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Commentary Too - Aug 7, 2004 - Printable Version
- A Republican Speaks
by D.E. Neighbors
Let me introduce myself: I’m Don. I’m a Republican. (Everybody say “Hi, Don.”)
Now, before you all run screaming for the showers to wash off the Republican cooties, let me explain something. You see, I am that bane of the “modern” Republican Party: I am a moderate. In fact, I’ve even been accused of being a liberal.
Ken Shade’s article “Some of My Friends are Confused” caught my attention, and not just because he sent me an e-mail pleading for me to read it. Having known Ken for more than a quarter century (not quite a geologic epoch, but close) I know a few of his confused friends, one of whom was once a roommate of ours (I can mention that roommate, based on the Code of Revenge we lived under at the time). I was relieved, in fact, to see that I was not among the confused in his article. This may mean, of course, that I am fodder for a future article, or that I am one of another group of friends who are worse than confused. (I am not, however, deluded!!)
So just what kind of Republican am I?
I’m the kind of Republican who believes that when a corporation goes overseas or merely across the border for cheaper labor (taking my job with them), that the people they hire should not have to work in sweatshop conditions like my grandmother did, and who should be paid a decent living wage.
I’m the kind of Republican who recognizes that a few much sought after gallons of Alaska crude are best left in place until there is a compelling reason to suck it out of the ground. No, I don’t think that Haliburton’s endless quest for more petrodollars is a definition of “compelling.”
I’m the kind of Republican who thinks that the White House’s rationale for attacking Iraq was insane.
I’m the kind of Republican who has voted independent in the last three elections because I can’t stand the candidates who somehow rise to the top in the party. In fact, the only Republican I am actually glad I voted for was also the first one I voted for, and that was Gerald Ford, in 1976.
I am, finally, the kind of Republican who is sickened not only by my party’s swerve to the right, but who becomes physically ill when the lionization of Ronald Reagan is mentioned in conversation or a news article.
Unlike Ken’s confused friends, I’ve managed to keep myself active in my own fashion. No, I don’t get out and beg to put up yard signs, but I have for the last five years devoted at least two hours of my time each week trying to teach members of our immigrant population how to speak English. I actually try to pay attention to international news because, well, I happen to give a (unprintable).
I will vote this year, like I always do, though again I shall be selecting an independent candidate. As a moderate Republican, I find myself in a position where I can criticize or praise as I choose, and that includes criticism and praise for even Democratic candidates. About the nicest thing I can say about George W. Bush, President of these here United States is that he’s a dufus. This is where Ken and I part company, in that I don’t consider George II a tyrant, but more of a pawn. However, I most certainly have not “come to the conclusion that you and your values are better served by a Kerry victory in November.” Frankly, I firmly believe that neither party has put forward their best man for the job since, perhaps, Jimmy Carter whipped my candidate in 1976. This kind of thing will continue in American politics, of course, as long as something close to 75% of Americans align themselves with the confused folks Ken speaks of. An apathetic public will continue to be presented with bland talking heads who actually have nothing of any substance to say.
While this may seem like a strange thing for a Republican to say, if John Kerry is the best man for President on the Democratic ticket, then perhaps the Democratic Party should ask itself if an “Anybody but Bush!” policy is the best way to select a candidate. While the 2000 Presidential election was screwed up, I can’t say that the 2004 Democratic Primary campaign was much better (This is not to say, of course, that my own party did any better in 2000).
I disagree with Ken’s assessment of the Clinton years, and I disagree with his assessment of how George II was elected (Sorry, Ken) but by the same token I was appalled by the attacks Clinton endured which were perpetrated by small-minded, mean spirited members of the party which I joined oh, so long ago. I have no qualms about saying that those same folks are the ones who would lift Ronald Reagan on their shoulders, when other Republicans, Gerald Ford being one of them, make better heroes.
Ken and I agree firmly on one thing: Apathy is going to net this country an even worse President than the last few we’ve had. How long can we let this country be ruled by people who look good on camera and are just as deep as their photographs? I admit I like John Kerry more than George II, but I believe that had anybody cared enough, the man the Democrats are putting up against Bush should be more than a set of teeth that rivals any owned by an Osmond.
In the long run, each and every voter in this country should be aware that our only choices are not those who carry Republican or Democrat party cards. Our country was meant to be run by people selected by a “well informed public.” As long as you are on the Internet, take a look at something other than the Hawaiian Tropic girls. There are other parties out there that deserve a voice in each election, and a vote for one of those men or women is emphatically not a wasted vote. Whoever you vote for, be certain it is someone who supports your own ideals, not, emphatically not, the candidate who stands a chance of winning. To do otherwise is to short-circuit the democratic process and perpetuate rule by the blandest possible.
America needs you
Harry Truman
Harry could you please come home
Things are looking bad
I know you would be mad
To see what kind of men
Prevail upon the land you love
“Harry Truman”
Robert Lamm
(Editor's Note: This is our first article submitted by a Faulking Truth reader. To read the scintillating correspondence that transpired during the submission process, go to: http://www.faulkingtruth.com/GuestBook/
We are always looking for intelligent commentaries on all sides of the issues, so get off your lazy arses and pick up a pen, I mean keyboard, and voice your opinion at: info@faulkingtruth.com )
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