What Conservatives Can Learn From Liberals
Whether you agree or disagree with them you have to acknowledge there is one glaring problem that plagues too many in the GOP: NO BACKBONE.
We see progressive liberals and even progressive Republicans who say very pointed things and can be heavily ridiculed about them at times, rightly so. But, there is one difference; when progressives are questioned and ridiculed about their beliefs, they stick to said “beliefs”.
Conservative lawmakers, candidates, judges, etc., etc., etc., continue to say what they believe and get vilified and lambasted for it in the mainstream media. Todd Akin or Richard Mourdock ring a bell? These GOP members constantly articulate their beliefs (albeit poorly) only to back down a short time later when questioned about their comments. They are told that this is going to destroy them and alienate them from the Independents, so they cave.
Democrats NEVER have to “worry” about alienating anyone. More people consider themselves “conservative” than compared to ANY group in the country, and conservatives are the ones that have to worry about alienation? I think quite the opposite. I believe that if the Republicans in D.C. would grow a spine and stay principled and true to their beliefs that you would attract more people back to the party. Republicans have alienated many people NOT because of the views but because they have NO spine and many cannot trust in which way they are going to be “bending” that day. There is no platform to stand on anymore; are we against raising taxes or are we for them? Are we for the 2nd Amendment or are we against it?
The Democrats NEVER apologize for their beliefs. Republicans are always made to retreat and compromise their principles, values, and morals. Compromise is just a code word that everyone – especially conservatives – needs to move to the left. I think that the GOP would be smart in taking Ronald Reagan’s approach of listening and compromising as long as it does not go against our morals. But, in order to do that we must first define what those morals are.
This is a link to MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry backing her statements that your children are not solely yours, they belong to the collective. A great example of a progressive being ridiculed and not backing down, but, instead doubling down. Staying true to your convictions – no matter what they are – is something to be amdired. I can handle anyone who believes in what they say, admits it, and embraces it. Then we can begin to have a substantial and meaningful debate. Melissa Harris-Perry