May 18, 2007

Hijacked

I've said this before, and I continue to believe it: the root of what currently ails the Republican Party is found in the White House. George W. Bush has been an almost complete disaster for the Party. This amnesty disaster is just the latest example of George W. Bush's lack of fidelity to any principles that can reasonably be called "conservative."

I say this as someone who spent my vacations campaigning for Bush in Florida both in 2000 and in 2004. I gave time and money to Bush in 2000 even though I knew he hadn't been a conservative as governor of Texas and likely wouldn't be as President. I supported Bush for one reason: because I didn't want the ACLU and People for the American Way selecting our nation's federal judges. I gave time and money to Bush again in 2004 even though he'd continued to build a lackluster track record in his four years as President. I did this for the same reason--the judges.

On the one hand, the calculus paid off. We now have Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito in place, rounding out 4 solid conservative jurists on the Court. Yes, we had to threaten mass riots in the streets to get Alito, but we got him. We would not have gotten Justice Alito from President John F'n Kerry. With any luck, those Justices will be there long after George W. Bush is gone from office, and there's nothing much the leftists can do about it. Those are gains "locked in."

Other than the judges, however, George W. Bush and his team have nearly destroyed the "Republican" brand and have at least tarnished the "conservative" brand. There's no need to recount a list of examples here, but it is long and detailed. I'm convinced that reform of this Party will be dead in the water until at least the day that George W. Bush is out of the White House. After that point, we can make progress in unfoundering the U.S.S. G.O.P. from the shoals of "compassionate conservatism." If we've managed to place another RINO in the White House at that point, our task will be pretty difficult. If we've managed to place a conservative Republican in the White House, the task will be easier. Of course, we may very well be stuck with a Democrat in the White House, which cuts both ways.

Whatever happens, it is imperative that conservatives be prepared for the situation in advance. We need to be prepared to "hit the ground running" when our opportunity comes. If you're a conservative, and you're disgusted with the current state of the Republican Party, I encourage you to start working right now to lay the groundwork for a reform effort. We talk a lot on this blog, and that's a good thing, but all our talk means nothing if it's not matched to action. If your local GOP is functional, go get involved. Seek out conservative candidates. If there aren't any conservatives to support, recruit somebody, or run for office yourself. Join a local grassroots conservative group--or start one. Show up.

As much as we complain about the GOP, it's presently the only viable vehicle for advancing conservatism. Unfortunately, it's been hijacked. Let's get it back

DISCLAIMER: Bluto notes: "Please note that Ragnar speaks for himself and other Jawas may disagree with his opinions."