Dakota Beacon

At a time in our history when we have never been more in need of a strong party in opposition, orchestrating a well-defined rejection of socialism and a firm hand at the helm to steer us away from the cliff’s edge, we find that the old adage of “uniting behind the leadership of the party” has been determined by many Progressive Republicans to be obsolete, now that they don’t appear to be the leadership of the party any more.  Suddenly we see a severe allergic reaction to the voters’ preference for Conservatism as the best antidote to this administration’s program of fascism/socialism.  It was almost like watching Rumplestiltskin in action when we saw the awkward, embarrassing antics of Lisa Murkowski, Mike Castle and Charlie Christ as they met defeat at the polls.  It is as if they are in denial.  There is something almost frightening about this fantasy world in which they appear to be living.

They have reacted variously.  Murkowski imagines that as a third party or independent candidate she can override the verdict of the Republican voters in the Alaskan primary and has filed to run against both major candidates.  Christ took off the mask and strolled for the last time across the aisle to join with the party of his choice (NOT the Republican Party) - and took his Republican funding with him.  Castle, in Delaware, just can’t seem to come out from under the bed.  He won’t declare war on his victor, Christine O’Donnell, and yet knows he’s cooked.  He also refuses to endorse the choice of the VOTERS of his own party.  We will simply have to wait and see whether the pathetic “she’s a witch” campaign will fool the electorate.  This is Delaware; they did elect Joe Biden.  Anything is possible.

I can remember ‘way back when Conservatives who felt betrayed (every day) by the likes of Arlen Specter were nevertheless made to feel bound to support the jerk, even when he voted more often with the Democrats than the Democrats did.  Remember?  Conservatives were admonished that they had to damn well take the offal that was presented to them, whether or not this moral refuse offended THEM.  It was still supposed to be “better than the other party”  and Conservatives were dutiful and “held their noses and pulled the lever” for Specter.  This scene was played out coast to coast, year after year after year after year after year.  The result has been an ever more porous and rotted party.  We have seen how this weakened moral fabric has served to allow America to become manipulated into the untenable place where we now find ourselves.  We elected phony Republicans who trillied across the aisle, put their empty heads together with Socialists who ran asDemocrats, and have made from the most successful and powerful nation in the world’s history a quivering, bankrupt wreck dependent upon foreign money to float its programs.

It is perfectly proper, when one finds that his party has changed, or his own views have changed, to honestly say so and make a clean break.  What does not wash is using a party until it turns you down and then finding the rank and file’s choice “unacceptable”.  It doesn’t look as though these ersatz Republicans – RINOs – have much right to scream or whine when the better players take the ball away from them.  In fact, our nation’s survival depends on these Conservatives doing just that.  We have seen a show of tremendous strength of character and mind of the American people, even after years of abuse by this tag team of Progressive politicians in both political parties.  It is evidenced through the groundswell of the Tea Party movement rolling across this nation like a tidal wave.  For now, Americans seem to be through with backroom politics and “deals”.  Hence the resentment of those who see themselves as kingmakers (Karl Rove, are you listening?). It is time for these RINOs to retire.  

It is disappointing that in many states (some close to home) voters who should deserve better will still have to cast their votes for these Progressives.  There were, in some cases, better calls to make.  Arizona is one case in point.  You may well know some others.  There the choice is indeed difficult – which Democrat shall we vote for?  The one who calls himself a Democrat or the one who pretends to be a Republican?  In other races we can all take heart that after many years in the proverbial desert, we finally have come to an oasis where we have a choice – not just two roads leading to the same destination.  Delaware voters will have this opportunity, the voters of Nevada have a chance to rid themselves of Harry Reid and elect Sharron Angle and bring some REAL “hope and change”.  In Alaska, in New York, in Florida, even in California, Americans will have a choice.  And it is now time for the losers of the primaries to “”come to the aid of their party”.  If they truly believe that party is the Democrat one, let them follow Arlen Specter, Jim Jeffords and Charlie Christ and move over there permanently, make room for a different view.  If not, if their loss represents no more than a disappointing obstacle to personal power, they need to buck up and face the fact that they lost and endorse – heartily endorse – the WINNERS of these primary races.  This pouting/defiance/hiding out is unbecoming and not befitting the leadership of a great nation.  

It has been a real revelation to see the “heads I win, tails you lose” attitude.  This is a season of change.  And “change” does not mean the same pig in a different frock.  It means we’re done with pigs for this season and ready to try something else.  We should call upon the “moderate” Republicans to put the “Republican” party first and their own political aspirations second as we all face a struggle to return America to the greatness that is hers.  The two party system is the one with the greatest potential to serve a free nation and provide the people with control of their government; third parties not only fail but it is best that they do.  The remedy is to clean up the flawed Republican Party and reject those whose ideas really place them in the Democrat column.  We MUST provide clear alternatives within two parties, we must not resort to third parties.  The way out of the woods and into a sound and free future is to present TWO clear choices which will serve to balance each other and provide Americans with the ability to steer the course of their destiny.


Sally Morris is a member of Americans for Constitutional Government