The Republican Party: For Conservatives?

 

I recall a time when I thought I had to be a Republican. They were the only party that claimed to be the voice of those of us who follow the wise advice of our founders and don’t trust our government. Glenn Greenwald has a new book out about the subject: Great American Hypocrites: Toppling the Big Myths of Republican Politics. Here is an excerpt from an excerpt:

Ever since Ronald Reagan famously declared in his 1980 inaugural address that “government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem,” Republicans have masqueraded as the party of limited government. Its leaders reflexively pledge to keep government off the backs of regular, hardworking Americans. Homage is paid to the wisdom and insight of the American people, which, Republicans endlessly insist, is far superior to the judgment of government officials.

This political battle cry is, in reality, grounded in a populist cultural argument – namely, that the Republican Party takes the side of ordinary Americans against the faceless, power-hungry, freedom-abridging Washington bureaucrat. In this rendition of America’s culture war, which pits normal folks against D.C. politicians, right-wing leaders are on our side, doing everything in their power to keep government out of our lives.

-The Republican Dictatorship

This explains one of the many reasons why many professed Conservatives who once embraced the party are now realising that the GOP is not the party of Conservatism, and I’m wondering if it ever really was.

Read this piece by Southern apologist and retired history professor Clyde Wilson: The Republican Charade: Lincoln and His Party.

Many of us who supported Ron Paul in his bid for the presidency and who support his movement to change the GOP from within need to realise the importance of our task. Ultimately, it’s not about partisan politics or even zealous devotion to an ideology, but about doing what’s right.

What is the right thing to do this election? I can’t say for sure. I know we need to voice our concerns with as much authenticity and gallantry as is possible.

‘These are times that try men’s souls.’ – Thomas Paine.