Earlier this week, GOP supporters across the web reacted to Governor Schwarzenegger’s proclamation that the GOP is alienating people by being the party of “No.” Bloggers fired back with frustration, arguing that the Obama Administration has taken advantage of its majority and is steamrolling the GOP with a “radical Marxist agenda.” While I’m certain this reflects the views of many staunch, conservatives, the problem runs much deeper for those of us who support a traditional, conservative view of what this country should and should not be—a view that seems radical in an age of Christian Conservatism, Social Darwinism, and Socialism.
I was raised in a middle class, conservative family in the age of Reagan. I was instilled with a strong work ethic and a belief that one should never ask for a handout. I was also raised with a strong Christian belief that it is our human obligation to help one another regardless of how much money you have in the bank. I was taught that there is no greater honor than to serve your country whether as a soldier or as a civil servant. I believe in hard work, freedom, social justice, and patriotism. If that makes me radical, idealistic, or naive, then so be it. At least I can sleep at night and look myself in the mirror in the morning.
So why am I pissed at the GOP? For a lot of reason, none of which have anything to do with the Obama Administration or Tea Parties! Here are my top three…
- The GOP used to believe in freedom: religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of choice. No one ever said freedom would be easy. You have to accept that freedom means someone who believes in everything you hate has a right to stand on a rooftop and preach that which you abhor. It will make your blood boil. It will also spark debates, real debates. The kind of debates that make history. It is the most essential element of our Constitution, our Declaration of Independence, and our History. Now the GOP stands for freedom only for white, evangelical Christians. Hardly freedom for all.
- The GOP used to believe in hard work, which included a healthy respect for an individual who worked his/her tail off to get into an “elitist” college and then worked his/her behind off getting that “elitist” degree. If you don’t think getting into an “elitist” college is hard work, talk to a few people who did and ask how many high school parties they went to. They didn’t. They were too busy doing homework, sports, and community service, because that’s what it takes. It’s an achievement to be admired not to thumb your nose at.
- The GOP used to believe intellect and class mattered. Example: Sarah Palin. Need I say more? Of all the women in the GOP… Smart, conservative, classy powerhouses of femininity and strength. The kind of women you want your little girls to look up to, why on earth would they choose Sarah Palin??? She doesn’t know the powers of the Vice President are clearly enumerated in the Constitution and isn’t utterly ashamed that she doesn’t. She has less class in her entire person than my mother has in her right pinkie toe. News flash… An argument with David Letterman is NOT good debate. If you can’t rise about the insults of David Letterman, please go home and make room for serious people.
If the GOP wants me back, they need to be the party that has always upheld the principles of our founders. They need to offer tax cuts that help REAL working people. They needs to make it easier for middle-class people to send their kids to college, buy a house, and live their lives. Above all else… They need to stop telling me what to teach MY child, what to do in MY bedroom, what I can and can’t do with MY body , and what I can and can’t do with MY money. If it doesn’t hurt you or anyone else, LEAVE ME ALONE! Legislate on what is within your constitutional purview and let me decide the rest. Start debating the issues and take a little pride in your country’s history. Believe it or not, I am one of your constituents, and I am NOT stupid.
As for Tea Parties… If you’re point is freedom, preach it my friends! I may not agree with you on the finer points, but it’s still—for the moment—a free country!
/rant
