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Washington, DC:
Built on a swamp by a Frenchman.
Gee, how could that go wrong?
Well, how about entrusting self-appointed beltway insiders and "experts" with the harrowing task of rebuilding a fractured, demoralized Republican Party?
New President Barack Obama's borrowed Lincoln Bible was barely back in the Archives when ex-Bush speech writer David Frum unveiled his contribution to the cause today: a website called NewMajority.com.
NewMajority is staffed by Margaret Hoover (yes, she's the former President's great-granddaughter) and other Establishment types with fancy pedigrees.
The first piece I read at NewMajority.com was a downright condescending scolding by one Michael K. Powell, who says the usual stuff about "youth" and "technology" (yawn) then declares:
"The Party also must be more sober about the demographic transformation that is taking place in America. We are a browning nation, but a Party seemingly incompetent in connecting with America’s diversity and its ascendant multiculturalism. We are stuck in antiquated notions of race."
Now, the United States is only "browning" thanks to lax immigration laws and enforcement (which is directly related to the Elite's fondness for cheap nannies and gardeners.)
The well-documented (if largely ignored) phenomenon of present-day Hispanic aliens' disinclination to assimilate is something patriotic Americans should condemn, not embrace.
Karl Rove's ill-fated strategy of courting the Latino vote didn't help Republicans much in the last two elections. For every illegal alien cum "future GOP donor/voter", there are dozens of non-Latino, law-abiding, tax paying citizens sick of having to "press ONE for English."
Frum's NewMajority is just one of many online projects devoted to "rethinking" and "re-energizing" the Republican Party. (Plugged-in Gen-Y political junkie Wendy Sullivan is critiquing all these projects at her new blog Right Rants: Rebuilding the GOP from the Ground Up, in outspoken posts like "New Media vs. Old Farts.")
Alas, too many of these "rebuilding" enterprises share a misguided focus that's also bound to be the seed of their own undoing: that is, an obsession with "winning elections."
NewMajority's slogan, for example, is "Building a conservatism that can win again."
But what good is "winning" if the "conservatism" that "wins" is faddish, unprincipled and unmoored from traditional American, Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism?
I for one plan to side with the "conservative, but not necessarily Republican" camp, and leave the electioneering to the careerist beltway CPAC Establishment.
After all, back in the early sixties, it was grassroots activist and housewife Phyllis Schlafly's self-published, million-selling anti-GOP Establishment book, A Choice Not An Echo, that led to Goldwater, who led to Reagan.
Not bad for a small-town mom running an accidental movement from her kitchen table, without email, the web -- or any support from Party bigshots.
Unless the "new GOP" is run bottom up, by the grass/net roots, it is doomed to fail.
Deservedly so.
Comments
The republican party needs to go back to what worked in the past. Instead of pushing sellouts like John McAmnesty and Mike Huckabee, they need to go back to their conservative past. Look how easily Reagan was reelected. Someone needs to ask Karl Rove what is wrong with courting the white conservative vote. Maybe people like Rove need to worry more about representing the majority instead of the minority.
I'm with Harry on this. Diversity for the sake of diversity is bull and has no place in a strong party of principles.
Open borders and such turns off the base, which is where the money is coming from. It also turns off their children - who won't get jobs because of things like amnesty - which is where the future comes from.
As Kathy says we need to move beyond the Beltway, all the way into your hometown. Into your school and your soccer team and your local town council. We have to stop depending on the idiots at the top, and start being the boots on the ground.
Sarah Palin should announce her candidacy for 2012 today.
"But what good is "winning" if the "conservatism" that "wins" is faddish"
The ruling class will do what it takes to keep their seats. Otherwise they'd have to come out here and get jobs with the rest of us.
Although this comparison is not the most apt... there is a veneer of truth in the following: The GOP is increasingly like the Canadian Liberal Party ...the party of the Big Tent, no real values, whoring itself for small change. Isn't it sad that the GOP could even be compared to the once establishment party in Canada! But that is exactly where the Republicans are heading. Playing the harlot. And harlots get no respect... neither from the pimps, nor from the "Johns".
Is there anybody out there in Republican land willing to be a voice in the wilderness... willing to grow a pair and slap some sense into the one-night-standers about getting back to its roots and taking back some self respect. Voters are dying to vote for a party that takes itself seriously... once the GOP gets this, their task will be easier.
"...unmoored from traditional American, Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism"
Um...What?
Now I don't want to rain on this writer's parade but I must say I am a bit puzzled by his reference to this specific brand of "exceptionalism". As a black member of the encroaching "brown" hordes conservatives often rail about, the phrase "Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism" sounds to me like a nice way of saying "white supremacy".
Now I propose that if conservatives want to return to the driver's seat of American politics perhaps they should look at other forms of conservatism.
I have personally seen the pragmatic and conservative virtues of "African American ambition" and "Latino American fortitude" in the tackling of the challenges of our age.
All I am saying is that "Anglo Saxon exceptionaism" may not be the only force out there powerful enough to save the country's democratic character.
I just don't have too mush patience with C.C.C. styled griping.
"...unmoored from traditional American, Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism"
Um...What?
Now I don't want to rain on this writer's parade but I must say I am a bit puzzled by his reference to this specific brand of "exceptionalism". As a black member of the encroaching "brown" hordes conservatives often rail about, the phrase "Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism" sounds to me like a nice way of saying "white supremacy".
Now I propose that if conservatives want to return to the driver's seat of American politics perhaps they should look at other forms of conservatism.
I have personally seen the pragmatic and conservative virtues of "African American ambition" and "Latino American fortitude" in the tackling of the challenges of our age.
All I am saying is that "Anglo Saxon exceptionaism" may not be the only force out there powerful enough to save the country's democratic character.
I just don't have too mush patience with C.C.C. styled griping.
Kathy is spot on. Sarah Palin is the sort of candidate the grass roots will get behind. Then winning will make a difference.
I have no such doom and gloom predictions for the GOP. After a term or so of the new viral-left Dems telling Americans they are too fat, too wealthy, too racist, too pushy, too well off and blaming every ill of the planet on America being the last true democratic republic, people (voters) will be ready for a Reagan-esque message of self respect and economic optomimism by reviving the core cultural and political elements that made America the only free republic super power.
Letting hacks like Frum et al market concocted "images and perception" is a very disingenuous way to deal with cynical voters...after the BO administration collapse (because you can't deliver "hope" on a foundation of pure BS) the voter will be jaded with marketing hustlers selling utopian idealism in leadership races.
Manufactured consensus has yielded America's worst administrations. Get back to honesty, constitutionalism, and free market capitalism, and shun crony capitalism, spin mongering and hollow Obamababble and you will win voters who do not usually vote.
Mr. McCampbell,
I don't think that the author was trying to make a racial slur or white excusionary comment at all.
What made America great is the tremendous document called the constitution and the values that engendered it. The men that created it were, for the most part, Christians that did not want the yoke of tyranny England foisted upon them.
That Protestant ethic of hard work, love of God and family (the traditional family, not the kind where you can marry both your dog and pet gerbil to get their health benefits) and love of freedom was tried here for the first time ever! Government of the people, by the people, for the people. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (private property), what a thought.
The first thing the Republicans need to fix is the primary system. Letting non-Republicans vote in Republican primaries gets you candidates like McCain.
The important thing to remember is the public likes Palin, the establishment hates her.
Valuable lesson there.
The first thing the Republicans need to fix is the primary system. Letting non-Republicans vote in Republican primaries gets you candidates like McCain.
The important thing to remember is the public likes Palin, the establishment hates her.
Valuable lesson there.
Mr McCampbell:
You say, "As a black member of the encroaching "brown" hordes conservatives often rail about, the phrase "Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism" sounds to me like a nice way of saying "white supremacy".
I would like to ask… is it possible for a "black member" and indeed all liberals in general, to actually discuss the mechanics of what makes America truly great without latching onto the race card, the victimhood symptomology of chronic complaint? And is it really possible for those not belonging to the fashionably oppressed groups to cast off their phoney baloney false guilt and stand up against the pretence of the crying classes? We can hope!
In order to be taken serious in the discussion, Black America has to put aside the trite, borrowed and rehearsed knee-jerk talking points from the victimhood culture in which they have been marinated. They need to actually suspend their pre-programming long enough to engage the idea and not the emotion.
God knows we've heard it time and again how racist, supremacist America is... as if repeated enough it should be considered true and never open to question.
Could it be considered a truism that if the POTUS was a Conservative black, his black bona fides would be discounted? After all… who are Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell? Chopped liver! At least Powell has regained his authentic blackness for backing Obama. What must Rice have to do in order to redeem herself at the feet of the African American dictators of political correctness? Heck, I would vote for ten Black Americans in succession if they were but conservative. BO is simply the wrong guy plain and simple… black, white or brown. But in order to remain an “official black American”, don't ever be caught flirting with conservatism.
DKEN makes a powerful, yet simple point. Those simple conservative values cross all colour or race barriers... What is so sad is that given the present political configuration, the elites and social activists within the African American community have precluded that community from participating in the values that would actually free the community to their potential? These self serving elites prefer to keep Black America socially and intellectually shackled, with false liberal bromides, behind the gates of the Democratic Party plantation.
"...a browning nation..."
Hmm. That sounds like we're being roasted under a broiler. And the Republicans are merely hoping to be eaten last. I'll opt out, thanks.
Washington, DC: Built on a swamp by a Frenchman.
Ottawa , Hull: Built on a swamp by a horde of Frenchmen.
Alas the coincidences of history. Washington created both Countries. One by accident, the other by design or instigation by his fellows. Something you will not see much of in both official histories. At least we know why the Reptiles of political double speak, bask in this salubrious climate of slime for them. Very funny article Kathy as well as serious! Real conservatives are becoming as rare as classic liberals Now the Elite is being sifted for the chaff of socialism.
The defectors are now evident. I call that a plus.
You are completely right. Its time to remove this impediment to grass roots involvement. As well the Republicans have to go back to small government thinking. It has to become revolutionary in vision of a freer America, for all Americans. All sharing the same law with individual destiny. With Meta values all share together towards a purpose.
Identity politics should be exposed for the cult of tribalization it is, for a small Elite to feel superior & tolerant to the “down trodden” who in their discernment, are the ignorant children. They create the board on which to play their games of inhumanity. In the end they destroy more people, by making them dependants of the State. Obama will seek collectivization as a solution, instead of individual initiative. Watch & see. I already have in the Canada’s. Republicans must give up the culture of entitlement that has sweep world politics. Its that or betray the Nation to an alien entombment.
JMO
Every conservative should watch "Swing Vote" to see how destructive it is to swap principles for political expediency.
Washington, DC: Built on a swamp by a Frenchman.
Ottawa , Hull: Built on a swamp by a horde of Frenchmen.
Alas the coincidences of history. Washington created both Countries. One by accident, the other by design or instigation by his fellows. Something you will not see much of in both official histories. At least we know why the Reptiles of political double speak, bask in this salubrious climate of slime for them. Very funny article Kathy as well as serious! Real conservatives are becoming as rare as classic liberals Now the Elite is being sifted for the chaff of socialism.
The defectors are now evident. I call that a plus.
You are completely right. Its time to remove this impediment to grass roots involvement. As well the Republicans have to go back to small government thinking. It has to become revolutionary in vision of a freer America, for all Americans. All sharing the same law with individual destiny. With Meta values all share together towards a purpose.
Identity politics should be exposed for the cult of tribalization it is, for a small Elite to feel superior & tolerant to the “down trodden” who in their discernment, are the ignorant children. They create the board on which to play their games of inhumanity. In the end they destroy more people, by making them dependants of the State. Obama will seek collectivization as a solution, instead of individual initiative. Watch & see. I already have in the Canada’s. Republicans must give up the culture of entitlement that has sweep world politics. Its that or betray the Nation to an alien entombment.
JMO
Which God you serve because you sound so rcist in body, soul and mind? How do you know Latinos do not want to speak English. I did spanish in high schoo, now I am doing it at an embassy sponsored class. I can tell you one thing , if you are not linguistically strong and young any foreign language can become challenging.
Why do you practice racism in your conservative politics, but simultaneously you tell third world countries not to practice racism. Why do you treat your neighbours evil but scorned other countries when they treat their minorities the same way. Too much double standards.
The author is not intelligent or smart.AngloSaxon is an euphemism for white supremacy. Doesnt America was built by numerous Europeans. The Irish and Welsh are not anglo Saxons,, but they were early immigrants and also involve in slavery. Come one you need a course in history, sociology and economics. What kind of college she went, some dunce collrge. She needs to take a trip to Jamaica where a black natin voted for a white Prime Minister in 1980 - a solid right wing Prime Minister.
I see David Frum's presumptuousness remains constant. How can Frum - a transplanted Canadian whose claim to fame is the "axis of evil" line in a presidential speech almost a decade ago - genuinely "understand" the GOP grassroots to the point of reassembling same into some sort of cogent whole? And how can Kathy Shaidle, usually a rather thorough journalist, omit any mention of this?
Interesting stuff, but DOOMED to failure like most initiatives led by one with an insatiable ego such as David Frum.
I'm afraid David Frum is well passed his "sell by" date and is just grasping at straws to maintain a media profile. But Frum's irrelevance overshadows it all...
Maybe winston donald needs to explain what caused South Africa to become one of the most dangerous crime ridden places on earth after Nelson Mandela took over. What happened to Argentina, Mr.Donald, it was once one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Explain to everybody the wonderful situation in Zimbabwe. Speaking of racism Mr. Donald why don't you google up black on white rape statistics from the US department of Justice, and compare them to white on black rapes.
Winston appears to be proof that diversity for the sake of diversity does no favors to anyone. If he had spent less time in school learning Spanish, he might be able to speak proper English. I, for one, struggled with this too, having to go to a bilingual (French/English) school when I was younger. It makes you Jack of all Trades, Master of None.
Winston appears to be proof that diversity for the sake of diversity does no favors to anyone. If he had spent less time in school learning Spanish, he might be able to speak proper English. I, for one, struggled with this too, having to go to a bilingual (French/English) school when I was younger. It makes you Jack of all Trades, Master of None.
Exceedingly well said, Kathy. I contribute prolificly to several blogs and online forums, and it's hard to ignore the "we must win" attitude.
Too many "Conservatives" view elections as some manner of sporting event, with littel notion of what the Conservatism they putatively embrace actually is, or why we would seek to advance our Conservatism rather than merely a party.
I shall now head over to Wendy's site and have a peek. Keep up the good fight!
"Alas, too many of these "rebuilding" enterprises share a misguided focus that's also bound to be the seed of their own undoing: that is, an obsession with "winning elections."
NewMajority's slogan, for example, is "Building a conservatism that can win again."
But what good is "winning" if the "conservatism" that "wins" is faddish, unprincipled and unmoored from traditional American, Anglo-Saxon exceptionalism?"
A more perfect description of the Frum mentality has never been written. "Unprincipled" indeed.
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Good post Kathy. After every nominal conservative loss or setback, the elite and the intellectuals always blame conservative ideology. The prposed remedy is always the same, more "centrist" candidates and policies. Any half awake observer can tell you about the success rates of moderates such as Kim Campbell, Joe Clark, Ernie Eves, or John McCain
Kudos, Kathy.
A post I left at Powell's article:
I can see only one way - if there is any at all - to get back: To show competency at governing (according to conservative principles, of course, otherwise why bother trying to come back in the first place). Which means grassroots rebuilding from municipal to state to federal. In the shorter term, the Republican best hope are the Republican Governors. Grooming those we have and focusing on having more of them should be among top priorities.
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