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REQUIEM

Below are the two final essays to be posted on Allegiance and Duty Betrayed. The first one is written by a friend -- screen name 'Euro-American Scum' -- who, over the past four years, has been the most faithful essayist here. He has written about everything from his pilgrimage to Normandy in 2004 to take part in the 60th–year commemoration of the invasion, to his memories of his tour in Vietnam. His dedication to America’s founding principles ... and those who have sacrificed to preserve them over the past 200+ years ... is unequaled. Thank you, E-A-S. It has been a privilege to include your writing here, and it is a privilege to call you my friend.

The second essay is my own farewell. And with it I thank all of the many regular visitors, and those who may have only dropped in occasionally, for coming here. I hope you learned something. I hope a seed or two was planted. But, even if not, I thank you for stopping by ... 25 March, 2010

2/03/2008

We Have Found the Enemy --
and the Enemy is Us

found enemy.jpg

Today is February 2, 2008.

I am over fifty years old. I am a product of American values, observed and experienced in the 1950s and 1960s, and sorely tried in the Vietnam, Watergate, and Carter years of the 1970s, and again in the Clinton years of the 1990s.

This is the timeframe and events that formed my political worldview. I grew up when we still said a prayer and read Psalm 23 at the beginning of the school day. I remember doing the duck and cover in elementary school, to be safe in the event of a Cold War nuclear attack, even though being only 12 miles from NYC, the odds of surviving such an attack or its aftermath was just about a negative number. I remember the pride in America and its flag; the meaning of independence, especially on the Fourth of July. My father's parents were immigrants and my mother was an immigrant, and the old country was just that--the "old" country. Most of my uncles served in the US Army and Navy during WW2, while my father was a foreman in a defense plant. The prosperity, music, and the social fabric of America in the 1950s and 1960s are still a source of inspiration to me. Because of my parents' background, we always helped anyone in need that came our way. My parents would brook no discrimination, even when at the time it was common to discriminate on the basis of skin color. No, the promise of America was for everyone. Sometimes, only an immigrant can appreciate America's true value, as did my parents.

I remember well the Carter years, with its mind numbing cowardice in the face of dangers from the USSR and Iran, and how it caused us to doubt our greatness. And I remember a man named Ronald Reagan, and how he inspired an entire nation to rendezvous with its destiny once again, and in an inconceivable turn of events, won the Cold War and knocked down the Berlin War without firing a single shot. His courage and belief in America inspired policies that freed all of Eastern Europe and kept budding Islamofascism at bay, all the while he was opposed and reviled by the Democrats, the America-haters and the Communists worldwide.

I remember the horror of the Clinton years, when a rapist and abuser of women was the Commander in Chief, aided and abetted by a power hungry woman who hated the military. I remember fighting for his impeachment, only to be betrayed by a Republican Senate that had no courage, or that was compromised by stolen FBI files and failed to discharge its lawful duty to remove a lawbreaking President who brought shame to the Oval Office. I remember recoiling in horror and shame when a six year old boy whose mother drowned in an attempt to bring him to freedom from Cuba was removed from a private home under the force of arms and returned to Fidel Castro.

I remember crying tears of gladness when our current President said the words of his Oath of Office on January 20, 2001, ending my personal nightmare, an eight year long nightmare, of having Bill and Hillary Clinton in the White House.

The events of these last seven years are nothing like what I expected that cold, clear January morning. The events of September 11, 2001, the invasion of Iraq, the War on Terror, all of them returned me to the patriotic days of my youth. I saw a nation united in purpose for the first time in my adult life, as the nation had been torn since the Vietnam War.

But I saw a Republican President I believed in, and a Republican Party that was my home politically, shift in a slow, determined, unstoppable drift away from its principles, adopting the policies and views of the Democrats, to the point where we now face having as our Presidential candidate, John McCain, an enemy of conservatism, of Republican principles, and of American sovereignty.

As I pondered these things today, February 2, 2008, I have come to a very troubling observation.

We conservatives always had a home in the Republican Party. President Reagan even came here when the Democrat Party became too radical for him in the 1950s. We were the foundation of 12 years of the Reagan Bush era and we fought for the current President to give him eight years, even in the face of a national election being stolen from him.

But when our country was threatened by the prospect of a mass amnesty last May and June, allowing 20 million or more illegal immigrants to become defacto citizens by fiat, we erupted in a display of power that had Washington DC recoiling in terror. We derailed their plan to ensure the Balkanization of America by giving it 20 million more citizens who would not assimilate into the culture, and to ensure a cheap workforce, and to permanently undercut American workers' wages. Together with Global Warming and carbon credits, America could be brought to heel and managed.

We stopped McCain-Kennedy and its cousin, alright. But there was a price to pay for our insolence.

We, the America loving conservatives of the Republican Party, are no longer needed by this party. We are too narrow minded and old school. Flag waving and the supremacy of the American Way are passe. We are not inclusive. We are standing in the way of the elites in Washington DC from making their wet dreams a reality--making America an also-ran, not a super-power. America as a third world country, not as better than anyone else. An America that is afraid to face its Islamic enemies,that worries about what the world thinks about it, strangled in political correctness, surrendering its freedoms on a daily basis in the vain hope for security.

We keepers of the flame of American liberty are now the enemy. When Hillary labelled us the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, we took that has a label of pride. But now the Republican establishment has decreed that we are a conspiracy to be defeated within our own party, as we face the prospect of John McCain being rammed down our throats. John McCain, the Manchurian Candidate, the man who has betrayed every tenet of Republicanism in his quest for power, who has railed against conservatives at every turn, who is bound and determined to grant amnesty to 10% of Mexico's population now within our borders, he is the one being anointed by the elites as our candidate.

His job is not only to become the candidate of choice, but to be the means of the destruction of the power of the conservative base of the Republican Party.

Between McCain, Obama and Hillary, there isn't a dime's worth of difference in their political views. The Republican and Democrat established elites have melded into one entity, and they will win no matter who gets nominated or who wins the general election, especially if McCain is the nominee. All three believe in unlimited amnesty, an open border, cap and trade globaloney, giving rights to Gitmo detainees, and the restriction of free speech and gun rights.

The MSM is their collective cheerleader, actively working to marginalize us as a viable force for the America we visualize.

Many of us will vote Republican in November, only because we cannot, in good conscience, vote for Obama or Clinton. The Republican establishment knows this, and knows because we are principled, we can not do otherwise. Rather than enlist us to help, they are engaged in a policy of containment and neutering, because we stand in the way of their vision of America.

McCain as a candidate will be a disaster. The Republican establishment knows this. But they don't care, because the goal is not to win this election. It is to remove us from the political table, and for them to join with their Democrat brothers in the march toward an America subservient to global interests. Sovereignty is treated as a quaint, outmoded concept, even by many Republican governors who are pushing the globaloney nonsense that will cripple this nation.

The perfect storm of American politics is converging in a bid to elect one of three horrible candidates, McCain, Obama, or Clinton, to be our next President. The odds are that the Republicans will not only lose with McCain, but they will lose even more of the House and Senate, enough to relegate Republicans to a minority status for decades to come.

Where are the national Republican leaders speaking out against where our party is heading? As one looks over the events of the last 15 years, since the ascension and improbable election of a no good, draft dodging, lying huckster like Bill Clinton to President, we have witnessed a snowballing reversal of American values and fortunes. With Clinton II on the horizon, we face a complete collapse of American values and sovereignty and freedom with the "CHANGE" that is being promised for the electorate.

That "change" is starting right now for us. By Tuesday midnight, we will know if the fate the elites have decreed for us will become reality, if McCain is our candidate.

In the past few days, the lenses through which I view politics have changed in prescription. I see now that we are the enemy to our own party's leaders, whose leaders have decreed that our nominee will be the anti-conservative, anti-Republican candidate. The other candidates still open to us, Huckster, Romney and Paul each have their own problems with our values.

There are only a few short days to stop the McCain Screwball express. As we fought the impossible fight against McCain and amnesty last year, we have but a few days to influence our fellow conservatives and Republicans not to allow the predetermined outcome to occur.

I offer this screed in an attempt to understand what is going on today, to explain the inexplicable in what is occurring to our party and our chances for success in November against the second ascension of the corrupt Clinton Machine. I wish not to tell my fellow conservative who they should vote for, but I ask them not to vote for McCain.

Others, including the Republican establishment, have decreed for us who are candidate should be. America loving Republicans should reserve the right to make that choice.

by exit82
(contributing team member of Allegiance and Duty Betrayed)

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

John McCain, the Manchurian Candidate, the man who has betrayed every tenet of Republicanism in his quest for power, who has railed against conservatives at every turn, who is bound and determined to grant amnesty to 10% of Mexico's population now within our borders, he is the one being anointed by the elites as our candidate.

I'm choking on the truth of that statement. It takes courage to say it. My hat's off to you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing down what so may of us are thinking. I get so mad and yet I can't seem to put my thoughts down in words!

Anonymous said...

Bravo! Well said!

Anonymous said...

Where are the national Republican leaders speaking out against where our party is heading?

You wanna know where they are? A few principled ones, like Rick Santorum, are speaking out against this steamroller. (Santorum has said he will never vote for McCain.)

But most others are sucking up in the hopes of getting a cabinet position -- like Steve Forbes (who I respected until this morning when he endorsed McCain) who wants to be Treasury Secretary.

A pox on the lot of them. They're nothing but a bunch of political whores.

(Good article, BTW.)

Anonymous said...

I couldn't have said it better. Bless you, Exit 82!

Anonymous said...

Another great piece! Thanks for the clear headed and insightful commentary.

I couldn't agree with Robmaroni more; they are a bunch of political whores. Their only goal is to increase their personal power and wealth and the country be damned.

I do think that a part of what is happening here is that the MSM sees McCain as Hillary light and if he gets the nomination the general is a win-win for them. That's why they push him on us so much.

With that in mind and knowing that everyone wants to vote for a winner, especially the political whores who would lose power if they backed the loser, more and more voters gravitate toward McCain, and that is a lose-lose for us.

Thanks for another good piece Joanie.

Anonymous said...

I grew up in the same era as you did Exit82, and I could have written this article myself (if I could write well). ;)

You've put what so many of us are thinking into words. Now if all of us who think this way would head to the polls, and if people like Rush would endorse Romney, on Tuesday it would make a big difference.

I heard a great quote this morning:

"John McCain -- He's always there when he needs us"

Anonymous said...

I do think that a part of what is happening here is that the MSM sees McCain as Hillary light and if he gets the nomination the general is a win-win for them. That's why they push him on us so much.

Barry, you got that right!

Anonymous said...

That "change" is starting right now for us. By Tuesday midnight, we will know if the fate the elites have decreed for us will become reality, if McCain is our candidate.

In many ways, the fate of America rests on Tuesday night also. If the MSM and the political left succeeds in jamming McCain down our throats we won't have another Republican President in our lifetimes, and America as we know it will not survive our lifetimes either.

Great piece, exit82!

Anonymous said...

McCain can barely be consistent on issues that are important to conservatives.

I have a theory about, why Duncan Hunter took a look at all the candidates and figured, as far as he is concerned, that Huckabee would do the least damage.

Hunter being on the inside of some Republican Party activities and being able to know what the Republican Party was actually engineering ... he determined that conservativism's only friend in the remaining candidates, would be Huckabee.

Incredibly.

Hmm...

I just do not trust McCain, who is a showman, who knows how to *throw* a party, to make you feel good about how things appear to be happening in your favor.


First_Salute
Feb. 3, 2008

Anonymous said...

Curious to know what you all think ...

The Democrat convention is at the end of August, and the Republican convention is at the start of September.

To what extent, does the Democrat nominee effectively "predict" the Republican nominee --- ie, how does Hillary affect what Republicans do at the convention versus how does Obama affect what Republicans do at the convention?

First_Salute
Feb. 3, 2008

Anonymous said...

To what extent, does the Democrat nominee effectively "predict" the Republican nominee --- ie, how does Hillary affect what Republicans do at the convention versus how does Obama affect what Republicans do at the convention?

First Salute, you have hit on one of the most self destructive characteristics of the new Republicans. We spend so much time reacting that we have no time to get our message out. We’re under attack from so many enemies- the media, liberal politicians and pundits, etc.- that we spend so much time defending ourselves and reacting that there’s not enough time left for real debate or letting the voters know what we really stand for.

Anonymous said...

"The events of these last seven years are nothing like what I expected that cold, clear January morning."

The last 7 years are just the latest example of the betrayal of America's real conservative base.

I think there are probably a dozen or so politicians in Washington these days who can't be bought. I'd name them, except I'm afraid I'd leave one or two names out.

The rest of the 500+ people who direct almost every aspect of our lives can be bought with promises of political power, money or the furtherance of their particular ideology.

November's election might well be the last one that "the real America" will ever experience. After that, we'll either be so over run with illegal immigrants or terrorists, or so socialist, that our founders wouldn't even recognize what they created.

I agree with the poster above. A pox on them all.

Anonymous said...

barryuptheroad said: I couldn't agree with Robmaroni more; they are a bunch of political whores. Their only goal is to increase their personal power and wealth and the country be damned.

I think that is at the bottom of every ill America faces today. And the "political whores" started outnumbering the "public servants" only recently (within the past twenty years maybe).

But that's when our seeds of destruction were sown, because no free society can continue to exist when its leadership is more concerned with feathering their own nests than the good of the country they represent.

Your comments are spot on, barryuptheroad.

Anonymous said...

We were the foundation of 12 years of the Reagan Bush era...

George H. W. Bush was no Reaganite. He dismantled many of Reagan's accomplishments during his brief stay in the oval office. The two Bushes are cut from the same cloth.

McCain is portraying himself as a conservative and the Republican "leaders" are falling over themselves to support him so they can be in his administration.

If McCain wins and the country goes down the tubes, as surely it will, the MSM will blame conservatism as the cause of the collapse because they will have labeled McCain a conservative. To read a great profile of John McCain go to http://PatriotPost.US/alexander/edition.asp?id=578.

If the country goes into the toilet, I'd rather have a democrat doing the flushing.

Anonymous said...

According to an AP story for today, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008:

"John McCain said he would veto any tax increase passed by a Democratic-controlled Congress, and Mike Huckabee said it was time for Mitt Romney to drop out of the race."

* * *

Stonemason,

Good answer.

I am probably too stubborn, but who the Democrats pick, has no effect in my book.

Thanks,

First_Salute
Feb. 3, 2008

Anonymous said...

First Salute,

It's interesting that you bring up the effect that the dems will have on the Republican convention. Although I'm not sure there'll be a whole lot of difference that is related to whether Hillary or Obama gets the nod, I will be disgusted if the Republicans' speeches and focus are on what the dems have done at their convention.

The Republicans should act like the dems never even had a convention. They should spend their time telling the voters what they would do, and totally ignore the democrat propaganda machine.

By the way, when Hillary was asked something about Iraq this morning on Fox, she responded with, "The so called surge....".

I'd like to know what was "so called" about it. And I'd also like to know why even Fox News isn't reporting about our successes over there since the surge. You hear more about Hollywood celebrities than you do about the fact that we're finally winning, and winning big, over there.

joanie said...

Exit 82,

First of all, welcome aboard! It is a genuine privilege to publish writing of the caliber that this essay exhibits.

As you know, I grew up in the same era as you, and my hometown bordered on yours, so I suppose one would think that those two facts might indicate why our perspectives on the decline of America would be similar. Yet I’m not so sure our similar ages, and similar geographical backgrounds, can serve as a reliable indicator of such.

For example, just yesterday I was having a phone conversation with someone else who is in the 50-65 age range, and who also grew up in a small town in the northeast. When the conversation turned to politics (which I generally attempt to avoid when talking with her, for reasons that will soon become apparent), she said, ‘I hope Obama wins the nomination. I’d like to be able to vote for him in November.’

I (foolishly) asked why, and her response was, ‘He just seems like a truly nice man.’

At which point I asked her to tell me just one example of his stance on an issue of importance to America. She was at a loss for words.

And her vote counts just as much as yours and mine.

(So much for the baby-boomer/northern New Jersey political camaraderie theory. 

Your essay hits the bull’s eye in so many respects, not the least of which is your reluctant, but entirely realistic, admission that the power to make decisions has been effectively removed from the electorate – by the gradual perversion of the political/legal/justicial system, and the gradual increase in the power of the mainstream media and political special interest groups.

As it appears that you are, I have been saying for several years now that the only recourse informed genuine conservatives have anymore is to attempt to make themselves as independent of government as possible, get out of debt, arm themselves, grow as much of their own food as they can, and focus on spreading the truth among their family, friends and co-workers. We must concentrate on sweeping in front of our own doors, and if the result eventually creates enough of a dust-storm that the citizenry at large begins to demand accountability from its leadership once again, then we can begin to plan for a ‘revolution’ of sorts. But, unless and until such a mass ‘awakening’ occurs, we are all merely spectators in America’s slow suicide-by-indifference.

Again, sincere thanks for your well-reasoned, eloquent, insightful contribution.

~ joanie

joanie said...

Barry,

I agree with every word. We are indeed in a lose-lose situation.

I was a Hunter supporter until he was forced out of contention. I then lowered my sights just a bit and settled for Thompson.

Romney now represents my last stand. Should McCain prevail, I will not be casting a vote for president for the first time since I was eligible to vote, forty years ago.

I couldn't vote for Hillary (I believe my voting finger would spontaneously combust), and will not vote for a phony conservative whose presidency will ensure that no genuine conservative will inhabit the White House in what remains of my lifetime.

Thank you, as always, for your excellent commentary.

~ joanie

joanie said...

I am probably too stubborn, but who the Democrats pick, has no effect in my book.

Amen, F_S.

Anyway, there isn't a nickle's worth of difference between Clinton and Obama, other than their campaign strategies, and the degree of evil each represents.

Anonymous said...

I am probably the age of your children, Exit82, and I value the things people of your generation have to say. This essay should be read by everybody before they even think about entering the voting booth this year. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Mona Charen today:

Rather than looking like a gracious front runner, McCain's been showing a certain arrogance, particularly in a recent debate. Additionally, many vocal conservatives seem to have finally discovered Mitt Romney, what with their fear of a McCain presidency.

Anonymous said...

My wife used to tell me I was too much of a pessimist when I told her it's over for America.

Over the past couple weeks, watching the primaries, she has come over to my side.

I can't say I'm "happy" about that, but it's nice to have company in the realism camp.

Anonymous said...

Between McCain, Obama and Hillary, there isn't a dime's worth of difference in their political views. The Republican and Democrat established elites have melded into one entity, and they will win no matter who gets nominated or who wins the general election, especially if McCain is the nominee. All three believe in unlimited amnesty, an open border, cap and trade globaloney, giving rights to Gitmo detainees, and the restriction of free speech and gun rights.

And most Americans disagree with all of this, yet these are the "front runners."

Just goes to show the power of propaganda on ignorant people.

Anonymous said...

If McCain is the nominee, Hillary will win, democrats will also win a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, and margins so wide in the House that the liberals will run amok. Republican governors will fall across the country.

It will be a mess that America can NEVER pull out of. You think they have arrogant power NOW? Just wait.

Anonymous said...

More Americans are interested in the Super Bowl results than the election results.

Anonymous said...

More Americans are interested in the Super Bowl results than the election results.

Your point? ;)

Anonymous said...

Hey, I'll take "President Giants" over "President Clinton" or "President McCain" any day.

Anonymous said...

You've given words to my thoughts. I'll be voting for Romney on Tuesday and hoping that the country comes to its senses before it's too late.

Anonymous said...

"Confirmed: Barack Obama Practiced Islam", by Daniel Pipes:

http://www.frontpagemagazine.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=1F297C14-C64D-41B1-AEBB-E0325C823CD8

Anonymous said...

Obama is surging in the latest Rasmussen poll, and McCain is around 20% ahead of Romney.

Moderately acceptable news, and devastating news.

Anonymous said...

exit82, I thought you might appreciate this email I received a while back. I did.

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's:

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CDs, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms.......

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made fro m dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

If YOU are one of them, CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good .

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:

"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bi rd flu and terrorist a ttacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

For those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us...go ahead and delete this.

For the rest of us...pass this ON!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this thought-provoking essay. There's a lot of wisdom to be gleaned.

Anonymous said...

exit82...
Joanie is the best writer I know of, and as I read your essay, I was sure that it was she who had written it...

...until I got to the "wet dream" part. Then my mind told me, "Wait a minute, that doesn't sound like something Joanie would say!" and I scrolled down to the bottom to find your handle. I laughed.

It was a beautifully thought out and written piece and just like you, I fall into a deep depression when I ponder the future of America if McCrazy should be elected President.

Now here's something more to ponder: If McCain becomes the republican nominee, then Hillary will certainly be elected. If Hillary is elected, then in a few more years, Chelsea can run, and the Clintons can retire in the White House.

Anonymous said...

Cooper, your comment got me to thinking....the odds are better than 50-50 that Hillary will be our next president.

Since 1989, we have been "ruled" by two families, the Bushes and the Clintons. Is America so strapped for qualified candidates that a father/son, husband/wife team have been the best of the best in order to rule this country for the past 20 years?

The fact that a father and son both served as president, and now probably a husband and wife will do the same, just goes to show you how corrupt our system is, and how having political power is a self-perpetuating process that doesn't allow the cream to rise to the top.

BTW, I thought the same thing about this essay....I thought Joanie had written it until I got to the same spot you got to. :-)

Anonymous said...

NEWS
Wired.com, Feb. 4, 2008

The former head of Royal Dutch Shell calls on the European Union to ban all cars that don't get 35 mpg, saying it's the only way to force the auto industry to improve the efficiency of its cars.

* * *

Anonymous said...

The former head of Royal Dutch Shell calls on the European Union to ban all cars that don't get 35 mpg, saying it's the only way to force the auto industry to improve the efficiency of its cars.

Another feather in the cap of the most brilliant and concerned man on the planet: Al Gore.

< /sarc >

Anonymous said...

Thanks for providing the fodder for a nightmare tonight, Cooper. Geesh!

Anonymous said...

Intelligent commentary, if a bit depressing.

Anonymous said...

Here's a great Dear John Letter to McCain by George Moneo, owner of the Babalu Blog. Some exerpts:

"Since I was a young man I have loved politics. Growing up in a Cuban-American family propelled that avocation, staunchly anti-communist and pro-America. I was proud of who I was and where I was. My first political act, at the tender age of sixteen (in 1972), was to support Richard Nixon. He was a candidate, I thought, who could turn the country around and maybe achieve a real victory over the Communists in Vietnam. I was wrong. Richard Nixon turned out to be a polarizing figure, a flawed man who basically spoke like a conservative, but governed with all the doubt, angst and paranoia of a liberal. He was a walking inferiority complex running the country, and all we got for it was Watergate and a “just peace.” Instead of ending the Vietnam War with the unquestioned victory I had hoped for, he gave us the Paris Peace Talks. He gave us helicopters scrambling off the roof of our embassy in Saigon. He gave us wage and price controls. He took us off the gold standard. He gave us the Environmental Protection Agency."

"In 1976, thoroughly disappointed by Nixon and Watergate, and already jaded with politics, I heard a man speak at the Republican Convention that changed my mind about whether politicians could really mean what they said. That man was Ronald Reagan. When he spoke, I saw a man of conviction and I saw a man of loyalty. Loyalty to the values of the Republican Party that, as Frederick Douglass once wrote, made it the “party of freedom and progress.” I became a US citizen in large part because I wanted to vote for this man. Seven years later, when I swore my oath of allegiance to this country, I registered as a Republican. And the next year I cast my ballot for Ronald Wilson Reagan. Reagan was not a perfect candidate and he disappointed me on some issues. But I trusted him. I knew that he was a man that, even when I disagreed with him, held lofty goals and high principles."

"You sir, are no Ronald Reagan."

"...I cannot vote for you, sir, and I cannot support you. I am saddened that, for the second (and last) time in my life, I am seriously considering resigning from my party, the Republican Party I supported because of Ronald Reagan and its bedrock conservative principles. I'm leaving for good this time, John. I mean it. There's no coming back, John. There will be no reconciliations, no explanations, no justifications."

Anonymous said...

robmaroni said...
Where are the national Republican leaders speaking out against where our party is heading?

You wanna know where they are? A few principled ones, like Rick Santorum, are speaking out against this steamroller. (Santorum has said he will never vote for McCain.)

But most others are sucking up in the hopes of getting a cabinet position -- like Steve Forbes (who I respected until this morning when he endorsed McCain) who wants to be Treasury Secretary.

A pox on the lot of them. They're nothing but a bunch of political whores.

***********************************
Robb,

Santorum voted for Spector.

(and it didn't do him any good).

They are all slime.