With the increasingly obvious disintegration of the Republican Party, much like its predecessor, the question becomes, "Now what?" The unholy alliance between the various factions is fracturing, with the paleos becoming the voice of the modern GOP, much to the consternation and disgust of the intellectual wings of the party. The most recent, and damning yet, defection was by none other than C.C. Goldwater, granddaughter of Barry Goldwater. I found her criticism of McCain to be particularly poignant, because she was talking about the disintegration of something her grandfather helped build but would not recognize today. On second thought, maybe this isn't a "new" defection, per se. I just ran across this website, and I found it very amusing and on point.
For the moderates in the GOP, and the Democratic Party for that matter, I have discovered a political party that may serve you well. They are moderate in both social and fiscal issues, and their platform seems quite sensible. Also, they have a name that should be familiar to students of American history, with a twist. I refer to the Modern Whig Party. Looking at their platform, I have trouble seeing why they aren't huge already, and if they are well-led, I see a far greater potential for their growth than even the Libertarian Party in their heyday.
For Independent-minded voters, I include the Independence Party of America, not to be confused with the paleoconservative Alaskan Independence Party with which we have become too familiar with the nomination of the Trojan Moose for Vice-President. The thing I like the most about this group is their refusal to rely on any one set ideology to fix the problems that face us. I find that rational, sane, and refreshing. I also have hope for a bright future for this party.
Just for shits and giggles, I'm also including the Personal Choice Party. I don't know why I'm including them, but I'll cite blogger's prerogative. For fuck's sake, they even had Marilyn Chambers (yes, THAT Marilyn Chambers) as their VP candidate back in '04. They seem to be an ideological libertarian party, whose belief in non-interventionism stretches as far as any I've seen aside from the Voluntaryist movement. I think they're a bit odd, but I find it hard not to like their thinking.
I mentioned the Libertarian Party, and I admit that I say this with some sadness and fondness for what they once were. Still, for those whose main issue is free trade and getting the government out of as many aspects of our lives as possible, this is your party. Their biggest problem is a penchant for infighting which has stunted their growth significantly over the decades of their existence. For years, I have hoped they would get their act together, but that hope is dead. The moderates have long since jumped ship for the GOP and the Democratic Party, and I'm one of them. The reason: Not only have the inmates started to run the asylum, they have torn down the asylum brick by brick. How else can you defend their choice of Bob Barr as their presidential candidate?
Finally, for the Dominionists, Christian Reconstructionists, and Christian "conservatives," as well as Mona Charen and her fellow victims of intellectual Stockholm Syndrome, I have found a fitting hell for you: the Constitution Party, a place where you may fling shit at each other and preach damnation at those who would oppose you. Forget Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli, which clearly states that the United States of America is NOT a Christian nation. Forget the sad irony of the following quote by President George Washington, "...the Government of the United States...gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance...May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy." No, continue on your Dominionist rants and further marginalize yourselves, and leave the heavy lifting for those who truly deserve the appellation "conservative".
In closing, enjoy the music, but only if you like metal. I don't know if I've already posted this song, but I've had it stuck in my head all day. 6/8 time at 65 dotted-quarter-notes per minute for almost six minutes. Damn! How do they have any energy after this one song?
5 comments:
Paleocons indeed.
As a lefty I gleefully watch as the GOP implodes, but inside I find it disturbing. To keep the party from going too far to the left or too far to the right, we need for the two major parties to be strong.
But I do sometimes think it might actually work better if we had something like a coalition government. Not entirely, but there are some aspects of that which I find appealing.
Thus, I GREATLY appreciate your suggestions for dissatisfied Republicans as they may soon begin to look for other political parties to satisfy their apparent thirsts for appealing brands of politics, or in some cases, utter kookiness.
I could deal with the Modern Whig party just fine. After seeing the site from the link you provided, I have to agree. Why isn't this movement taking hold? It seems a good match for Republicans who are tired of the beating the GOP has taken from the undue influence of the socially conservative religious kookballs.
I can agree with at least one thing the Independence party says, and with enthusiasm: "We believe that positions on social issues e.g. abortion, gay rights, etc. are best determined not by a political party but by individuals." That cuts into the "groupthink" ethic/problem rather nicely.
Re. the Constitution Party... heh... that's probably where all the religious phreaks belong. Mona Charen? On my god... people like that aren't "Conservative", they are "repressive", "suppressive", or some such thing.
Let's hear it for a real AMerican three-way. Let's see the Democrats versus the Modern Whigs and the Constitution Party. How about no more Republicans. It is really looking as if there are no real Republicans left in America any more.
Schism, ho!!!
Sorry, in my first paragraph I meant to say "To keep the COUNTRY from going too far to the left or too far to the right (within the current system), we need for the two major parties to be strong."
Also, you are mentioned in a favorable light in my current blogpost. Go Tide!! :-)
I fear the Christo-Fascists have made inroads into the Democratic party as well.
Seperation of church and state are vital to a free society and we are slipping away from it in all major partys.
I'm with the Democrats not because I agree with them in whole, but because I agree with them in major part, if that changes I'll drop them like a hot potato and they've been told that in multiple forms (as the withholding of cash since the election of the Republican Congress).
The Dems still haven't learned a full lesson, but they are learning and the 50 state campaign is a sign of it.
I know what you mean. I've seen ads for Deborah Bell Paseur for one of the judgeships, perhaps Court of Criminal Appeals or Supreme Court. I forget which, and I find direct elections of judges an abomination that eliminates the independence our judiciary should have. Back on point, I WAS going to vote for her opponent because of how schlocky and conspicuously pious her ads were. It was not until I printed my sample ballot that I realized, to my horror, that her less obnoxiously pious opponent is the Republican in the race. I don't know who will get my vote in that race. This race is made of fail.
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