurmond lacks the energy, drive, and enthusiasm to be effective in Washington. His commercials have shown his lack of enthusiasm. I have learned very little from following him besides who his father was and his “desire” to focus on issues rather than “the name.”
Paul got in the race a little later than others and he has not built the enthusiasm he needs to overcome the incredible grassroots support of Campbell and Scott. After Tuesday’s election, Tumpy Campbell and Tim Scott will be battling it out. I have no doubt things will get real “crabby” in this low country debacle.
I saw Tim and have met him a couple of times while I worked and advised one of his opponents for Lt. Governor. While many find themselves in awe of his presence, I wasn’t impressed. He is enthusiastic but I find him to be overly cocky. I would be too if I had been in four races in two years. That is some experience. But that is the experience of a political opportunist, not a statesman of the people.
Many give reasons for not supporting Scott, some crazy, some not so crazy. 
I’ve heard everything from “He’s Actually Gay” to “This is just another stepping stone for him.” Regardless of everyone’s speculations, I don’t think it has to be that complicated. Even if he is a an opportunist, that has run for Council, State Representative, Lt. Governor, and now Congress, there are other reasons not to vote for him. Perhaps, he just isn’t the right guy for this job.
We need jobs in South Carolina and in our country. The answer to these jobs isn’t through bailouts and more government spending. Tim Scott and Tumpy Campbell both understand this and I applaud them for that.
However, there is a key difference. Tumpy Campbell is a small business owner with incredible experience. Tumpy knows business because he grew up learning from one of the best business men in recent memory, his Father. He has met a payroll and knows the sacrifices businessmen have to make. Tim Scott is a great speaker and believes in attracting business. The problem is, businessmen relate better to businessmen not career politicians that have never owned a business.
I respect Tim for his efforts, his great story that he tells so much, and for being able to hold two elected positions, possibly three if he had stayed in the Lt. Governor’s race. However, for our economy and the current needs of our state, the U.S. Congress needs more than a career politician. Washington needs a common sense, CONSERVATIVE, Businessman to lead the charge for government reform and responsible economic reform. One that knows how to bring jobs because he has a track record of creating them.
Tumpy Campbell, one who doesn’t have to live in his father’s shadow like other candidates, sets himself apart with his business savvy. He sets himself apart with his incredibly structured 10 point job plan. He sets himself apart because he is real and not a career politician. He found true conviction when he saw Rep. Brown not doing his job.
His two daughters have meant the world to him and for them to suffer at the hands of More Government, sickened him. He is running and will win for the right reasons. Not because he wants to further his career, but because he wants to further prosperity in South Carolina.
While Scott may look nice on TV, may sound nice in front of a crowd, and may be a really good Conservative, he isn’t the right candidate for the first district. If the district is to prosper, it needs Tumpy Campbell to go to Washington, gather resources and support, and grow it.
This is a tough time for the economy of the first district. It has hit everyone hard. Tumpy understands this a little better than Mr. Scott and he will lead the way his father led so honorably.
When voting this Tuesday, think about Campbell’s soup and Scott Paper Towels. 
Campbell’s soup nourishes you, fills you up, and makes you prosper with your day.
But Scott Paper towels don’t nourish your body, prosper your day, or even absorb everything they should; they just stick around for the next big mess and fall on it. Vote Tumpy Campbell for U.S. Congress, in your heart you know it’s right!
By Mitchell E. Baroody
The Race for S.C. Attorney General: Who Will Put the Joker Away?
While the feet of gubernatorial candidates are shuffling as controversy rises like smoke from a burning Rome, another race is a lot quieter but just as important. This race is for Attorney General of South Carolina. There are three candidates as many of you know: Alan Wilson, Leighton Lord, and Robert Bolchoz. All three of these guys are great people. They all know law like they know their wives. They would all do a great job at putting bad guys behind bars. The problem is, South Carolina needs one Attorney General, not three. Let’s get down to business.
I will immediately knock Bolchoz out of the race. He doesn’t have the name recognition or the likability factor to garner the votes this Tuesday. His polling hasn’t been very good and his message has come across as extreme to many. While many agree with him on most issues, his positions would be better suited towards a run for Congress.
I can confidently say this race is between two people: Wilson and “The” Lord. Following in the footsteps of two incredible Attorney Generals, Henry McMaster and Charlie Condon, is going to be quite difficult. What many thought would be hard for McMaster became quite simple. His impressive and almost legendary work against sex offenders has put his predecessor, Charlie Condon, in Columbia’s shadows. The question is: who can take over this office and make McMaster look “average”? Is that even possible?
Leighton Lord touts his experience running triathlons. He uses this as an outreach to kids. When he talked about this experience and his outreach, his hopes were to show how much effort he has put into caring about South Carolina children. Isn’t that nice? However, while “The” Lord has been running triathlons and reaching out to underprivileged kids, Alan Wilson has had his own outreach program.
See, Alan Wilson knows a thing or two about running. He ran as bullets were shot his way in Iraq. He protected Iraqi children from the harsh dictatorship they were used to. He protected kids in Iraq who, compared to America’s underprivileged, were much worse off. Alan put his life on the line as he ran and deflected bullets for children. He doesn’t have to run a triathlon to prove he would protect children in South Carolina, he just puts on his camouflage and shows his medals.
The next experience factor is with prosecuting. Leighton Lord worked in Washington and did a great job putting away “Asian” gangs. He hopes to put “Asian” gangs away in South Carolina too since there is such a problem with them (news to many of us). Leighton was a hard fighter against organized crime and he is a brilliant attorney. There is no question as to his incredible skills, he is truly brilliant. He touts his experience working with prosecutors and telling them what to do while in Washington.
Alan Wilson, on the other hand, knows what the role of a prosecutor is because he was one. Leighton has never prosecuted a case to put a bad guy away. Alan has been assistant attorney general and has helped a “GREAT” attorney General put sex offenders behind bars. Alan didn’t have to work for a Senate Committee, even though he could have, to know about being a prosecutor. He has seen the worst of violence whether in Iraq or on our dangerous streets. Alan has gotten his hands dirty for the people of our state and our World. He knows the only effective way to stop crime is to cut it at crime’s throat. If you don’t believe me, believe the sixty prosecutors around the state that have endorsed him with open arms. Sixty!
Leighton Lord often talks about knowing the proper roles people should play and directing them to do so. He knows what but Alan Wilson knows what and how. Leighton may be a great lawyer who can negotiate a questionable deal with Boeing, but Alan Wilson is a worker than won’t always delegate, he will do. .
Finally, no offense to veterans, Leighton Lord reminds me a lot of the war in Vietnam. It was fought with a bunch of people in Washington that were far away from the battle. They said what to do, but they didn’t know how. This turned out to be a terrible disaster as you may remember. Alan Wilson is an example of the brave men that fought that war, not the bureaucrats that tried to run it. He knows what and he knows how to win no matter the situation. We do not need any more quagmires now do we? Whether he is under fire or is putting a sex offender behind bars, Alan knows how to make us safer.
Many say Alan is “too young and inexperienced.” I have also heard, “this isn’t Alan’s time yet; it’s Leighton’s turn.” But I ask a simple question. Had MANY Republicans not said, “It isn’t ______’s (fill in 2008 Presidential Candidate other than McCain) time yet; it’s McCain’s turn,” our country would be freer and a lot safer right now.
Let’s not make the same mistake many made back in 2008. Even if Alan is young, he has the experience to protect each and every South Carolinian. He has done it on the battlefield and in the court room. His opponent knows how to direct and be a lawyer. But South Carolina doesn’t need another bureaucrat and just another lawyer. South Carolina needs a leader and a fighter too. I hate to say it, but this is something “The” Lord knows little about when it comes to working outside of his law practice.
After knowing, working with, and walking with Alan’s father, Congressman Joe Wilson, I know the set of values and integrity Alan has. He comes from a father that has fought for his country and stood up for his people, even when it was unpopular, against a corrupt President. Alan isn’t his father. Alan has a different drive. He has different goals.
But he has the same personal bravery, integrity, and call to duty for the people of South Carolina. I have no doubt that Alan will stand out and will stand up for South Carolinians. He is a leader and a fighter. He is the stand up guy our state and our family’s need. Alan is the “Batman” to put every “Joker” away. He will be getting my vote on Tuesday, I hope he gets yours.
By Mitchell E. Baroody
A Night with the Governor Candidates: The Good, The Bad, The Contradictory
Tuesday night’s Gubernatorial debate was not the heated explosion some may have hoped for. However, this debate effectively represented each of the candidates for who they are….or who they think they are.
The following is a summary of what I gathered from each candidate: Bauer is confident, knows what he wants, and he wants to cut government waste and stop generational dependency; Gresham Barrett loves God, wants jobs, and has 8 ways to bring them;
McMaster touts his proven leadership abilities, has no clear and decisive plan for anything, but believes he is the only candidate that can effectively execute the laws from the legislature to the homes of the people; finally, Nikki Haley hates government, anyone that disagrees with her ideas, will intimidate those that disagree with her, and is basically Mark Sanford on steroids.
Before I begin a thorough analysis, let me say this. Bauer, Barrett, and McMaster deserve a pat on the back for staying after the debate, answering many questions, and greeting those in attendance including young children that recognized them from TV and school. I will have to say, I am quite disappointed in Mrs. Haley for not taking the time to greet the people in attendance, especially the kids. She obviously thinks her current “Front Runner” status exempts her from meeting the people in Florence, especially kids.
Now for the analysis. First we will start with Gresham Barrett. 
Barrett was impressive and VERY unimpressive on certain issues. He was one of the few that actually mentioned a plan for bringing jobs. He mentioned his 8 step plan and actually knew what each step was.
He identified himself as a job ambassador and constantly referred to former Governor Campbell as someone to idolize himself after. While bringing jobs sounds nice, let’s look at one way he wants to do it. He said that tourism is crucial to making our state grow, especially marketing areas like Myrtle Beach. He mentioned bringing 2,000 jobs by building an oil rig off the shores of the Myrtle Beach area. For this….I say really? Common sense says this is a bad idea right now.
After the disaster in the Gulf, should we truly continue putting faith in offshore drilling, miles and miles from the coast? What if another company messes up and floods our coasts? This will screw up tourism for years. The Myrtle Beach economy would have quite a lot of trouble recovering. This has disaster all over it. These candidates, especially Congressman Barrett, cannot be for beach tourism and for offshore drilling. Gresham continued to indirectly refer to no child left behind, and the bush tax cuts that put our country into an incredible deficit (along with the war).
This only reminded me of one thing, his bailout vote. He seems more and more like the non-conservative President Bush was. I cannot see Gresham as anything more than a Social Conservative. I give him that because he talks the Christian talk. Overall, he’s a nice guy but he didn’t win the debate. Even though I disagree with a great deal of what he says, I give him 2nd place for being decisive. As a candidate, he’s pretty good. But some of his stuff is just hard to stomach.
Attorney General McMaster is another story all together. While he is a friendly guy, amusing to listen to, and fun to watch, there is no way this guy is going to be governor. I’m sorry to bust the bubble of so many, but he isn’t going to do it. This election year is very, very important for our state. People are listening more than ever. When you listen to Henry, who I often refer to as General Lee, he does stay on message.
The bad thing is, his message has nothing to do with actual policies. He touts his experience as an executor, putting sex predators behind bars, and making everything safer. He makes it sound like he is the only one that knows how to do the job because of his tenure bankrupting the state Republican Party and doing a pretty fantastic job as Attorney General. Being Governor and being Attorney General are two different ballgames though. Henry was given the chance to show himself as a true conservative candidate.
All he could say was “I want a strategic plan” for economic development. In other words, there is no plan. His connection to Reagan and his past performances as an executor will make everything fix itself…apparently. I was disappointed most in Henry because he really had a chance tonight…but he failed…not just a fail but a miserable fail. He was fourth place tonight.
While I was very disappointed in Nikki Haley’s sudden rush off, after the debate, I found myself agreeing with her on certain points. For once, we do need to audit every government agency. 
We need to find out where and why our agencies are losing money.
I agree with her on this. She wants to put more energy into small business. I completely agree with her that an environment for small business is necessary. She spoke against the corruption and lack of conservatism in the state house and will fight it. She will also bring more accountability and transparency to the table. Hold up…wait a minute…let’s go back to the corruption first.
She wants to fight corruption in the state house. She said she will exert her influence on legislators that will not support her reform efforts. In other words, she will intimidate legislators into backing her agenda. If they do not, she specifically said, she will expose them in the media through lists. This doesn’t sound too nice. She is going to be a dictator?
I guess having an opinion other than your Governor will no longer be allowed. Furthermore, checks and balances will be history under Nikki. If you disagree, you better just quit or you will be exposed as a burden to the taxpayers.
Next, she spoke about accountability and transparency. Wow….that is all I have to say. Nikki wants more accountability for the legislators. However, according to a credible but unnamed source of mine, she was absent over 70% of the time for these votes in the house. This includes one of the votes that would increase accountability and transparency. Unbelievable huh? It gets better. For a woman touting transparency, she isn’t very transparent.
There is a VERY well known “secret” that was just let out about her and blogger, Will Folks. Many claim it isn’t true. Many of the same people that were talking about how true it was several years ago are now claiming how false it is. The best way this could be solved is if legislators were transparent, right? That is what Nikki would say, correct?
But when asked for her emails and logs as a legislator, she will not clear the air by releasing them. She is talking the talk but not walking the walk. What is the conclusion based on this and her not filing legal action against the alleged accuser? The conclusion is simple. The affair probably happened, as I heard it did several years ago, and she is probably not being very truthful right now. I look forward to seeing more evidence in the upcoming weeks.
As a candidate, she is nothing more than Mark Sanford on steroids. She has the ideologue politics, she may or may not have the mastress, and she doesn’t practice what she preaches. Yikes, four more years of this? She said we need an accountant as Governor. I agree, that would be helpful at times, but the answer isn’t Accountant Haley. A businessman with experience balancing budgets and saving money would be just as effective. Despite everything on the table, she still did better than Henry. I give her third for this debate. Unfortunately, it looks like she will probably lead the pack for first in the primary. But there are still a few days left!
Andre standing under Calhoun in State Senate
Finally, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. While I have been kind to Andre on my website before, my purpose has been to be very objective in this article…with only slight subjectivity. Andre hasn’t changed very much. He continues to tout the same message he has always been bringing. He wants to bring us out of the Stone Age. Andre said, “The answer to our school systems isn’t throwing money at it.
The answer is to fix the discipline system.” He continued to talk about saving money, how he has always conserved money and in fact, given 400,000 dollars back to the state. He claims to have been the only member to travel and actually sit down with companies to bring them to the state.
If anyone knows how to be a jobs ambassador, Andre does. He only speaks common sense. Everyone can identify with what Andre said tonight. You don’t ever find yourself questioning what he says.
The problem for many is that he makes too much sense. People can’t understand why a politician would be so incredibly upfront. Tonight, he was so confident he answered one question with a simple, “No.” Andre has served in both houses and is a TRUE Conservative.
However, Andre is not the conservative ideologue Nikki Haley is. Andre knows how to work with the legislator to get thins passed that will help the people immediately. Unfortunately, he had to sit and watch Mark Sanford lock the door on communication for eight years. If anything, he knows how NOT to govern.
He pushed off the questions about his personal life saying, “Everyone already knows it. I have nothing to hide.” I thought this was another show of his grace, calmness, and confidence. Tonight, Andre established himself as the one to beat. He spoke common sense with clear plans. His ideas are so innovative like his plans to make South Carolina greener and energy efficient.
There are other ways to fix the energy problem than drilling offshore and hurting tourism by having an oil spill on the coast of our state. Most importantly, he doesn’t shy away from tough issues or even questions.
After the debate, I overheard him being asked a question. The lady asked, “What about homeschoolers. Will you give us tax credits?” His response showed the condition of his conviction. He replied, “You bet. Homeschoolers save taxpayers money. Anything it takes to save taxpayers money, I’m up for it.” Andre talked the talk and walked the walk tonight.
For this, I gave him two thumbs up and can honestly say, in a tight debate, he set himself apart. I think there is little certainty, he won it tonight.
As for the primary, I think what we will see is very simple. Barring overwhelming evidence of an affair coming out against Nikki Haley in the next few days, she makes the run-off with Andre Bauer. Truthfully, it all depends on how much they are all seen and what type of television ads they put on the screen. The next few days and tonight’s debate in Charleston will continue to give a clearer picture. But I don’t’ think it gets clearer than a run off of Bauer and Haley.
Breaking The Divide: Changing The GOP Brand
Branded…that is one word I cannot stand. When you are associated with one group, it is believed that you live like and believe like that group. Being branded by a political party is one of the worst problems in politics today. If the political parties knew what they actually stood for, it may not be that big of a problem. However, both major parties in today’s political spectrum have members that seem very displaced and disillusioned with their platform.
The Republican Party couldn’t be further away from knowing where it stands. Does it go Conservative or does it go Moderate? Senator Olympia Snowe consistently shows her moderate views as a Republican; always moving across the aisle to back liberal, progressive reforms. Then there are Conservatives like Jim DeMint who stand their ground and hope for the party to move further to the right.
The Democratic Party is on the biggest move towards the left in its history. Although, the New Deal programs were a pretty big push as well. Every day, America hears of a leftist initiative coming out of the White House and the Democratic controlled Congress. However, they have disgruntled democrats that are commonly called “Blue Dogs.” Whether they disagree socially or fiscally, they still line up with many Republicans just the way Senator Snowe lines up with many democrats.
The question is, where is the median and how do the parties provide separation so that one can clearly stand apart? While the Republicans struggle with moderates and the Democrats struggle with blue dogs, I don’t foresee either leaving their respective parties or forming new ones. A three party system, while a great idea, is not realistic in our country.
Therefore, which party can come on top right now and gain superiority from the disarray? I think it is the Republicans that will come on top if they are willing to make some big changes in the future. There is one key part of the Republican Party that I think is wrong and is continuously being done wrong. If it is not corrected, the party will remain in a quagmire state of disarray. It could grow and become “The Party” if one simple adjustment is made. That is with social issues.
The Republican Party needs to reach out to Fiscally Conservative Democrats and bring them over. They also need to make amends with Socially Moderate liberals within the GOP. Social Issues have been killing the GOP for some time now. It is time to get over them.
First of all, a new stance on the right to life must be taken. While moving towards Conservatism, the Republican Party should move towards a Pro-Choice stance on Abortions. I am sure you have already read my reasoning behind Conservatives backing a Pro-Choice platform, but please hear me out again clearly please. Being Pro-Choice is being Conservative. However, the Party must move towards defining a fetus at conception and giving it rights. Therefore, any abortion would be murder under a new Federal Law. Yeah, this is the roundabout way of eliminating abortions. However, it is the Conservative way of doing it.
Don’t call yourself a Conservative unless you believe a Woman has the right to choose what she does to her body as long as it is not Murder. True Conservative Principle 1, a person should always have the choice to do what they want to their body; the government should NEVER regulate that. However, if there is an embryo in that body, it should not only be defined as a person but its rights should be protected from detrimental procedures just like every other person in this country.
Second, the Republican Party must embrace Domestic Partnerships for all Americans. This should apply to couples of all sexes. Moving towards Conservatism is moving towards keeping the government’s definition of personal lives very minimal. If two women who don’t ever plan to get married and are not lesbian, want to live together in order to make it by, give them the same benefits as a normal couple whether they are gay or not. It is fair.
The government should be equal and fair. Taking these rights, only because of a marriage certificate, is not fair. True Conservative Principle 2, the government should never be bias towards its citizens. The Republican Party should push domestic partnerships because they believe in less government in the lives of Americans. Marriage should be done in a church and is something between heterosexual couples with God. Receiving benefits is a different story.
These two social issues are enough to sway some Conservative Democrats over to the GOP. If the Republican Party did a 180 degree turn on these issues, majorities would be seen all over the country in 2010 and 2012. Many voters are democrat because of social issues. Change the platform, win the voters. To do this, religious Conservatives will finally have to admit that being a Conservative is being anti-government regulation even in the right to life and the right to partnership. Keeping the government out of a woman’s body and a couple’s partnership is also keeping the government out of religion! It works well for everyone!
I believe victory for the Republican Party lies in a move towards a Conservative stance. However, before that move can take place, Conservatism must be redefined from its present meaning. While it may not be popular for a while, it is what Conservatism truly is and it will make the Republican Party the majority party again. Until then, social issues will be the mark of defeat for the Republican Party.
My Theme for the Gop: Fresh Start for Government, Fresh Start at Home, Fresh Start Abroad
In the midst of the ruckus in Washington, some wonder if there is any room for optimism towards the future. The answer is clearly very subjective. If you ask a Democrat if there is room for optimism, they are going to say yes because of the majority in both houses, the white house, and the initiatives that they plan to pass. As for Republicans, it depends on what day and what democratic initiative is about to pass. Some Republicans will say they are optimistic because the democrats under the leadership of Obama have failed at all of their initiatives thus far and the American people now see the light. Then there is the faction of Republicans that is close to building underground shelters for the “ongoing” and “Soon-to-be” communist takeover of America. So they say.
So where do I stand? First, I think both parties have a lot to be proud of. There hasn’t been a great depression, the terrorists haven’t blown up the entire country, the monetary system hasn’t failed yet, and a Russian professor’s prediction of a total collapse starting in October doesn’t seem to be in the works yet. Whoever is in office would be blamed for these consequences, so it is a victory for all Americans, Republicans or Democrats.
On that note, the democrats have made a growing majority of Americans angry and fearful. Taking insurance from 85% of the insured in exchange for a government option isn’t a very good idea. Putting generations into debt, that is democrats including Rep. BOB INGLIS (R-S.C.), with stimulus plans that stimulate rats in San Francisco just don’t get the job done for most Americans. Young men and women dying in Afghanistan without a clear strategy or a Commander in Chief leading, doesn’t sit well with most Americans. Powerful democrats like Rep. Barney Frank openly admitting to plotting the takeover of freedoms and instilling more government regulation in our everyday lives just doesn’t sit too well. The American people are waking up and see what is on the agenda. This, I will have to say, shifts the enthusiasm and optimism to the Republican side.
However, I don’t think the Republican Party is able to lead the way quite yet. There is nothing but bickering, power struggles, and a people identified by an elephant not knowing what their platform really is across the country. Unfortunately, it is a party still creating an identity for itself after losing it during the past election cycle. If the party is going to succeed and take over the country, as the Democrats hand over the reins after failing to make it better, I think they need to consider an achievable battle plan. After a lot of thought, I have created a three-step roadmap or “battle plan” to seeing “Red” these next two election cycles.
- It starts with the platform. When Michael Baroody, one of my heroes, wrote the Republican Party platform in 1980, people had a reason to shout “We See Red.” Republicans knew what they stood for and they had a leader that could clearly articulate it. Instead of being a party of “Straight Talk” and “Mavericking” it is time to go to a three-fold message that we don’t compromise with. A message that goes back to the basics of conservatism and what a Republican really is. I propose the theme, “Fresh Start for government, Fresh Start at home, Fresh Start Abroad.” The fresh start for Government calls for less government, less regulations, more transparency in government, and more accountability in government. The fresh start at home calls for more jobs, energy independence (by drilling offshore, coal and nuclear energy, and preventing any increased energy taxation), welfare reform, lower taxes that help boost the economy, and stronger incentives for joining the military. Finally, the fresh start abroad initiative brings tax payer dollars, given to foreign countries that fail to stand with the U.S. during crisis, back to the American taxpayer, reduces U.S. troop levels across the world, calls for “accountability or abolition” with the U.N., and reaches out to Israel to restore ties destroyed by the Obama Administration
- After a clear platform (above) is created, building enthusiasm and energy across the grassroots level around it is key. Gathering around the candidate will come with time, but knowing what we stand for is the most important thing.
Myself with Energetic Young Republicans Chelsie Paulson and SCGOP 3rd Vice Chairman Adam Piper
Campaigns to energize young people are one of the biggest parts of building this energy and enthusiasm at the grassroots level. If we use technology and many of the techniques our opponents used in the past, we will be seeing a lot of “Red” at the grassroots level. This will bring momentum unseen to the Republican Party in decades. Focusing on our future and not our past, while pushing our platform, will energize all bases and allow the party to pick the best andidates and not the compromise candidates.
- Picking the RIGHT candidates will be a breeze if we accomplish the first two steps. Knowing what we stand for as Republicans and building momentum around the foundation will bring forth energetic leaders that share our values and can promote them as President, in Congress, and in other elected positions. There will not be any “Compromise” candidate as John McCain was. There won’t be any need to stay home at the polls because the candidate just doesn’t share the right values. If candidates back the platform, it will energize Republicans, and energize those seeking office. Therefore, this will energize our government and allow us to see “Red” in the near future.
- The likelihood of any of this happening anytime soon is probably dim. From a South Carolina perspective, it has been great to see the reorganizing of county parties and the energy at tea parties. However, all of these organizations and protests are pointless without a clear plan and a theme for the future. Right now, I see none in the Republican party at least nationally speaking. While I think my plan is great, I am sure a great many would disagree. As for now, I’d call it anybody’s ballgame. Speaking of which, it sure is a shame the Phillies and the Yankees can’t both lose the World Series. I don’t want to cheer for either one! Go Braves!
Myself with Energetic Young Republicans Chelsie Paulson and Adam Piper
