This blog began as a way for me to collect my thoughts and opinions about state and local politics. In late September 2009, I attended the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference because I wanted to find something to believe in (politically speaking.) I’m not a Democrat--that much is clear. I identify with many Republican tenets, but I don’t feel at home in the GOP. I was hoping the conference would show me another side of the party, a side that I could identify with. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.
There were a few highlights. For example, I was out of my seat cheering during parts of Tim Pawlenty’s speech. He addressed making the party more inclusive. He talked about the cycle of urban poverty and why this issue should be embraced by the GOP, not derided or criticized. The GOP is supposed to be about everyone having the opportunity to succeed, which is why breaking the cycle of urban poverty is critical to GOP ideology. Instead, this issue is championed by the Democrats. As Mr. Pawlenty said, “this is NOT ok.” His comments reflected social activism, not social welfare.
Since then, Mr. Pawlenty has moved away from some of his more centrist rhetoric in hopes of rallying the GOP conservative base for the 2012 presidential elections. His endorsement of Conservative nominee Doug Hoffman over Republican Dede Scozzafava in the NY-23 House race was a disappointment to centrists like myself. The end result? A victory for Democrats. Rather than embracing a centrist, Pawlenty, Palin, and others chose to fold up the Big Tent and replace it with an exclusive club. I fit under the Big Tent, but there’s no way I’d ever get an invitation to their club (nor would I want one.)
So this blog was born, not because of Pawlenty, he’s a symptom of the bigger problem. Politicians, it seems, are moving away from the center; I believe this is to the detriment of the American people. I don’t think of America as a Melting Pot or a Tossed Salad. I think of America as a hearty bowl of stew. If you really don’t like carrots, you weave around them with your spoon. But you can’t go picking out only the carrots and not expect to get some beef, celery, or stew broth on your spoon as well. Am I making sense? Perhaps analogies aren’t my strong suit.
A typical post takes me between 5 and 30 minutes. I’ll perhaps re-read a post, but there is little to no editing. I just want to get my thoughts out there. It makes me feel better knowing that around 250 people* think this blog is something worth reading.
Whether you agree or disagree with my viewpoints is of very little consequence to me. Wait, I take that back. If you disagree, I would love to hear from you. I’d rather grow than stagnate; it keeps life interesting. Keep me on my toes! I don’t mind admitting if I’m wrong (although it may take me some time, as “Brad” found out when challenging my views on term limits.)
* Since I started writing regularly in mid-October, 249 unique visitors have accessed my site 5 or more times. Over 400 unique visitors have accessed the site more than once. There have been around 1500 unique pageviews. (Only 52 comments posted, I would love to see more!)
12.15.2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
I thoroughly enjoy your blog, even if I completely disagree with your suggestion that Dede Scozzafava was or is a "centrist." Her views appeared to me to be solidly to the left of her Democrat opponent, a man she endorsed upon exiting the race.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how the extreme wings of the parties actually agree more than they agree with the center.
ReplyDeleteI echo Designated Conservative on Dede Soozzafava.
And as far urban poverty being addressed by the Democrats, I disagree, except to keep the urban povery people right where they are to vote the same again the next time. The real key to dealing with urban poverty is giving them a way out, not just handouts (the whole give a fish, teach to fish). Unfortunately, the Republicans, having this parenting sheen are blasted as non-compassionate (well hell then, all good parents are Republicans to their kids--it's not as much fun to have to be a parent to a kid and not just their friend).
A2Joe, Thanks for posting, I believe this is your first time. To put more context behind Pawlenty's comments, he was saying the GOP needs to take the plight of urban schools (such as Detroit) seriously and do everything to fix the problem.
ReplyDeleteAs for Scazzofava, are both you and Designated Conservative are referring to her position on social issues? (She is pro-gay marriage and pro-choice, for those that are unaware.) I sincerely hope there is more to the Republican litmus test, as I'm afraid if this is the case, I would fail. Or is this because of her ties with organized labor?, which I agree is very questionable.
Tea party came out pretty strongly against her and oddly (I've never associated myself strongly with either political party), I find myself in the groove of a Tea party activist.
ReplyDeleteIn the past three presidential elections, how have you voted? I'm not looking for an answer, just a sharper definition of what you mean by intimating that you're afloat on a political lifeboat in the middle of a politically bifurcated sea. How you voted goes to the pieces of the party platform which spoke to you most strongly.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for Republicans in Washtenaw County but it's clear that nationally and at the state level, being anti-choice, anti-gay marriage (and often anti-gay) is a requirement to go anywhere in the Republican party. But Republicans seem more interested in embracing Palinism than broadening their tent.
ReplyDeleteA2P and Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI think your comments go hand-in-hand. A2P questions whether I am truly afloat regarding the political parties (more specifically the GOP.) You ask what speaks to me most strongly? Individual rights and liberties, smaller government, personal responsibility, fiscal responsibility, etc. But because of my other beliefs, (I am for civil unions, pro-choice **My views on these are nuanced-I'll post on those nuances at some point**) it seems that the GOP seeks to alienate me. What resonates with me most about the GOP, often seems to be overshadowed by these other issues.
That's because the claim of "small government" by Republicans only extends as far as their own rhetoric. Is it small government for big business to suck down massive tax subsidies and credits? Not really. But you'll find plenty of Republicans who back them. Is it "small government" to have the government tell you who you can sleep with or what you can do in your bedroom? Not really. But you'll find plenty of Republicans who want to police your bedroom behavior. Don't ever confuse a libertarian viewpoint with Republican Party politics. They are not the same thing.
ReplyDelete