A Perscription for What Ails Us
Mike Pence, the newly elected chairman of the House Republican Conference, has written today’s must reading for conservatives. While it must be examined in its entirety, this paragraph really jumped out at me:
Republicans must propose new solutions to today’s challenges based upon timeless principles. Republicans will succeed when we present the American people a positive, conservative vision in vivid contrast to the big-government liberalism of the new, one-party government. Republicans must return to defending our nation, our treasury and our values with everything we’ve got. We must be the party of open and honest government, reaffirming our commitment to public integrity and demanding the highest ethical standards in the service of the American people. We must again embrace the notion that Republicans seek the majority not simply to govern but to change government for the better. We are the true agents of change.
If there’s anything that’s changed more in the last 5 years than the perception that the national GOP is a corrupt party, it’s that we’re the spendaholic party. President Bush isn’t helping erase that image. While it’s important that we started highlighting the people in state legislatures and state houses who are taking fiscal restraint seriously, it’s vitally important that Republicans serving in Washington started acting with fiscal restraint.
With billions of dollars being spent on an endless parade of bailouts, it won’t take long before people will be fed up with Washington’s fiscal irresponsibility. If we start a steady stream of fiscally responsible spending proposals, people will start taking us seriously again. That’s what John Kasich did in the late 1980s. His balanced budget plans eventually led to the first set of balanced budgets in decades.
As important as starting a steady stream of fiscally responsible spending proposals is, it’s also important that we offer an appealing set of reforms that offer a vivid contrast with the Democrats’ status quo governing approach. Rep. Pence offers a list of things that fit into that agenda:
We must detail our alternatives to Democratic plans to raise taxes and expand the federal government in education, health care and entitlements. Ideas like a balanced budget amendment, school-choice vouchers, health savings accounts and welfare reform should take center stage in the Republican agenda.
There isn’t a single thing on there that doesn’t have majority support with Americans. In fact, I’d bet that HSA’s and vouchers would have substantial appeal with voters Republicans should go after.
Finally, I want to thank Rep. Pence for making this statement:
Republicans need to take our vision and agenda to every American regardless of race, creed or past political affiliations. Our party was forged in a war over the principle of equality of opportunity and we need to return to its vigorous defense. The Democrats offer a vision of hope based on increased dependency and welfare-state politics. Republicans must go to every community and offer a better hope built on equality of opportunity, personal responsibility and the desire of every citizen to live the American dream unfettered by high taxes and government red tape.
I’ve been saying this for years. In fact, I’ve made the case to policy wonks, politicians and anyone who’ll listen that minority business owners hate overtaxation and overregulation just as much as any other businessmann. In the end, all entrepreneurs prefer systems that increase their profitability.
Not only is this wise politically, it’s the morally right thing to do.
I’d like to take the time to thank Rep. Pence for thinking things through and writing such an intelligent op-ed. If we had more people like Mike Pence, the GOP would be a strong political party.
Technorati Tags: Mike Pence, Reform, Health Care, Vouchers, Fiscal Restraint, Conservatism, Bailouts, Democrats, Status Quo
Cross-posted at LetFreedomRingBlog
December 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Bottom line - Republicans compromised and abandoned their basic conservative base, and principles.
Ask yourself why is Sara Palin is so popular among the hard right, and so maligned and ridiculed by the kooks.
Because she has the backbone to stand up to liberals, media bias and insider politics, and fight for conservative values even if it means fighting her own party.
She may not be the brightest, most astute, or the most eloquent, but thats not what people care about a politician in the end; its how well they perform in office and how seriously and responsibly they take their civic role.
December 9th, 2008 at 7:26 am
It’s not too hard to predict what the GOP’s next big project will be — minority outreach. Never mind that non-whites went for BO hands down. The GOP will never win that game, unless they become a big government party like the Dems. (Oh, wait, they are. My mistake.) Of course, shoring up their white base with uncompromising positions against illegal immigration, affirmative action and “hate crime” laws is not an option. Can’t alienate the “New America,” now can we?
December 9th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Don’t tell me your from New York and that terribly niave, Mike.
Who do you think passed Prop 8 in California? More than just Mormons and Catholics, including a majority of the same blacks and Hispanics who overwhelmingly supported supported Obama.
Strangly though, the GLTF doesn’t seem to be making total asses of thenselves in front of black and Hispanic churches.
You dont think those same people would support school vouchers?
Right! I forgot LA has such a really excellent school system!
And how many Hispanics that come here legally, work their butts off to start a family business, send their kids to school, do you think support open borders?