California Political News
AS SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2005 marks the official launch of CaliforniaConservative.org, some may ask about the relevance of another blog entering the seemingly crowded playing field of online political punditry. Admittedly, we recognize the challenge of earning the respect and following of new readership. It’s going to take work and time. Add patience. But it’s going to be fun, too.
Another blog to rant and rave? Perhaps. But much more. It’s also about non-political news and entertainment. From art to science & technology, current events and foreign affairs, and all the random and ridiculous that falls in between - it’s about stories that make daily life more interesting. Don’t expect this blog to be dry or always serious, either. We will often tread the fine line between playful sarcasm and irreverence. We expect our readers to be critical and let us know. But always keep a sense of humor. There’s a greater purpose behind all of it.
THE GOAL of CaliforniaConservative.org is to organize, energize and evangelize all those who are dissatisfied with the status quo. It’s about sharing a political faith and having the lofty ambition to create a stronger, safer and more united America. It’s about preaching responsibility for our children and demanding greater accountability from our public institutions, our corporate leaders, and our elected officials. It’s about appealing to a new audience, both young and old, and providing a forum for community and conversation. It’s about promoting a common set of beliefs, values and principles firmly rooted in history and tradition. In short, it’s about conservatism.
To be clear, this blog has an agenda and we’re declaring it up front. It’s about supporting political candidates who represent our views, and criticizing those who don’t. It’s about winning elections. And defeating our opponents. It’s about ideology. It’s about California political news and elections.
Let this collective effort never be accused of being covert. We are not “operatives” of any party, as our critics will preemptively dismiss us. Instead, like our liberal counterparts, we are merely “activists” in the competitive game of American politics. Will we ever be paid for certain activities? Maybe. Will we disclose this fact to our readers? Absolutely. Success shall be measured by the resonance of our messages. Quite simply, we want to advance conservative politics on national, state and local levels.
And that brings us to the primary focus of CaliforniaConservative.org.
THE POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE of this state is enormous; it has been said, “As California goes, so goes the nation.” Consider the facts: California holds the single largest vote in the U.S. Electoral College, and yet the “golden state” has not voted for a Republican president in almost 20 years. Both senators are liberal Democrats (one worse than the other) with well over 20 years in public office, and they continue to go unchallenged. Is there a corollary? We contend that cynicism and apathy have afflicted many conservative voters.
When most people outside of the state think of California, they associate Hollywood and outspoken celebrities. They might think of U.C. Berkeley and its radical campus during the 60s, still fostering students with anti-establishment sentiments. More recently, they will think of San Francisco, politically, with its renegade 9th circuit court judges, radical hippy activists, aggressive anti-war protestors, gay marriages and legalized marijuana. These are the elements shaping the national image of “The Left Coast.”
CHANGE is long overdue. It’s time for another voice to be heard. The 2003 election of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is just a sign of the possible. It took “star power” and our state budget near bankruptcy, but it proves a point: There are still convervatives here, and they vote.
We believe it’s possible for Republican candidates to win elections in California, but the voters have to be sufficiently persuaded and motivated. And that means getting the right message out to the people. “The Great Communicator” President Ronald Reagan understood this, and his legacy continues to be our best example.
With the success of liberal blogs like DailyKos and the online activist group Moveon.org, which raised millions from investors (like billionaire George Soros), we face a steep uphill climb. But it’s a battle entirely worth fighting, and we’re confident of finding the support of likeminds to join the effort. California is a critical election state, and there’s much at stake to grow new, conservative grassroots efforts and promote a competing voice to challenge the shrill liberalism that presently dominates.
FINALLY, by the very nature of being a blog, CaliforniaConservative.org shall be an ongoing work-in-progress. Everyone should understand this. Establishing a strong and broad base is the first priority to be effective. Therefore, we’re reaching out to all readers, reporters, interested parties, and existing contributors within the blogosphere, and we’re asking for your support. Send us your comments and ideas. If you are active or working within California politics and have something newsworthy to share, let us know. Our sources shall remain anonymous. Let others know about this site. Spread the word. Visit often. We will do our part daily, and will recognize those who are helping the cause. It was said earlier: this project shall be a “collective effort,” both fun and interactive, and we will build upon community.
The gate has been opened, and we look forward to where this road will take us.
And so it begins…