Some Random Thoughts

The Republican Party seems to be going through a catharsis of sorts, similar to the one that gave birth to it. I forget the exact issue, but the political system used to be dominated by the Federalists (Whigs) and the Liberals (Democrats). I should take this opportunity to explain that liberal used to have a very different connotation that it does today. The Whigs supported a strong central government and the party founded by Thomas Jefferson was a staunch supporter of LIMITED governmental interference in the affairs of the citizenry. The Whigs were so soundly trounced over the issue that escapes me for the moment, that they ceased to be a viable political force, and left the federalists disenfranchised. The adherents of the political philosophy wouldn't remain that way for long, and they regrouped under the banner of "The Grand Old Party" (that is where GOP came from!). Over a hundred years later, the more thing change, the more they stay the same. Both sides infiltrated and co-opted the other and the Democrats became the champions of big, massive government, and the GOP became the champions of individual liberty. Well the Republicans have tried for so long to maintain a 'Big Tent' that they began to too closely resemble the Democrats, and once again left their constituency disenfranchised. Steele even went so far as to play the race card when he was asked about the seeming rebellion in his own party. How about we leave liberalism to the Liberal Party, and allow the conservative party to be CONSERVATIVE? Can we have room in the freaking tent for the people who put it up? Will the Republican Party die out, in favor of maybe the Libertarians? I can't say, but anyone who will represent the conservatives of America will get solid backing from the Tea Party Movement at this point, and looking at who is being appointed as counselors and advisors, and who is receiving the blessings of the party leadership even before the people have spoken at the primaries, the GOP havsn't learned much.

"On every question of construction carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Johnson, 1823

"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison

Before saying this, let me start out by saying that I am a member of a union. IBEW Local #1803 to be exact. I am NOT a Union basher. BUT, I DO question the candidates that the AFL-CIO backs. Without exception, they are against securing the borders. I think the United Farm Workers and the AFL-CIO went their separate way years ago, but why throw them under the bus? Think those illegal aliens line up at the local union hall and pay their dues? Last i heard, the United Mine Workers WERE still in the AFL-CIO, and if the Democrats that the AFL-CIO constantly backs have their way Cap and Trade will probably lead to the closure of many older, less efficient coal fired power plants, which would necessarily decrease the demand for coal, and cause the prices to drop. This would cause a decrease in the need for production, which in turn would lead to layoffs. Why are they throwing the UMW under the bus? If you're a member of a union, ASK these questions! They're using YOUR union dues (and mine) to support these communists!

Here's a thought, Benjamin Franklin, when asked "What is it, a Monarchy, or a Republic" as he walked out of Independence Hall in Philadelphia said "A Republic, if you can keep it!" Do we, perhaps, DESERVE the current government we have? I and the Tea Partiers think not. But many (a majority) in this country, VOTED this administration in! The polls indicate that he wouldn't get voted in today, but let us LEARN from our mistakes! If we vote for those who promise "something for nothing" or to give the world to the have nots at the expense of only the haves, we WILL be gravely disappointed!

On term limits:

I can see the need to limit terms of Congressional Representatives, but I pose a problem with that idea. If we find GOOD representatives, who will fight to roll back big government, and cut spending on social programs, why force them out in 4-6 years when the states like Massachusetts West Virginia and Pennsylvania keep sending the same old Kennedys, and Rockefellers, and Specters? Wouldn't it be far wiser to stay alert to what our representatives are doing, and elect new ones when the incumbents show signs of being 'captured by the system'? When I see and hear of the deals made in Washington, I don't think I could serve in Congress unless I took three or four showers a day, to try and combat the dirty feeling I would have dealing with people of that ilk. After some time, I imagine someone has to become inured to it in order to function. The other problem is, the location of a congressman's office, and his seating on any committees is awarded based upon his perceived Party loyalty and importance. So, the first wave of renegades who the Tea Party sends to Washington needs to go with the expectation, understanding, and acceptance that their office will be in the basement, and they will get no plum committee assignments. That is not why they are being sent. They are being sent to dismantle the nanny state and return our country to it's rightful state. As long as they remain true to that cause, why force them out? This of course requires the electorate to STAY engaged, REMAIN vigilant, and keep in mind that some things that may be beneficial to their district may not be within the Constitutional Charter that their Representative has. Getting support for the highway project, or getting that facility located in your area, may come with a too-high price in terms of having to compromise with the liberal element. This leads me to my next point.. Self Determination, and States Rights and Responsibilities.