Party Platform Pandering (5 times fast)

               “Ap⋅pease [uh-peez] - to yield or concede to the belligerent demands of (a nation, group, person, etc.) in a conciliatory effort, sometimes at the expense of justice or other principles.” Not exactly a headlining chapter in the Book of Virtues, am I right? I didn’t hear many presidential candidates proclaiming their support for appeasement, of any kind, during the 2008 debates. I didn’t see Barack Obama using that as his catch phrase (although, it was the overwhelming theme) during his European Victory Tour. Even the most inexperienced politicians, like our sitting president, must know that letting the word appeasement slip out of your mouth is the first step toward trading in your paid government position for a “Political Analyst” title on cable news.

                In the America I know and love, we value our principles and respect those who uphold those principles. Or, at least, I do. Those who are willing to compromise their own beliefs and/or values, for some political or situational gain, are vilified as “sell-outs” or “panderers.” And, rightfully so. So, why are Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, and Republicans alike, asking the Republican party to do that very thing?

                It seems the nation wants Republicans to alter their platform principles to accommodate more people and create more diverse base. Essentially, they would prefer that the GOP work harder to appease the current majority, or become more Democrat-like. This strategy would make perfect sense if this were a junior high school popularity contest. But, for a political system based on differing ideology, this makes no sense at all. While it’s true that Republicans are down, they are not out. They’re presence is known, and very necessary. A one-party government, on either end of the spectrum, is bad for everyone. Our government is built upon checks and balances of power, and a pluralist struggle between groups. If Republicans simply abandon their core principles to appease the majority, they create a one-party system. This could be devastating for both parties and the country, as a whole. 

It’s not a question of whether or not the Republicans are at a low point. They are. No one doubts that. But, it also has nothing to do with a conservative ideology. The general public likes to say (and often) that Republicans have gone too conservative for the rest of the country, and that is why they see dwindling numbers. However, history shows that Republicans have enjoyed their greatest successes when true conservatism reigns supreme in the party. Just take at the Reagan years. Ronald Reagan continues to be the man atop the conservative trophy, a prototype for every true conservativepolitician. Not only did he set voting records, he grabbed the support of Democrats for years thereafter. So, how is conservatism a recipe for limited political audience? Obviously, the conservative platforms, when articulated correctly (and sometimes aided by a wide-brimmed cowboy hat), appeal to a wide range of Americans.

Conservatism is not dead, just in temporary hibernation. The political opinion of the moment is, of course, liberalism. Republicans know this, but would do themselves a disservice in the long-term if they abandon their principles for a short-term gain. Though Democrats and the current public majority would be excited to see the shedding of the Republican label, no one would respect the move. How can any American, regardless of their views, truly respect a party that lacks consistency and values? I know that I have respect for people, groups, and parties that know what they believe and why the believe it. I may not agree with them, but I respect them. It is absurd to think that Republicans should defy their own values to appease the ever-changing majority opinion. Differing opinions and alternating political momentum is what makes this government functional and effectively limited. Instead of looking to eliminate or alter the minority, we should embrace and openly debate the differences. That makes for a great democracy.

Read more of this blog at http://dailyrepublic.typepad.com/literalinterpretation. 

                In the America I know and love, we value our principles and respect those who uphold those principles. Or, at least, I do. Those who are willing to compromise their own beliefs and/or values, for some political or situational gain, are vilified as “sell-outs” or “panderers.” And, rightfully so. So, why are Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, and Republicans alike, asking the Republican party to do that very thing?

                It seems the nation wants Republicans to alter their platform principles to accommodate more people and create more diverse base. Essentially, they would prefer that the GOP work harder to appease the current majority, or become more Democrat-like. This strategy would make perfect sense if this were a junior high school popularity contest. But, for a political system based on differing ideology, this makes no sense at all. While it’s true that Republicans are down, they are not out. They’re presence is known, and very necessary. A one-party government, on either end of the spectrum, is bad for everyone. Our government is built upon checks and balances of power, and a pluralist struggle between groups. If Republicans simply abandon their core principles to appease the majority, they create a one-party system. This could be devastating for both parties and the country, as a whole. 

It’s not a question of whether or not the Republicans are at a low point. They are. No one doubts that. But, it also has nothing to do with a conservative ideology. The general public likes to say (and often) that Republicans have gone too conservative for the rest of the country, and that is why they see dwindling numbers. However, history shows that Republicans have enjoyed their greatest successes when true conservatism reigns supreme in the party. Just take at the Reagan years. Ronald Reagan continues to be the man atop the conservative trophy, a prototype for every true conservativepolitician. Not only did he set voting records, he grabbed the support of Democrats for years thereafter. So, how is conservatism a recipe for limited political audience? Obviously, the conservative platforms, when articulated correctly (and sometimes aided by a wide-brimmed cowboy hat), appeal to a wide range of Americans.

Conservatism is not dead, just in temporary hibernation. The political opinion of the moment is, of course, liberalism. Republicans know this, but would do themselves a disservice in the long-term if they abandon their principles for a short-term gain. Though Democrats and the current public majority would be excited to see the shedding of the Republican label, no one would respect the move. How can any American, regardless of their views, truly respect a party that lacks consistency and values? I know that I have respect for people, groups, and parties that know what they believe and why the believe it. I may not agree with them, but I respect them. It is absurd to think that Republicans should defy their own values to appease the ever-changing majority opinion. Differing opinions and alternating political momentum is what makes this government functional and effectively limited. Instead of looking to eliminate or alter the minority, we should embrace and openly debate the differences. That makes for a great democracy.

Read more of this blog at http://dailyrepublic.typepad.com/literalinterpretation.