The Discerning Texan
All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.
-- Edmund Burke
-- Edmund Burke
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
The Danger from Within
You know how somedays you just start typing and suddenly the words just seem to write themselves? Doesn't happen to me that often (I spend most of my time looking for what more talented people than I are writing...), but when it does happen it is like you are suddenly channelling brilliance. Well there is a three-alarm fire raging over at fellow Texan's blog Red Hot Cuppa Politics; the always straight-shooting FrauBudgie is on a ROLL today...she is fed up with nowhere to turn.
It's hard to blame her for her frustration, especially at the Republicans who--given a chance to finally make a real difference--seem to be cowering under the stare of mean old Nancy Pelosi and that crusty Harry Reid. If Republicans can't stand up to these yahoos, why would they think the American people would trust them with standing up to madmen who want to erase us from the planet?? Did they think we elected them to keep playing the same sickening games the Dems have played since the 70's? Or did the electorate vote the Republicans in because--in a post 9/11 world--the alternative was (and still is) unthinkable. So why are they so intimidated by people who would destroy us from the inside, and who don't have a thing to say or idea to offer up except "I hate Bush"?? Earth to Republican representatives: get over it and grow a pair.
But as FrauBudgie so ably points out--it is hard to generate energy for people who refuse to do what we elected them to do. Nevertheless we have no choice: we must keep our heads down, keep focused on the task at hand; in short, we MUST work for as hard as we can to elect a filibuster-proof Republican majority. Our lives may depend on taking our medicine, holding our noses and getting out there all summer and fall, donating until it hurts, and electing a conservative majority--even though some calling themselves "conservatives" have let us down lately. Hugh Hewitt's new book could not have come at a more critical moment in time. Still, a look into the mind of this disgruntled Texas patriot reveals a crack in the Republican facade--and it is a crack that needs to be repaired sooner rather than later:
I've been feeling very burned out on US domestic politics lately, because we've careened from one press-generated scandal to the other. With some sober analysis, despite the great angst, sturm und drang, most of them don't seem to really hold water, so it's gotten tough to care about the next one.Also, I feel strongly that, depending on which way international politics go, today's scandals are going to become quaint footnotes in history; fun to know, but not really important to historical events. Unfortunately, the leaders of both political parties seem to be two-stepping arm in arm around the problems facing this nation.
The Republican party, which I consider the last real hope for America as we know it, has been methodically shooting itself in the foot. Tom Delay's resignation, over a Democrat ginned up fueled scandal, is the latest episode. The border legislation's another ineffecive mess; it looks like it's going to be a bunch of bipartisan snake oil since nobody in Congress wants to start at ground zero -- which is closing the danged border.
Take a look at the streets of our major cities, and you'll see hundreds of thousands of people with no allegiance to this country trying to force Congress into caving into them; looks like it might work, too. While Republicans seem to be angling to hang on to the fabled "Hispanic" vote, they don't seem to understand that even if they get all of the Hispanic vote -- they're alienating the majority, and quite possibly those Hispanics who are legal citizens and ticked off at pandering to illegals. Democrats, of course, don't have a majority -- but as the Republicans fracture, the liberal minority will begin to look pretty solid.
Think I'm over-reacting?
Go out to the hinterlands of conservative blogging; take a read on incredibly fed up attitudes, and take those attitudes seriously. These folks will not vote for a Democrat -- but, they can choose to stay home in November; or maybe write some snippy comment on the side of the ballot in lieu of voting.
The US Democratic Party --- and their buds in the media --- have been having a snit fit since 2000. The howls and accusations have been perpetual. Maybe you've had a teenager who's sulked and thrown fits over perceived injustices. It's so much easier to be his "friend" -- give in, hand over the car keys, and don't get uptight about curfew. Unfortunately, in the case of national politics, it's not the car keys, it's control of the nation, and of our future.
Here's what haunts me: I remember reading about the eighth century Viking invasions of the British Isles. Now, while the Brits got hit, and hurt badly, enough of them were able to pull together in order to mount some kind of defense. Over in Ireland, the tribes could not stop warring with each other long enough to even notice Viking ships anchored literally around the island, with predictable results.
I am a person that takes the Islamofascist threat seriously; while Zawahiri's a big talker, I also have no doubt that given the opportunity, he'll do what exactly what he says he wants to. The stakes at this point in history are incredibly high; we have real enemies, and our leaders will barely name them. Read up on the Danish cartoon riots sometime -- and note how the US government has not stood up for free speech.
Al Quada's already managed to kill 3000 Americans on our own soil. According to security experts, the next event isn't a question of "if" but when. And you know what? I've come to believe that if/when there is a next attack, our politicians big reaction won't be to support bleeding Americans, or protect us -- but to blame Bush (or whoever's in power). I'll bet those post-apocalyptic speeches are already written, waiting for the day some politician can make political hay over the smoking carcass of a dead American city.
Then, there's Iran, busily developing nukes, and entertaining terrorists, while leading the rest of the world around by the nose with diplomacy. That was even in the news cycle for awhile, but the story was soon overshadowed by US partisan cacaphony.
In Iraq, stories go un-reported, or mis-reported, so that Democrats can make the point that the entire war was a huge mistake, (therefore they should be voted into office, and their buds at the NYT's can playlike it's Watergate).
Look south for a moment, down to Latin America. There's a rising tide of socialist leaders. Argue the virtues of socialism all you want; it's idealistically appealing, and theoretically beautiful. And very, very ugly in practice. But, that's not the point. The point is, Chavez, Morales, Castro, et al, hate the US. More importantly, they're telling their people that America's the cause of every problem. (sound familiar? That's how crappy governments in the Middle East get their people to blame us instead of them for injustices, and it's the environment that enhances Al Quada recruiting efforts)
Then, there's the border issue. In terms of terrorists sneaking across the border, it's already too late -- if terrorists want to be here, they're already here, and they can get drivers' liscenses, and medical treatment to boot. Forget that there have been efforts by the electorate of states like California to curb drivers' liscenses to illegals; those efforts were shot down by the courts. Of course, it's instructive that most of the 9/11 aviators were illegals with drivers liscenses -- but oh well, what do unwashed voters know?
In my opinion, our leaders of both parties are in a quagmire of partisan manipulation. I have not trusted Democrats since the hypocrisy of the Clinton administration -- but I no longer think the Republicans have the best interests of the American people at heart either. And, of course, nobody's willing to make a sensible, but unpopular decision, except possibly President Bush, although a lot of people think he's lost his mind over the border issue.
To his credit, Bush did get the tax cuts through, and he's managed to get a couple of terrific judges into the Supreme Court. He also wants a concerted effort to develop alternative energy in a practical way, he's tried to reform Social Security, and he's even supportive of an effort to reach Mars. Then, his ideas run into Congress -- but then, why should Congress listen to Bush, while they're blowing off their own constituents?
Here's the most important point to Bush's credit. At this point, our nation's enemies probably think he's so wacked that an attack on our soil will bring unpredictable and brutal reprisals; American military action over the past five years has been enough to give Al Quada, and possibly the Iranians pause. For our own national security, that's not an entirely bad thing, but it changes in 2008, and it changes if Democrats succeed in getting Bush impeached.
I've talked to conservatives who feel that Republicans deserve to get voted out of office; I can't help but agree with them in a way -- but here's what happens if Democrats get control of the House and the Senate.
1) Bush gets impeached; they'll have a majority, and even given the lack of impeachable offenses, Democrats will hang together. They always have. Our nations enemies will then feel free to test our national resolve (or what's left of it.)
2) We pull out of Iraq, and Al Quada, or the mullahs in Iran, get another stronghold, and tons of oil money to fund their dreams of one world under Allah.
Now, the liberal/Democrat come-back to the above is "We have a better strategy, and a better party." But they don't, every idea they have is either a re-hash of what Bush is already doing, or something from the playbook of the seventies. So, I don't think Democrats will defeat Republicans -- Republicans are in the process of defeating themselves. There are some great ideas in the Republican party -- but in practice, it seems boils down to appeasing Democrats -- at least that's what it looks like to non-elite, non-intellectual conservatives in the hinterlands. (You know -- average, conservative voters.)
So, what does an average American citizen do, when both parties prove untrustworthy?
Once again, I'm reminded of British history, at least as near as a "yank" understands it.
During the last days of the Roman empire, in the 400's, the legions were withdrawn from Britain to defend Rome, and prop up a series of short lived emperors. I'm sure that at first, there was great rejoicing among some of the Brits ... followed by a frantic appeal to Rome for protection against the Saxon invasion.Rome's answer came back in 410: "... you must see to your own defenses."
The rest is history; you might note how many words in the English language are of old Germanic origin.
Today, we're seeing the rise of the Minutemen -- a group of American citizens that have banded together to do the job our government refuses to do. And, it's a group of sane adult Americans -- clerks, doctors, engineers, businessmen, teachers, housewives and retirees who have felt moved to leave the comfort of their homes to sit in a lawnchair in sizzling heat along the southern border.
Groups of crazies are one thing -- but the MinuteMen are not nuts. That in itself should be a huge wake-up call to our Congress, but Democrats are lost in dreams of political "gotcha" while Republicans tenderly tuck the blankets under their chins.
It's hard to blame her for her frustration, especially at the Republicans who--given a chance to finally make a real difference--seem to be cowering under the stare of mean old Nancy Pelosi and that crusty Harry Reid. If Republicans can't stand up to these yahoos, why would they think the American people would trust them with standing up to madmen who want to erase us from the planet?? Did they think we elected them to keep playing the same sickening games the Dems have played since the 70's? Or did the electorate vote the Republicans in because--in a post 9/11 world--the alternative was (and still is) unthinkable. So why are they so intimidated by people who would destroy us from the inside, and who don't have a thing to say or idea to offer up except "I hate Bush"?? Earth to Republican representatives: get over it and grow a pair.
But as FrauBudgie so ably points out--it is hard to generate energy for people who refuse to do what we elected them to do. Nevertheless we have no choice: we must keep our heads down, keep focused on the task at hand; in short, we MUST work for as hard as we can to elect a filibuster-proof Republican majority. Our lives may depend on taking our medicine, holding our noses and getting out there all summer and fall, donating until it hurts, and electing a conservative majority--even though some calling themselves "conservatives" have let us down lately. Hugh Hewitt's new book could not have come at a more critical moment in time. Still, a look into the mind of this disgruntled Texas patriot reveals a crack in the Republican facade--and it is a crack that needs to be repaired sooner rather than later:
I've been feeling very burned out on US domestic politics lately, because we've careened from one press-generated scandal to the other. With some sober analysis, despite the great angst, sturm und drang, most of them don't seem to really hold water, so it's gotten tough to care about the next one.Also, I feel strongly that, depending on which way international politics go, today's scandals are going to become quaint footnotes in history; fun to know, but not really important to historical events. Unfortunately, the leaders of both political parties seem to be two-stepping arm in arm around the problems facing this nation.
The Republican party, which I consider the last real hope for America as we know it, has been methodically shooting itself in the foot. Tom Delay's resignation, over a Democrat ginned up fueled scandal, is the latest episode. The border legislation's another ineffecive mess; it looks like it's going to be a bunch of bipartisan snake oil since nobody in Congress wants to start at ground zero -- which is closing the danged border.
Take a look at the streets of our major cities, and you'll see hundreds of thousands of people with no allegiance to this country trying to force Congress into caving into them; looks like it might work, too. While Republicans seem to be angling to hang on to the fabled "Hispanic" vote, they don't seem to understand that even if they get all of the Hispanic vote -- they're alienating the majority, and quite possibly those Hispanics who are legal citizens and ticked off at pandering to illegals. Democrats, of course, don't have a majority -- but as the Republicans fracture, the liberal minority will begin to look pretty solid.
Think I'm over-reacting?
Go out to the hinterlands of conservative blogging; take a read on incredibly fed up attitudes, and take those attitudes seriously. These folks will not vote for a Democrat -- but, they can choose to stay home in November; or maybe write some snippy comment on the side of the ballot in lieu of voting.
The US Democratic Party --- and their buds in the media --- have been having a snit fit since 2000. The howls and accusations have been perpetual. Maybe you've had a teenager who's sulked and thrown fits over perceived injustices. It's so much easier to be his "friend" -- give in, hand over the car keys, and don't get uptight about curfew. Unfortunately, in the case of national politics, it's not the car keys, it's control of the nation, and of our future.
Here's what haunts me: I remember reading about the eighth century Viking invasions of the British Isles. Now, while the Brits got hit, and hurt badly, enough of them were able to pull together in order to mount some kind of defense. Over in Ireland, the tribes could not stop warring with each other long enough to even notice Viking ships anchored literally around the island, with predictable results.
I am a person that takes the Islamofascist threat seriously; while Zawahiri's a big talker, I also have no doubt that given the opportunity, he'll do what exactly what he says he wants to. The stakes at this point in history are incredibly high; we have real enemies, and our leaders will barely name them. Read up on the Danish cartoon riots sometime -- and note how the US government has not stood up for free speech.
Al Quada's already managed to kill 3000 Americans on our own soil. According to security experts, the next event isn't a question of "if" but when. And you know what? I've come to believe that if/when there is a next attack, our politicians big reaction won't be to support bleeding Americans, or protect us -- but to blame Bush (or whoever's in power). I'll bet those post-apocalyptic speeches are already written, waiting for the day some politician can make political hay over the smoking carcass of a dead American city.
Then, there's Iran, busily developing nukes, and entertaining terrorists, while leading the rest of the world around by the nose with diplomacy. That was even in the news cycle for awhile, but the story was soon overshadowed by US partisan cacaphony.
In Iraq, stories go un-reported, or mis-reported, so that Democrats can make the point that the entire war was a huge mistake, (therefore they should be voted into office, and their buds at the NYT's can playlike it's Watergate).
Look south for a moment, down to Latin America. There's a rising tide of socialist leaders. Argue the virtues of socialism all you want; it's idealistically appealing, and theoretically beautiful. And very, very ugly in practice. But, that's not the point. The point is, Chavez, Morales, Castro, et al, hate the US. More importantly, they're telling their people that America's the cause of every problem. (sound familiar? That's how crappy governments in the Middle East get their people to blame us instead of them for injustices, and it's the environment that enhances Al Quada recruiting efforts)
Then, there's the border issue. In terms of terrorists sneaking across the border, it's already too late -- if terrorists want to be here, they're already here, and they can get drivers' liscenses, and medical treatment to boot. Forget that there have been efforts by the electorate of states like California to curb drivers' liscenses to illegals; those efforts were shot down by the courts. Of course, it's instructive that most of the 9/11 aviators were illegals with drivers liscenses -- but oh well, what do unwashed voters know?
In my opinion, our leaders of both parties are in a quagmire of partisan manipulation. I have not trusted Democrats since the hypocrisy of the Clinton administration -- but I no longer think the Republicans have the best interests of the American people at heart either. And, of course, nobody's willing to make a sensible, but unpopular decision, except possibly President Bush, although a lot of people think he's lost his mind over the border issue.
To his credit, Bush did get the tax cuts through, and he's managed to get a couple of terrific judges into the Supreme Court. He also wants a concerted effort to develop alternative energy in a practical way, he's tried to reform Social Security, and he's even supportive of an effort to reach Mars. Then, his ideas run into Congress -- but then, why should Congress listen to Bush, while they're blowing off their own constituents?
Here's the most important point to Bush's credit. At this point, our nation's enemies probably think he's so wacked that an attack on our soil will bring unpredictable and brutal reprisals; American military action over the past five years has been enough to give Al Quada, and possibly the Iranians pause. For our own national security, that's not an entirely bad thing, but it changes in 2008, and it changes if Democrats succeed in getting Bush impeached.
I've talked to conservatives who feel that Republicans deserve to get voted out of office; I can't help but agree with them in a way -- but here's what happens if Democrats get control of the House and the Senate.
1) Bush gets impeached; they'll have a majority, and even given the lack of impeachable offenses, Democrats will hang together. They always have. Our nations enemies will then feel free to test our national resolve (or what's left of it.)
2) We pull out of Iraq, and Al Quada, or the mullahs in Iran, get another stronghold, and tons of oil money to fund their dreams of one world under Allah.
Now, the liberal/Democrat come-back to the above is "We have a better strategy, and a better party." But they don't, every idea they have is either a re-hash of what Bush is already doing, or something from the playbook of the seventies. So, I don't think Democrats will defeat Republicans -- Republicans are in the process of defeating themselves. There are some great ideas in the Republican party -- but in practice, it seems boils down to appeasing Democrats -- at least that's what it looks like to non-elite, non-intellectual conservatives in the hinterlands. (You know -- average, conservative voters.)
So, what does an average American citizen do, when both parties prove untrustworthy?
Once again, I'm reminded of British history, at least as near as a "yank" understands it.
During the last days of the Roman empire, in the 400's, the legions were withdrawn from Britain to defend Rome, and prop up a series of short lived emperors. I'm sure that at first, there was great rejoicing among some of the Brits ... followed by a frantic appeal to Rome for protection against the Saxon invasion.Rome's answer came back in 410: "... you must see to your own defenses."
The rest is history; you might note how many words in the English language are of old Germanic origin.
Today, we're seeing the rise of the Minutemen -- a group of American citizens that have banded together to do the job our government refuses to do. And, it's a group of sane adult Americans -- clerks, doctors, engineers, businessmen, teachers, housewives and retirees who have felt moved to leave the comfort of their homes to sit in a lawnchair in sizzling heat along the southern border.
Groups of crazies are one thing -- but the MinuteMen are not nuts. That in itself should be a huge wake-up call to our Congress, but Democrats are lost in dreams of political "gotcha" while Republicans tenderly tuck the blankets under their chins.
