The past, present and future of the GOP, all in one posting.
Enter the Gipper
Back in 1980, Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States. Love him or hate him, he was elected. There was much wailing and mashing teeth among Democrats, but the man remained popular throughout his presidency. He was also, at least by modern day Republican standards, fairly moderate: He worked with Democrats in Congress (including the legendary Tip O'Neill), supported amnesty for illegal immigrants, and he campaigned with a more or less positive message. I don't consider myself a fan of the late President Reagan, but contrary to current practices of both parties, it's possible to disagree with someone's politics without demonizing them in the process.
The Hand-off & Fumble
After two terms, President Reagan had to ride into the sunset. His heir apparent, George H. W. Bush, was elected President in 1988 and served just one term in office. This is where I think the train went off the tracks. You see, it wasn't supposed to end that way for national Republicans. The Reagan-Bush years where supposed to last, maybe forever. It just didn't happen. Making it far worse? The fact that the Reagan-Bush legacy was up-ended by a man who many Republicans loathed as being nothing more than a hillbilly JFK: Bill Clinton. George H. W. Bush may have been denied a second term in office, but national Republicans would have their revenge and oust the upstart hillbilly. While national Democrats may have looked on Ronald Reagan as being nothing more than a hack actor who had a mind (and policy agenda) in lock-step with the 1950's, there never seemed to be a need to beat him at all costs. They were, instead, content with nibbling at him from the edges (Iran-Contra, Anne Gorsuch Burford, etc.). With national Republicans, it was outright war against Bill Clinton. The problem was that they failed, miserably, I might add.
Yes, despite despite investigations and whisper campaigns, atrocious right-wing talk radio attacks, and plenty of self-inflicted wounds, Bill Clinton was simply better than his Republican foes. The fact that he beat them, and ended the Reagan-Bush dynasty is, in my estimation, what brings us today.
On-Going Fouls
Being beaten by Bill Clinton was simply too much for national Republicans. That failure brought the party onto a trajectory that landed this year with candidate Donald Trump. In failing to beat Bill Clinton, the national GOP pumped it's grass roots full of vitriolic steroids, instilling a hatred of all things government and counter to hard right conservatism that even surpassed what Ronald Reagan ever envisioned. The whisper campaigns test driven on Bill Clinton (remember when Hillary Clinton was both a lesbian and having an affair with Vince Foster?), fine-tuned on Michael Dukakis and perfected by Karl Rove (sometimes against fellow Republicans, such as actual war hero John McCain), became part in parcel of the political process.
End Game
What national Republicans created in all of this was a monster they just simply could never control. It's painfully ironic in a way: They campaigned against an "evil federal government" from the seat of the federal government, never stopping for a moment to believe that they might in fact get caught in their own political backwash. National Republicans don't want to admit this, but they are just as much a part of "the system" as the Democrats they seem to loathe. It's not just me who thinks this by the way...you can add in millions who voted for Donald Trump (against far more conservative challengers, such as Rafael Cruz).
* * * * * *
This doesn't end well for Republicans. It simply can't. Even if they win the Presidency, they've already lost their dream of a national Republican majority. Donald Trump is a lot of things...most of them evil in my estimation...but one thing he's not is beholden to the national Republican party. His tormenting of the party during the primaries is proof of that point. His winning in November though seems (hopefully) unlikely. Assuming he loses, there will be a day of reckoning for those members of the national GOP that supported him...they know this by the way, which explains the many hedging of endorsement bets by the likes of Speaker Paul Ryan and others.
Mark my words: No matter what happens in November, a storm is coming for the Republican party.
Showing posts with label Ted Cruz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ted Cruz. Show all posts
Monday, July 18, 2016
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Road Apples, #167
S L O W D O W N...I've never been a fan of blogs/bloggers who talk about going "on hiatus" and stuff like that; for Pete's sake, we're not drafting a new Constitution...it's just a silly blog. Anyway, I say this with the full knowledge that I just haven't been writing as much. Now I should be writing more, as I don't have a graduate class at the moment, but sometimes, well, it's just not there. Besides, I've been distracted by some personal health stuff, and quite frankly I just don't want to write about that any more than I already have, and I've already reached the point of it being nauseating.
New Vehicle...I've never, in my entire life, ever purchased a new vehicle. Now I have purchased vehicles that were a year old and less than 10,000 miles, namely "nearly new". All that changed on Saturday. Actually it was going to change for a few months now. Having a truck was something my wife and I have been thinking about (well me more than her) for a while now; we've been talking about getting some kayaks and having a truck would make actually using them far easier. It's also nice from a home owner perspective.
The Big Sell...As noted above, I've been thinking about buying a truck, but I was leaning more towards something smaller than a full-sized model (think Nissan Frontier or Toyota Taco). This past Saturday we had a few errands to run, so while running around we decided to stop at the local Nissan dealership just to see what they had in their inventory. The answer was "virtually nothing", and not a soul came out to talk to us. That was a mistake. From there we stopped at a used car dealer my wife and I have both purchased vehicles from, but they had all of about two trucks. Lastly, as we were leaving the Wyoming Valley Mall, almost on a lark we decided to stop by Valley Chevrolet to look at the new Chevy Colorado. We were greeted within about 10 seconds of hitting the lot.
Fast forward three hours later and I'm less one Nissan Rogue and plus one 2016 Chevy Silverado. Suffice to say we got a very good deal, and despite the usual new car sale gimmicky stuff, it felt like a good experience. The vehicle has several nice features, but one was a must have for me: A back-up camera. The camera comes in a lot of the rental vehicles I drive, so I've learned to really appreciate just how helpful it is (especially when one suffers from "Walleye Vision" as I do).
Introvert 101...I'm about as introverted as a human being can get without ending up in an institution. Yet I've had something of a revelation. Actually, as a side note, how cool is it that I can still have revelations at my age? Anyway, I've discovered that while I don't necessarily like/enjoy/get energy from talking to other people, sometimes I need to. It's that when I really, really get into my introverted self, things can get distorted, as if my thoughts end up folding in upon themselves. I kind of fall into a mental loop of sorts. Having a quick, non-business conversation sometimes helps me clear my head...a kind of re-boot if you will.
Musicians Dying...Can we call a cosmic halt to all the musicians dying? It's getting a little pathetic.
Politics...basically disgusts me these days. Why? Let me count the ways.
I don't think college should be free. Now it shouldn't put someone into debt until they are age 45, but free? Absolutely not. If something is valuable, then it's worth paying and sacrificing (just a bit...) for it. Making college free creates an entitlement that we just don't need in this country. There goes one candidate.
Bill Clinton did more damage to the regulation of financial services companies in this country than every Republican president before and after him. Call me crazy, but as a result I'm not keen on "round 2" with his wife. There goes another candidate.
Mexico will not pay for a fence. Muslims don't have the word "Muslim" tattooed on their foreheads, for ease of identification, either. I don't want a president with more bankruptcy experience than me. There goes another candidate.
Ted Cruz is a used car salesman. And it's not a new car dealership...or even an upscale used car dealership...either. I'm talking about some crappy little place with a trailer for an office, garbage in the back and plenty of beat up 2003 Hyundai's in the lot. Skip.
Marco Rubio looks like he should be bagging groceries at a Kroger. He sounds like he should be bagging groceries at Kroger. If I want a memorized script I'll go to Mass on Sunday. Next.
Is Jeb! Bush even still running for President?
I could go on, but the point is made.
At this stage there is no one from either major party that even remotely appeals to me.
New Vehicle...I've never, in my entire life, ever purchased a new vehicle. Now I have purchased vehicles that were a year old and less than 10,000 miles, namely "nearly new". All that changed on Saturday. Actually it was going to change for a few months now. Having a truck was something my wife and I have been thinking about (well me more than her) for a while now; we've been talking about getting some kayaks and having a truck would make actually using them far easier. It's also nice from a home owner perspective.
The Big Sell...As noted above, I've been thinking about buying a truck, but I was leaning more towards something smaller than a full-sized model (think Nissan Frontier or Toyota Taco). This past Saturday we had a few errands to run, so while running around we decided to stop at the local Nissan dealership just to see what they had in their inventory. The answer was "virtually nothing", and not a soul came out to talk to us. That was a mistake. From there we stopped at a used car dealer my wife and I have both purchased vehicles from, but they had all of about two trucks. Lastly, as we were leaving the Wyoming Valley Mall, almost on a lark we decided to stop by Valley Chevrolet to look at the new Chevy Colorado. We were greeted within about 10 seconds of hitting the lot.
Fast forward three hours later and I'm less one Nissan Rogue and plus one 2016 Chevy Silverado. Suffice to say we got a very good deal, and despite the usual new car sale gimmicky stuff, it felt like a good experience. The vehicle has several nice features, but one was a must have for me: A back-up camera. The camera comes in a lot of the rental vehicles I drive, so I've learned to really appreciate just how helpful it is (especially when one suffers from "Walleye Vision" as I do).
Introvert 101...I'm about as introverted as a human being can get without ending up in an institution. Yet I've had something of a revelation. Actually, as a side note, how cool is it that I can still have revelations at my age? Anyway, I've discovered that while I don't necessarily like/enjoy/get energy from talking to other people, sometimes I need to. It's that when I really, really get into my introverted self, things can get distorted, as if my thoughts end up folding in upon themselves. I kind of fall into a mental loop of sorts. Having a quick, non-business conversation sometimes helps me clear my head...a kind of re-boot if you will.
Musicians Dying...Can we call a cosmic halt to all the musicians dying? It's getting a little pathetic.
I don't think college should be free. Now it shouldn't put someone into debt until they are age 45, but free? Absolutely not. If something is valuable, then it's worth paying and sacrificing (just a bit...) for it. Making college free creates an entitlement that we just don't need in this country. There goes one candidate.
Bill Clinton did more damage to the regulation of financial services companies in this country than every Republican president before and after him. Call me crazy, but as a result I'm not keen on "round 2" with his wife. There goes another candidate.
Mexico will not pay for a fence. Muslims don't have the word "Muslim" tattooed on their foreheads, for ease of identification, either. I don't want a president with more bankruptcy experience than me. There goes another candidate.
Ted Cruz is a used car salesman. And it's not a new car dealership...or even an upscale used car dealership...either. I'm talking about some crappy little place with a trailer for an office, garbage in the back and plenty of beat up 2003 Hyundai's in the lot. Skip.
Marco Rubio looks like he should be bagging groceries at a Kroger. He sounds like he should be bagging groceries at Kroger. If I want a memorized script I'll go to Mass on Sunday. Next.
Is Jeb! Bush even still running for President?
I could go on, but the point is made.
At this stage there is no one from either major party that even remotely appeals to me.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Speaking Fear for Power
Few things actually disgust me in life, but the trajectory of the 2016 Presidential campaign is getting close. I speak specifically of some candidates who seem to spend most of their time talking about everything we need to be afraid of, including and especially immigrants and those who are of a different religion.
It's all so very disheartening, and yet it's at this time that I'm reminded of a a prayer I learned as a child. Fitting, especially, for those candidates who claim the mantle of Christianity, and yet don't seem all that interested in acting very Christ-like.
So for those who would turn away the sick and the disheartened...all in the name of acquiring personal political power...the best that I can offer is the following.
I confess to getting too wrapped up in these very poisonous debates. I'm going to work hard, very hard, at keeping myself out of this moral cesspool. I'm not going to argue with anyone who makes the choice to bring more injury, more doubt, more despair, more darkness, more sadness into the world. I will, though, remind some that these are choices.
Life is too short, and I'm not inclined to even utter the names of those who, by their very actions, defile the word "Christian".
It's all so very disheartening, and yet it's at this time that I'm reminded of a a prayer I learned as a child. Fitting, especially, for those candidates who claim the mantle of Christianity, and yet don't seem all that interested in acting very Christ-like.
So for those who would turn away the sick and the disheartened...all in the name of acquiring personal political power...the best that I can offer is the following.
I confess to getting too wrapped up in these very poisonous debates. I'm going to work hard, very hard, at keeping myself out of this moral cesspool. I'm not going to argue with anyone who makes the choice to bring more injury, more doubt, more despair, more darkness, more sadness into the world. I will, though, remind some that these are choices.
Life is too short, and I'm not inclined to even utter the names of those who, by their very actions, defile the word "Christian".
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Francis of Buenos Aires
Like many, I'm captivated by the words and actions of Pope Francis. He is unique in so many ways, someone who truly seems to call to people, regardless of their background. Sadly though, he is setting a standard for future Popes that I'm afraid most will never live up to.
What do I like best about Pope Francis? Without a doubt, it's his humility. From downsizing this living arrangements in the Vatican, to a simpler Papal throne and personal cross, to riding around in a common Fiat, this a man who clearly understands that in order to preach humility one needs to actually be humble. That's a rare thought for a church hierarchy which tends to wear clothing costing more than the annual earnings of many African families (reference HERE).
What's even more astounding is that Pope Francis manages to be so very likable and yet still more or less very conservative from a theological perspective. That's a lesson that I think many in the (American) Republican Party have yet to master, namely the art of having convictions but being able to present them in a way that doesn't come across as being holier than thou. It's something Ted Cruz, for example, should spend some time pondering.
The above noted, there is some irony that accompanies this Pope in that there are many conservative Catholics who are far from fond of Pope Francis. One need only spend a few minutes listening to EWTN radio get a small ear-full of what I am talking about. Some actually prefer a more regal Pope, along the lines of Benedict.
What do I like best about Pope Francis? Without a doubt, it's his humility. From downsizing this living arrangements in the Vatican, to a simpler Papal throne and personal cross, to riding around in a common Fiat, this a man who clearly understands that in order to preach humility one needs to actually be humble. That's a rare thought for a church hierarchy which tends to wear clothing costing more than the annual earnings of many African families (reference HERE).
(from THIS site)
What's even more astounding is that Pope Francis manages to be so very likable and yet still more or less very conservative from a theological perspective. That's a lesson that I think many in the (American) Republican Party have yet to master, namely the art of having convictions but being able to present them in a way that doesn't come across as being holier than thou. It's something Ted Cruz, for example, should spend some time pondering.
The above noted, there is some irony that accompanies this Pope in that there are many conservative Catholics who are far from fond of Pope Francis. One need only spend a few minutes listening to EWTN radio get a small ear-full of what I am talking about. Some actually prefer a more regal Pope, along the lines of Benedict.
(from THIS site)
Why? Well I suspect that some are basically just very uncomfortable with a Church that deviates in any way, shape, or form from one that simply tells adherents what to do. "Command and Control" Catholicism is what Pope Benedict practiced, from his regal throne. Following orders is comforting to some, as it takes the guess work out of making decisions. Practicing humility, however, requires an active decision making process.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Winner of the Government Shut-down is...
Winners? There's only one winner in all of this: Ted Cruz.
Why?
Well consider this: there will most likely be a crowded field of contenders for the 2016 Republican nomination. Senator Cruz's actions have brought him great acclaim among the wackadoodle faction of the GOP, which will no doubt help in his quest to become the first Canadian president* of the United States. Senator Cruz knew that there was no chance of "ending" the Affordable Care Act, but he also realized that this was the perfect chance to set himself up as a hero to the mindless flock that believe everything that Sara Palin and her ilk spout. Say what you want about Senator Cruz, but he's definitely not short in the strategy department. Too bad his strategy actually cost harm...to our economy...to our reputation...and to fellow citizens (such as my conservative Republican brother Chris, who is also employed by the federal government).
The rest of us are losers in this whole sad mess. And it will be repeated because the stuff that created the discord has not gone away. At best, it may go into remission.
Lastly, make no mistake about it, Democrats did not win in all of this mess. At best, they "succeeded" in not looking as dysfunctional as their Republican counterparts. That's like being crowned Least Ugly at your Senior Prom.
Sadly, more to come...
Post Script -
Best line from a blog about the shut-down? That's from WNEP's Andy Palumbo, who noted:
"The USA has become a big Scranton."
How very sad...and true.
(*) I find it nothing short of hilarious that those crying loudest about our supposed Kenyan president (actually born in the United States), are actually some of the most vocal supporters of a man who actually, really, truly was born in a foreign country...and who had dual citizenship. Then again Tea Baggers have no sense for the ironic.
Why?
Well consider this: there will most likely be a crowded field of contenders for the 2016 Republican nomination. Senator Cruz's actions have brought him great acclaim among the wackadoodle faction of the GOP, which will no doubt help in his quest to become the first Canadian president* of the United States. Senator Cruz knew that there was no chance of "ending" the Affordable Care Act, but he also realized that this was the perfect chance to set himself up as a hero to the mindless flock that believe everything that Sara Palin and her ilk spout. Say what you want about Senator Cruz, but he's definitely not short in the strategy department. Too bad his strategy actually cost harm...to our economy...to our reputation...and to fellow citizens (such as my conservative Republican brother Chris, who is also employed by the federal government).
The rest of us are losers in this whole sad mess. And it will be repeated because the stuff that created the discord has not gone away. At best, it may go into remission.
Lastly, make no mistake about it, Democrats did not win in all of this mess. At best, they "succeeded" in not looking as dysfunctional as their Republican counterparts. That's like being crowned Least Ugly at your Senior Prom.
Sadly, more to come...
Post Script -
Best line from a blog about the shut-down? That's from WNEP's Andy Palumbo, who noted:
"The USA has become a big Scranton."
How very sad...and true.
(*) I find it nothing short of hilarious that those crying loudest about our supposed Kenyan president (actually born in the United States), are actually some of the most vocal supporters of a man who actually, really, truly was born in a foreign country...and who had dual citizenship. Then again Tea Baggers have no sense for the ironic.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Rafael Cruz & a very dangerous precedent
Don't like legislatipn that was passed by Congress and signed into law years ago? Well if Congress follows the logic of Senator Rafael Cruz, the answer is simple: threaten to shut down the government & not pay the bills which Congress itself has already agreed to pay until the law is undone.
It's really very simple.
If you are a Republican, contemplate the following scenario: it is the not too distant future we have a Republican President and a narrow Republican majority in Congress. The Republican President shepherds a bill through Congress and signs it into law. Legislation is enacted. Four years later, the Democrats take control of one of the two houses of Congress and immediately declare that they will hold the government hostage until the previously enacted law in overturned. No negotiation. No legislative process. Their way or the highway.
Does the above make sense to any Republican out there with even a quarter functioning brain? Of course it doesn't. But yet this is the precedent that Senator Cruz is setting for America, one in which we we no longer use the legislative process to change laws, but instead allow extreme political ideology and posturing for future office to determine whether or not the government is allowed to function.
Rafael Cruz is wrong. Very wrong. Don't like Obamacare? I'm not necessarily a fan either. But no one cause is so important that it justifying shutting down a government...unless that cause, apparently, is sucking up to the fringe* of American politics in a vain attempt be elected President one day.
(*) According to Gallup, about 22% of the voting population affiliates themselves with the "Tea Party". 27% view themselves as being an opponent of the "Tea Party".
It's really very simple.
If you are a Republican, contemplate the following scenario: it is the not too distant future we have a Republican President and a narrow Republican majority in Congress. The Republican President shepherds a bill through Congress and signs it into law. Legislation is enacted. Four years later, the Democrats take control of one of the two houses of Congress and immediately declare that they will hold the government hostage until the previously enacted law in overturned. No negotiation. No legislative process. Their way or the highway.
Does the above make sense to any Republican out there with even a quarter functioning brain? Of course it doesn't. But yet this is the precedent that Senator Cruz is setting for America, one in which we we no longer use the legislative process to change laws, but instead allow extreme political ideology and posturing for future office to determine whether or not the government is allowed to function.
Rafael Cruz is wrong. Very wrong. Don't like Obamacare? I'm not necessarily a fan either. But no one cause is so important that it justifying shutting down a government...unless that cause, apparently, is sucking up to the fringe* of American politics in a vain attempt be elected President one day.
(*) According to Gallup, about 22% of the voting population affiliates themselves with the "Tea Party". 27% view themselves as being an opponent of the "Tea Party".
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Ted Cruz declares that he is NOT a Canadian!
Just as Michael Scott unfortunately learned that you can't simply "declare" bankruptcy, Texas Senator Ted Cruz has learned that you can't simply "declare" that you are not Canadian.
Story link HERE.
It's actually kind of funny when you think about it: a guy who panders to Tea Baggers (many being notorious as "birthers") now can't seem to easily un-Canadian himself.
As they say up in the Great White North...
Beauty, Eh!
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