The Terri Schiavo case came up in the comments. One commenter said that what the Republicans in Congress did was harmless.
Commenter CRH replied:
Far from harmless, sir.
Terri Schiavo was when Team Red lost the 2006 election. At the time I was deep in the heart of Dixie, operating with some Liberty Caucus Reds who were very jazzed up. Once the story was on the nightly news daily and the contortion of law bending and federal interference, you know, “for the greater good” happened, the group shrank by 3/4. Sorry to say that most of those who left went on to join the “liberaltarians” and campaigned against the Republican congress and against McCain. It was seen as a betrayal of trust that led Bush to his second victory and kept his congressional majorities, especially with the SoCons dancing in the street and being total asshats when we brought up objections. Did I mention we were all in our twenties? who needs the youth vote, right? Not the Shakers, and apparently not Team Red.
If, in the buckle of the Bible belt, SoCon policy drives the youngins toward the other side, is it any wonder New England, the West Coast, and the Great Lakes voted the way they did?
And then there is the little problem they have with drug legalization. Or the fact that they have yet to champion medical marijuana users. A cause favored by 70% to 80% of Americans.
If Republicans want to counter their image as the Prohibition Party they are going to have to do something spectacular to create a different impression. So far they have let Todd Aikin and Richard Mourdock plus a dozen others and Mitt Romney speak for them on abortion. Perhaps they should find some one else. I’d be very happy with a guy who was against abortion but who was in favor of private sector solutions.
The Republicans will have to go big on some pro Liberty issue to counter decades of working in the other direction. I don’t think they have it in them. The Social Conservatives who now rule the Party will not allow it.
So I ask this question: “Does the Pro Life Party have a Death Wish?”
They can add and subtract when it comes to dollars but seem to lack the facility when it comes to votes.
Comments
8 responses to “The Republican Marketing Problem”
Shortly after the The Terri Schiavo case, I unregistered as a Republican. The Republican Party used to at least pay lip service to being in favor of small government but no more. They want government big and powerful so it can compel you to do everything it doesn’t prohibit.
“private sector solutions.”? Please elucidate.
Will,
Well “you” could set up a foundation to support pregnant women. Lack of money to raise a child is a frequent reason given for abortion. I think an 18 or 25 year contract might work.
You could (if you could find willing men) get the women husbands. Another reason for abortion. Maybe polygamy is the answer since such men are rare.
You could set up adoption agencies willing to pay well for a child. And that had a near 100% placement rate.
You could advertise.
Or you could set up a black market by going the government rout. A perennial right wing favorite.
You can do anything you want to with laws except get Americans to obey them.
The fact that you are asking me is a sign that the current state of affairs has strangled thought on the matter.
“the current state of affairs has strangled thought on the matter.”
That pretty much sums it up. Of course the real Professionals know the cash flow for perpetuating the “noble cause” is so much greater, and the spending so much more flexible than such foundations or agencies with tangible goals; and those pros can drown out competitive cries for donations.
One side thinks every time sperm meets egg it should be born, at gun point if necessary. The other thinks it’s OK to suck the brain out of an 8.5 month old baby. I thoroughly hate both.
I vote republican because I want low taxes, limited government and strong defense. What I get is obsession with creationism, abortion, flag burning and the pledge of allegiance. I’m disgusted.
Will,
Interesting take.
Umm, if a female may agree with “Man Mountain Molehill…” well. I do.
“One side thinks every time sperm meets egg it should be born, at gun point if necessary. The other thinks it’s OK to suck the brain out of an 8.5 month old baby. I thoroughly hate both.
I vote republican because I want low taxes, limited government and strong defense. What I get is obsession with creationism, abortion, flag burning and the pledge of allegiance. I’m disgusted.”
And so am I. And I AM (last I checke) sometime this week… certifiably female).
‘Umm, if a female may agree with “Man Mountain Molehill…” well. I do.’
not female, but mostly agree.