Lane Change

In the aftermath of the results of the election, there has been plenty of gloating and commentary floating around.  Much of the discussion has centered around the Republican Party, in efforts to identify and outline the GOP deficiencies.

Seemingly everyone has weighed in. Karl Rove offered excuses and Bill Kristol wants to join Democrats and raise taxes.  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal came out swinging earlier today.  In my view, most of these folks cannot see the forest for the trees.

A longtime respected friend and associate of mine, and Obama supporter, immediately called for the restoration of the Republican party to national relevance; by casting off the Tea Party.  It should be noted that Mitt Romney, considered by almost everyone a superior candidate to John McCain, got a decidedly lower vote total.  In my analysis of what could have caused this difference, the diagnosis centers around Sarah Palin.

Certainly, the GOP should not take direction from progressive arm chair quarterbacks like my friend.  The conclusions they draw make sense to those aiming to continue the transformation of America, but to those who remain true to the foundations our country was founded upon, they should be strongly rejected.

My aforementioned friend thinks the Tea Party wing of the Republican party, of which Palin is affectionately associated with, is extremist.  Among the tenants I have observed at the numerous Tea Party rallies I have attended are fiscal sanity, limited government, personal accountability and responsibility, opposition to increasing entitlements, the rejection of the Obamacare and the love of God, family and country.  God heavens, if this is extremist, we lost the country a long time ago.

Old school Democrats have lost their party to elite extremist progressives, and out previous post "Knowing Kennedy" points out a significant example with respect to taxes. Regrettably, the post race analysis tells us many GOP folks sat the election out. 

I conclude that this is because the GOP at the top levels is too close to the Democrats in positions.  Mitt Romney is a fine man, and many thought, including me, he ended up being better suited to go up against Obama at this time.  But, that thought process was incorrect.

Contrary to my friends opinion, the GOP needs to further embrace the Tea Party, not distance itself from it.  Free market principles are indeed the best path to prosperity, and it is all-inclusive.  Massive entitlements and controlling governmental influence reduces opportunities and incentives, curbs economic freedoms  and reduces economic output, all the while robbing individuals of their hopes, dreams and dignity.

With Obama winning 51% of the votes, far from a mandate, many on all sides are calling for major GOP compromise, including progressives who masquerade as republicans.  No. 

The GOP must do a much better job of selling ideas and promoting the all inclusive promise and rewards of free enterprise.  When coupled with the tenants considered important by the Tea Party, a platform for prosperity can be embarked upon by all. 

This platform would be similar to the ideas and principles put forth by Ronald Reagan. At this time, with calls for compromise ringing loud, we should stand on our principles. Our differences with the progressives need to presented be in stark contrast; a time for bold colors, no pale pastels.

As Reagan said, on these principles there will be no compromise.



No time for lane changes. Lets get the message clear, and win the day on the battlefield of ideas.