Posted by
stevo on Saturday, September 16, 2006 3:45:18 AM
It has been said that "a house divided cannot stand." Apparently, the echoes of the these historic words now fall upon deaf ears. As the conflict in Iraq wore on and the President's numbers began to dip, it was easier to find prominent Daily Kos Democrats than loyal Republicans. In 2004, there was not enough room on the coattails of President Bush for the many eager Republican politicians. In 2006, Republicans act as if the man under the coat has leprosy.
Some might say that criticizing party loyalty in this instance is politically naive. Of course, a politician does not want to attach him/herself to a sinking ship. It makes sense to do whatever is possible to keep oneself afloat.
Conversely, who decided that the Bush Administration is a sinking ship? Could it be argued that the ship has been sabotaged in part by the desertion of Republican supporters?
I may disagree with some of the choices the Bush Administration has made, but they have have consistently stuck to their guns, even when under fire. They have often ventured into "no man's land" on issues like Social Security and Immigration, even with little support, because they knew that certain issues cannot be brushed under the rug.
Much more can be said of them than many of their fellow Republicans.
One of the handful of Republicans who have unabashedly supported President Bush throughout is Senator Rick Santorum. Like the President, he has a reputation for being a man of his word, even at the expense of his popularity. Even when given prominent opportunities to distance himself from the President, he expresses his belief that the President has done a great job and conducted the war in an effective manner. Yet, even this principled public warrior is often neglected by his own party.
This all said to make this final charge to Republicans: Return to the leader of your party. Support your President and defend his policies. As long as the debates are characterized by Democratic ad hominem and Republican abandonment, the battle is lost. Engage the debates and support the principled leaders of your party. This does not mean that free-spending Republicans should be embraced, but the defenders of the President and principle certainly should be.
Support the President. Support Senator Rick Santorum. Support your party.