You know, people like this one:
Way to stick to the message of the Tea Party, people! With all that's going on in our nation and in the world, THIS is the most important message you can think of to put on a sign? THIS is the most important issue to you--coming before education, health care, and the economy?? Well, at least you spelled it all correctly. Your life must be pretty good indeed if all you have to worry about is whether the president was born in the United States. Last time I checked, Hawaii is still a state.
But I digress--a little. I'm still asking the question, "Is this the new face of the Republican Party?" If it is, I'm actually quite sad. Because, for all my spewing about Republicans, I really do believe in the two-party system (I've given up hoping for a multi-party system--it's just not financially feasible). I believe in giving people a choice (works with toddlers--giving a choice for today's clothing might possibly avoid a temper tantrum); we don't all think alike, thank goodness, and it's important to feel like you're voting for someone who has the same values you do. There's a lot to be said for accountability, and who better to make sure you're doing what you've promised during an election campaign than your opponent, your adversary, your "friend across the aisle"? It's essential in a democratic republic to debate the issues; to exchange ideas, and to compromise--some of the best political work is done when there is a respectful and honest dialogue, and everyone is working together for the common good (I know--I have been accused of being a bit Pollyannaish in my world view) . Above all, it's extremely important to have leaders for each of the parties--people who will represent their party, will promote the core beliefs of their parties, and who will set the tone for dealing with the other political party.
This is where I am so disappointed with the Republican party--they have no leadership, nobody who will promote their core beliefs, and certainly nobody who has demonstrated a willingness to work with the Democrats during a period in our nations' history that's the worst in our living memory. "Just say No" is not an effective solution to our economic problems. Neither is name-calling, especially when you can't decide whether President Obama is a "socialist" or a "fascist". And it's not promoting your party to ignore, or worse--try to re-write, the history of the past eight years as if your party had no power and no responsibility. Aside from Olympia Snowe and Susan B. Collins, Republican senators from Maine, there appears to be nobody interested in "reaching across the aisle". Bi-partisanship is dead. No wonder the underbelly of the party seems to have taken the reins, and their leader (Rush Limbaugh) is someone who has never been elected to public office.
Where are the moderate Republicans? Why have they been silenced? Are they tired of butting heads with the Sarah Palins and Eric Cantors of their party? Or are they just so embarrassed by the Bush years that they've given up?
I can't believe I'm saying this, but..."Come back, you moderate Republicans, you thoughtful stewards of core Republican values. It's been too long--at least 30 years--it's high time you fight for what you believe in--seize control of your party. Our country needs to hear from you again."
But be forewarned--at this time in our nations' history, we need stateswomen and statesmen, NOT politicians.
