Is Mike Huckabee really a conservative who believes in small government?

Mike Huckabee seems a bit confused. In a recent speech, he discussed the future of the Republican party, and he had this to say:

“One of the things that concerns me is that in the United States there is real talk of maybe we need to have this big tent and accommodate every view,” Huckabee said. “That will kill the conservative movement.”

I’m not sure if Mike Huckabee realizes it or not, but the United States only has two major parties. When you have only two parties, you should have a “big tent” to accomodate a broad cross section of the country. If not, your party will get decimated in elections. Of course, if Mike Huckabee really believes in having total agreement on a wide variety of social and fiscal issues, it might lead the GOP to become a powerhouse…among second tier parties. That’s right, it will probably be able to dominate the Libertarian, Green, and Socialist parties in elections. Sure, the Democratic Party will continue to pick up seats at a rapid pace, but at least the dwindling membership of the GOP will be homogenous and won’t have to put up with dissenting voices. You know, those pesky people who contribute to a lively debate. » read more

Get Harry Reid a history book

When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made his rambling speech about how opponents of the health care bill (mainly Republicans) are racist, he brought up the Civil Rights Act to prove his point. Unfortunately, Mr. Reid was wrong about those evil Republicans:

Historians also faulted Mr. Reid’s curious reference to the Senate civil rights debates of the 1960s. After all, it was Southern Democrats who mounted an 83-day filibuster of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill. The final vote to cut off debate saw 29 Senators in opposition, 80% of them Democrats. Among those voting to block the civil rights bill was West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd, who personally filibustered the bill for 14 hours. The next year he also opposed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Mr. Byrd still sits in the Senate, and indeed preceded Mr. Reid as his party’s majority leader until he stepped down from that role in 1989.

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Do you oppose the health care bill? If you do, you’re a racist and a sexist

Do you oppose the health care bill? If you’re concerned about taking a step toward a single-payer system, using tax dollars to pay for abortions, or rationing, you’re not a concerned citizen, you’re a racist. Oh, I almost forgot: You’re also a sexist. If you’re thoroughly confused, don’t worry, so is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

In a sign that he realizes his house of cards is falling in around him, the Senator made a vicious attack on Republicans who oppose the health care bill. Here is his statement: » read more

For Republicans, common ground is necessary

When I heard that some in the G.O.P. were trying to establish a “purity” test, I was concerned. According to what I read, candidates failing to agree with at least 8 of the 10 points in the test would not be eligible for money or endorsements from the party. My concern was based on a tendency by some to narrow the party’s base, thus hurting our overall chances in the 2010 elections. After reading the ten resolutions, I’m not concerned.

Fiscally, I’m about as conservative as you get, and I favor limited government. The stimulus bill, bank bailouts, cap-and-trade, and socialized medicine all nauseate me, I oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants, and I’m a strong proponent of 2nd Amendment rights. That seems fairly common for a Republican, doesn’t it? It is, until you consider that I support gay marriage, I’m prochoice, and support the decriminalization of marijuana. Some would find these positions inconsistent with the Republican party, but I don’t. If someone truly believes in limited government, then they should stay out of its citizen’s private lives. » read more

Dede Scozzafava’s betrayl

In the space of about 24 hours, New York Congressional candidate Dede Scozzafava went from being considered a selfless hero for dropping out of the NY23 race, to a traitor for then turning around to endorse Democratic candidate Bill Owens. Based on her actions, Ms. Scozzafava should seriously consider leaving the Republican party.

It’s understandable that Ms. Scozzafava wouldn’t want to endorse Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, due to their differing political beliefs, but the same should be true of Bill Owens. I’m one of those rare people who seems to think a political pary in a two-party system needs to have a wide umbrella with some core issues that bring people together. One of those core issues should be increasing the number of GOP House seats to help Republicans gain control of the House and attempt to bring fiscal restraint. By offering an endorsement ot Bill Owens, Ms. Scozzafava has offered her support to Nancy Pelosi. » read more

Dede Scozzafava’s decision: Great for conservatives, not so great for moderates

I was surprised to hear about Dede Scozzafava’s decision to suspend her campaign for a Congressional seat in New York’s 23rd district. Since she is currently running third in the polls, her chances of winning were slim, and the chances of splitting Republican votes and handing them to the Democrat were likely. It’s important to pick up as many seats as possible in order to eventually remove Nancy Pelosi from power. Ms. Scozzafava realized that, and I commend her for her selfless decision. With that said, I’m also a bit worried.

While Dede Scozzafava’s decision will likely lead to greater unity for Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, it certainly doesn’t bode well for moderate Republicans in general. I’ve never been a big fan of the two party system, since it essentially forces people to pick the side that is closest, rather than a side that is close. That results in a certain ideological heterogeneity that you wouldn’t find in a multiparty system. Unfortunately, it seems that some on the far right don’t seem to get this, and have a tendency to lash out at moderates the same way they would at Nancy Pelosi. It’s similar to a “with us or against us” mindset. » read more