And we’d better listen:
Republicans once said that the opportunities this nation has to offer rest not in government but rather in the hands of individuals. Over the past decade or so, however, we Republicans lost our way. The disparity between our rhetoric and our action grew until our credibility snapped. It wasn’t the fault of our ideals. It was the failure of our leadership.
Over time, our principles morphed into baser motives. Continued political dominance grew more important to those who led us than the noble vision most of us originally signed on for. And to maintain power we turned to the controls of government — we became the party of big government. We behaved like Democrats.
True, the country has changed and our party must adapt. However, it is wrong to believe we must change our principles or become conservative-lite. After all, the voters did not suddenly become liberal; but they have lost any sense of confidence that the Republican Party holds the answers to their problems.
Most Americans today see a Republican Party that defines itself by what it is against rather than what it is for. We can tell you why public schools aren’t working, but not articulate a compelling vision for how we’ll better educate children. We’re well equipped to rail against tax increases; but can’t begin to explain how we’ll help the poor. We exclude far better than we welcome.
Lt. Governor Steele goes on to note that we shouldn’t set about beating Democrats, but instead work on winning voters. I am in whole-hearted agreement. First off, because it is the more Christian way to do things and I’m sick to death of the hatred of the past 8 years. Secondly because it is the way to win. And with rather big, if we do it right.
We have to apply the eternal verities to current conditions, not modify our verities to match whatever is fashionable at the moment. We have to explain why Truth is best and why coming along our path will help people to become freer, better educated, healthier and more prosperous. A well-ordered liberty built upon Judeo-Christian values is what we want; it is what is best; and it is what is most inclusive. There is room at our table for everyone save the incorrigible hater – and even he’ll be welcome if he ever changes his ways.
It is the left which hates and which lives on lies – we must not be like them. We must become the best of the best. Plenty of room here for repentant sinners, but no room at all for the coarse, the hypocrite, the greedy. Our Republican Party must shine with moral courage and stride forward fearlessly to proclaim the truth – and never worry about whether a particular election will be lost or won, but only be concerned with whether or not we adhered to truth, and fought for it with all our might.
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