Entrenched Stupidity - Part I

by Christopher G. Adamo

A political battle is presently raging within the Republican Party that, in the long run, could prove to be far more significant than any presidential election. It is a battle which, if not prosecuted correctly, could result in the total defeat of conservatism, despite possible short-term numerical gains for Republicans in the House and Senate. Most ironically, it is a battle in which victory could be assured for those on the right, were they merely to stand unwaveringly on principles that they know to be morally and ethically correct. But it is by no means certain that they have the backbone to do so.

The situation is especially frustrating because the Democrat Party is on the verge of a total “meltdown.” With its suicidal opposition to every real effort at abating terrorism, accompanied by the prominence of the leftist fringe within its ranks, it is in serious danger of falling completely out of touch with the vast majority of the American people.

Unfortunately, every time Democrats approach “critical mass”, Republicans rescue them from the brink, by collaborating in total stupidity under the banner of “bipartisanship.” Consider the two latest examples of Republican acquiescence, which unquestionably bolstered the political standing of the Democrats.

Only weeks ago, President Bush achieved a major victory with the passage of worthwhile tax reductions. Not only did this move promise to stimulate a sluggish economy, it highlighted the inherent differences between the philosophies of conservatism and liberalism. Conservatism recognizes that the role of government is to establish justice, maintain order, and protect the borders of the country, so the people can be free to maximize their abilities to thrive and prosper. Among liberals, government exists to provide for a helpless and hapless population, whose only sustenance is that bestowed upon them by the federal nanny. So, in the wake of major tax reductions (advancing the first concept), what do Republicans do but sign on to a liberal “tax” bill that in reality is nothing more than a new handout to people who pay no federal taxes at all. No longer an issue of the morality of allowing people to keep their own earnings, now the debate is all about how much is “given” out by the federal benefactor, and which groups will benefit the most.

Worse yet, Republican participation in this ruse vindicated the Democrat assertion that government is in the business of giving “gifts.” But with Republicans still holding majorities, the “gifts” weren't distributed equitably (from the Democrat perspective). Instead, the rich got much bigger “gifts” than those with lower incomes who “really need” them. And this is what passes for smart political strategy?

Not surprisingly, President Bush is all but assuring total victory and philosophical dominance for the left by reverting to his “new tone” and thus supporting their agenda, believing such compromise to be the embodiment of virtue. In truth however, it is about as virtuous and honorable as holding the door for an escaping purse-snatcher.

In a three-part series, columnist Thomas Sowell describes how, in another monumental cave-in, Congressional Republicans have given support to a slavery memorial on the National Mall. Touted under the auspices of “reconciliation”, Sowell explains that it will undoubtedly have quite the opposite effect, inflaming resentment of those whose ancestors suffered the injustices of enslavement, along with those who weren't alive at the time, but are continually being blamed for it. If Republicans believe such pandering will somehow endear them to Black America, they had better think again. Clearly, liberal Democrats led this effort. Why then should black voters be expected to abandon those who lead, and choose instead to align with those who reluctantly follow?

Were Republicans truly interested in results, instead of meaningless symbolism, they would take the occasion of a proposed “slavery memorial” to highlight the present-day enslavement of young African-Americans in the public schools of this nation's inner cities. And it is liberals who, by opposing school choice, are standing in the way of their emancipation. Does anyone on the Republican side of the aisle in Congress have the courage to say so? Or is it more pragmatic to simply crawl aboard every new initiative proffered by the left?

Such shameless abandonment of principle gives cause to wonder if Republicans really believe this to be a winning political strategy, or if they are merely terrified of controversy. Maybe someone should ask Bob Dole, since this was his “strategy” during the presidential campaign of 1996.

Growing up during the turbulent decades of the ‘60's and ‘70's, Christopher  Adamo saw, to his dismay, the nation's moral foundations being destroyed  before his very eyes. But even then he was a staunch Conservative at heart,  and rejected outright the tenets of America's counterculture revolution.

 After a hitch in the Air Force, where he specialized in airborne  electro- optical systems, he pursued a career in the field of aerospace,  working for major defense contractors in California, Florida, and Colorado. But his career plans abruptly changed during the industry-wide downsizing that followed the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

Presently he is working in the field of industrial instrumentation in the state of Wyoming. Concurrently, he has become involved in that state's political process, attending state GOP conventions as a delegate, and serving as a member of the Wyoming Republican Central Committee. He has also aided in the candidacies of local legislators and state senators, as well as a U.S. Senator and Congresswoman.

From 1993 to 1996, he edited and wrote for “The Wyoming Christian”, the state newsletter for Christian Coalition of Wyoming. During that period, he developed an acute awareness of the harm being done to Conservatism by liberal activists within the Republican Party as well as the Democrats. This remains a favorite theme of his articles, which now appear as a regular feature on GOPUSA.