I admit I was wrong. I thought that the theory that American system would create two parties that would be forced to the center in order to remain competative. This hasn’t happened lately, as the two parties seem to be engaged not in a race to the center but to the poles, or in the case of the Republicans, never never land. I understand that the Democrats have moved to the left to satisfy the vocal minority out there, but I’m not entirely sure where the Republicans are going.
I don’t consider myself a Republican for the reason I plump for principle over party. So while the Republican party has been the vehicle for conservatism, my loyalty is to conservatism, not Republicans. I’m both a social conservative and a fiscal conservative, so I’m prime Republican material.
My problem with the party these days is pretty much on the fiscal side, and I want to make something clear to Republican politicians – since you have (far) more control over the government than the culture, I judge you by the government under your control, and specifically for Congress the budgets under your control and the laws you pass.
For example, I’m against abortion for any reason besides saving the life of the mother, but I understand that (1) the laws on abortion has been taken over by the courts since 1973, (2) the attitudes toward abortion are not controlled by politicians. So guess what, as long as you do a good job on judges, you’re off the hook. I realize how little you can accomplish, so I can’t hold you accountable.
One last thing. While much is made about a revolt or dissidents in the party over interrogation techniques, I have to say finally. This is what the branches of government should be doing, and I have to wonder, where are the Democrats? At last we have a real discussion over issues, and the Democrats are nowhere to be found. So why vote Democratic if all they can do is partisan sniping?
