Thoughts on the Republican Party
Today I was listening to NPR on the way to work. I know, I’m not supposed to tune in to tainted liberal news sources but what can I say? I happen to like the wide variety of content that is featured on their programs and with my keen senses and discernment, I think I am capable of protecting my conservative values from impairment. Regardless, as I listened there was a story about how the Republican Governors Association is meeting in Las Vegas. Apparently they have had a number of forums discussing the health of the party to see if any deductions can be made for the loss in 2012. NPR reported that there was much optimism and that many of the representatives were convinced that the lack of enthusiasm for Republicans is simply due to the tone of the party. “Tone?” you ask with incredulity. I share your skepticism.
Here’s the issue; Republicans have given the Democrats the following issues to control: Women’s rights, the environment, healthcare, immigration reform, welfare, food stamps, economic reform, love and kindness. Republicans with their generosity have allowed themselves to be portrayed as protecting the following issues: the rights of white people, the rights of rich people, moral issues, and big business. Granted, this is a narrow view of the issue and perhaps I will have the opportunity in the future to elaborate, but many Americans have this view of the party ideology.
My solution is simple: Republicans need to be outspoken on every issue. I don’t believe they should sacrifice our values, I think they need to better articulate how a conservative view does have solutions to every problem. Healthcare? Provide a clear, concise plan for how every American can become covered under a conservative healthcare system. The environment? Demonstrate how conservation of our resources is critical for the sustainability of the earth. Crack down on industries and impacts that are not achieving an appropriate balance of impacts and benefits. Women’s rights? Reveal to women across this great country that their lives are about more than birth control and abortion and demonstrate a true heart-felt concern for their well-being. Welfare and social programs? Show the poor and downtrodden that this great America provides incredible opportunity and provide a “hand-up” process whereby generous assistance is provided if appropriate efforts are being made to better themselves.
I could go on all day. Each one of these needs significant thought and careful articulation but the answer is not simply in tone. Tone=pandering. Americans want answers. My solution to this electoral crisis? The Republican Party can remain silent on no issues for the Democrats to monopolize. We must provide real solutions the problems that plague our nation. I mean real solutions. Yes, I know it’s a breathtaking idea and perhaps in fifty years we will look in the Yale Book of Quotations and find the following entry:
“My solution to this electoral crisis? The Republican Party can remain silent on no issues for the Democrats to monopolize. We must provide real solutions the problems that plague our nation.” ~O’Dowd, November 15, 2012
Just remember you read it here first.
Give me a comment or a like people!
O’Dowd
O'Dowd Politics 
Excellent blog….I believe people want to hear the truth. I also believe the republican point of view has been left to the “left”:) to misrepresent it the public. Problem is….the only way to hear the republican side is to listen to republican news….how do we get the word out there???? Seriously asking.
I think the liberal media bias is only partly real. The majority of the problem with how Republicans are depicted are a result of their own missteps and postures. True, the media is trying to create followers and hype and they will highlight controversy to gain readers, but some Republicans have been pretty dumb with their comments that have only increased their misperception with the uninformed public. My point is that Republicans need to stand for something rather than being perceived as always obstructing progress. Rather than say “let’s keep the status quo” they need to say “let’s make things better” and tell us exactly how they plan to do it. How about if the Republicans went out and attacked certain businesses that are poor stewards of the environment, or if they looked closely at healthcare and provided a real solution before the Democrats could force Obamacare on all of us. Sure, the media will still be biased but whenever politicians talk, someone listens; they aren’t nearly as reliant on the media as we are.
Thanks for the comment!
O’Dowd