Sense of Fair Play Missing from the Republican Party

As the entire "debt ceiling" debate rumbles along I have found myself feeling a real distaste for the Republican party.  It  seems to have been taken hostage by the "Tea Party", demanding all that it wants but with no intention of allowing the other side any gains according to what is important in their heart.   Normally a bully demanding all he or she wants with no consideration to giving ground to the other point of view has no consequences except that there is simply no deal.  Unfortunately, in this case the consequences could be quite dire, and their inflexible stance could cause serious economic consequences.  If nothing else, they are making many, many people nervous with their resistance to fair play.

Our country was founded on compromise and July 4, 1776 would not have happened if not for compromise.  Throughout history we have thrived at every critical stage through thoughtful and fair negotiation with one great exception now known as the Civil War.  Americans don't like a lack of fair play and no matter what part of society you might be in, compromise is essential otherwise we paint ourselves into a corner of isolation.  We cut off personal or business opportunities.

Such is the case of the debt ceiling negotiations.  The Democrats and President Obama have demonstrated a willingness to give up some programs and cut others in the interest of reigning in the deficit and to satisfy the Republican's rightful demands for action.  Now, as in all negotiation it is the other side's turn to give up something important to them.  In this case, an increase in revenues. 

The Republicans refusal to see the other side 's point of view and their rigid stance against any form of revenue increase demonstrates an immaturity and partisan politics that to much of the American public is repugnant.   The Republican House members may feel cocky and purposeful at the moment, but this stiff resistance to compromise while simultaneously frightening the American public may ultimately result in a permanent fracture of the trust between Republican political leaders and the American public. 

In My Humble Opinion,

Chuck Marshall

Should I Become a Republican, Again?

Yes, you read right.  I am considering re-joining the Republican party.   After being an Independent since 2002, I am having doubts that this is the best approach.... at least in today's political environment.   I don't see any voice for the Independents.   Where is the voice of reason for the middle ground ?    Why is there no movement towards leadership among Independents?   Open primaries would help the I's, but I never even hear it considered in conversation or the media,    The primaries come and I have no say in who is nominated to be my President.   Most elections are still totally dominated by Republicans and Democrats and their very predictable disagreements.  It's extremely frustrating.

The trouble isn't just with the lack of leadership amongst the Independents., it's also that the two parties are becoming more extreme because the moderates are leaving.   It stands to reason the more extreme of the parties will gain power and influence.  Witness what's been happening in Washington, DC for the last 10-12 years.  With the two parties becoming more extreme, we have perpetual disagreement.  Endless bickering.  Nothing gets accomplished and it's all about who is "winning" as if  the life of Americans is some sort of perpetual football game.  Are you a Red state or a Blue state?  Conservative or Liberal?   Democrat or Republican?  Pro-Obama or Anti-Obama?  There was even an article in the paper recently that Congressional leaders are writing the title of new laws to flaunt which "side" the law is on.  I receive letters from my congressman that speak to his consituency as if we're all Republicans ! 

Where is the wisdom?  Where is the compromise?  I believe this situation is very dangerous because extremism can never win unless it forces the opposing view into submission. 

You see, ever since I left the Republican party I have watched as it lurched further and further to the right with no consideration of opposing views.  I don't even recognize it anymore.   Maybe I  have to go back to being a Republican in the spirit of bringing it back to its roots;   Individual responsibility,  Fiscal Conservatism,  Limited government in ALL issues including the bedroom and religion,  a government that enables Americans to achieve their best,  business friendly but not corporate welfare, and of course respect for the environment such as was championed by my favorite Republican President "Teddy Roosevelt".  Bully !

So, I am considering returning to the Republican party because  I want a voice in my government again.   The extremists of  the Republicans have taken over, therefor an infusion of reasonable human beings is very much needed for the good of the country.   Above all else, if I'm a Republican I can vote in the primaries and help to block some of the scary people advertising themselves as "our future".  

Wish me luck in my careful consideration on this matter.


In My Humble Opinion,

Chuck Marshall