Republican for Webb

By: VA for IKE
Published On: 9/14/2006 5:06:13 PM

Though I may be on the wrong end of the political spectrum in this particular blog, I thought it pertinent to tell you, the liberal supporters of Jim Webb, why I, a conservative Virginian, am voting for Secretary Webb in November.

I do so because I see a lot of -£conservative-bashing" occurring both on these blogs and also at the occasional Webb campaign events that I have been attending. Please don't write us off by painting us with the same red as you would Senator Allen. Our "side" after all is not evil. We all want the best for this country, and though our differences may be stark in some areas, I think Secretary Webb has a lot to offer disillusioned voters on my side of the divide: 
Five decades ago this November the people of the United States of America resoundingly voted in favor of re-electing President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his conservative Republican ideals. Eisenhower's platform was so popular that it even carried such traditionally Democratic leaning states as Tennessee and Texas. As a political moderate here in Virginia, I am one who has always been attracted to the theory of government espoused by President Eisenhower and those Republicans who followed in his ideological footsteps. Although I don't agree with everything the conservative agenda has to offer, I do cherish many of the ideals of the Eisenhower Republican platform, that which embraces smaller government, honesty, individualism, entrepreneurship, fiscal accountability, and a foreign policy based in realism. Republicans now in charge of this country have gotten to where they are today by standing on the backs of giants like Eisenhower and Reagan. I have a sinking feeling that if those men saw what has happened to their party today, they would seriously reconsider their affiliation. I know I am.

Nowhere is this concern more pronounced than in the Senate battle happening right now in my home state of Virginia. The election pits my supposed conservative Republican representative, Senator George Allen, against the more liberal Democrat, Secretary James Webb.

I have supported the likes of George Allen and his fellow Republicans in the past, not because of Allen's supposed "down-home" appearance (I am not so naive as to believe that no politician attempts to cultivate an image suitable for his/her constituency) or even for his supposed strength on national security (to question the patriotism and the desire of Democratic leaders to keep our country safe is, to me, reprehensible). No, I have supported George Allen because his party's ideals and goals aligned with my own. Yet, unfortunately that consistency is no longer evident. Though I do not think that this is a nation-wide phenomenon (men like Senator Chuck Hagel, Senator Lindsey Graham, among others continue to carry the banner of Eisenhower conservatism), I do think that it comes as a result of a furiously partisan political climate that has been ushered into existence by a Bush administration that sows fear and discord in order to win elections.

What this administration has failed to recognize is that winning elections is not the goal of politics. Governing is. And in order to govern effectively, a political party needs to stick to its platform, its goals, and its ideals. One who truly wishes to govern cannot do so by sacrificing those principles in order to simply win elections. To me, the Bush administration and the Republican party of George Allen have done just that.

The proof of this sacrifice is evidenced by the country's current situation: the national debt has ballooned out of control, calls for "small government" have been replaced by pork spending earmarks whose numbers have almost quadrupled since 2000, border security and ethics reform have been completely hijacked by political partisanship, the country is engaged in a conflict in Iraq which has undermined our War on Terror, and a foreign policy of realism and stability has been replaced by an overly pretentious desire to instill our own worldview on other peoples and cultures. This isn't the Republican party of Eisenhower. This is nothing but a hollow shell of the conservatism of the past, a party masquerading as a progeny of the system and ideology that propelled it into power in the first place.

What once stood for fiscal accountability, the ethical high ground, smaller government, and a realistic foreign policy, the Republican Party has truly lost its way. Fifty years after President Eisenhower won re-election and the hearts of the American people by an overwhelming margin, the Republican ideal is gone, and I am beginning to understand why Jim Webb left this party half a decade ago. I think I'll follow him.

Comments



RE: VA for IKE (JPTERP - 9/14/2006 5:29:41 PM)
Although RK is strongly pro-Webb with a left-leaning tilt, I suspect you'll find a number of moderate to conservative independents on the blog who find Jim Webb appealling for exactly the reasons you've outlined.  Welcome on board.


Great Post (DukieDem - 9/14/2006 5:36:51 PM)
This embodies why lots of us found Jim Webb appealing. If we wanted a litmus test liberal, we could have gone for the other guy in the primary. Instead, we wanted to go with a guy with integrity that could govern and be appealing to voters of all ideological stripes.

It's stupid to beleive that the Democratic Party alone can solve our nation's problems; we need to work together across ideological leanings. Unfortunatley, that can't happen as long as the radical wing of the Republican party uses K-Street style governing and swift boat style politics. Glad to have you on board and I hope there's many more of you out there!



"Winning elections is not the goal of politics. Governing is." (RayH - 9/14/2006 5:51:58 PM)

Bravo!

Welcome to our tent, it's good to have you here.

One reason I like Webb is that he holds the promise of bringing together moderate Republicans like you with Democrats like me to forge practical solutions. I'm eager to see less polarizing rhetoric and more effective government from Congress, and that has to begin with voters like us.

Conversly, I'm also eager to see a return to two-party rule. Some of my peers here won't like this, but I believe that many of the successes of the Reagan and the Clinton administrations are partly due to having to hash out agreements with worthy adversaries in Congress. One-party rule during the Bush administration has been a disaster.



Great Diary! (George Allen's Noose - 9/14/2006 5:55:41 PM)
I think a lot of Republicans are starting to realize that the leaders of today's Republican party do not actually practice what they preach. They have been seduced by power and corrupted by greed. There is only one remedy. Vote them out!


Thank you for your thoughtful post--we should all study your example!! (buzzbolt - 9/14/2006 6:04:57 PM)
Your well-balanced remembrance of President Eisenhower is particularly fresh in today's poisonous political circus. I am reminded that President Eisenhower's son, John, sadly resigned from the Republican party during the 2004 election and wrote a rationale using many of the same observations that you have so eloquently stated here.


Great post!! (drmontoya - 9/14/2006 6:11:30 PM)
From an ex-republican right here.

Welcome Aboard!

We need more people to come back to the Democratic Party.



Better governemt in common (Todd Smyth - 9/14/2006 6:32:18 PM)
I think the thing many of us have in common who are engaged and involved in politics is that we want "Better Government." We don't always agree on the size or exact role but we want it to be much better than it is.  More open, honest and realistic and much less corrupt and deluded.

The biggest problem we face today is that the solutions to the many problems we face require honesty and realism and we are being governed by people who are lying to themselves as well as the rest of the world. 

Allen is just a flat out stinker as a public official and he has to go.  I believe Webb has the honor, character and integrity required to hold his own and contribute to a change in Washington.  He can't do it by himself but he can certainly help the few other people of integrity to make some positive changes.  Webb also hasn't been compromised by money from big oil unlike the dude ranch bully we have in office now.



VA for IKE (Kathy Gerber - 9/14/2006 7:40:33 PM)
I can't tell you how appreciative I am that you have shared your thoughts.  We have many friends who have been Republicans and are now angry at the betrayal of their trust.  They have worked out their priorities and will be voting for Webb.

But we have one friend who is deeply troubled by the current situation and you have summed the situation up extremely well.  I plan to print it off.  And this will be the very first of these blog diaries that I have ever bothered to get on paper.

Thank you!



What an awesome diary! (phriendlyjaime - 9/14/2006 7:47:53 PM)
I can only say "Bravissimo!" and echo everyone else's comments, but I would LOVE to see a shorter version written (and I think it would DEFINITELY get picked up and published) as an LTE.  There are more stand up people out there just like you than you know, I am sure.

Thanks again!  Hope to see you at an event!



Well said! (Kindler - 9/14/2006 8:02:44 PM)
Welcome and thanks for sharing your thoughts so eloquently.  Fundamentally, most Americans want the same thing -- good, honest, competent government. 

I have no problem with Republicans who work to solve problems -- Jack Kemp and his empowerment zones, for example, come to mind.  What I do have a problem with is this current GOP crowd that only wants power for power's sake -- and is willing to sell off the good name of America, piece by piece, in order to hang on to it.



Others Feel That Way (PM - 9/14/2006 9:06:41 PM)
Sept. 14 (Bloomberg) -- More than a third of Americans view the November elections as chance to vote against the policies of President George W. Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress, a poll by the Pew Center for the People and the Press found.

Thirty-six percent of those polled said the congressional elections on Nov. 7 will be an opportunity cast a symbolic vote against the president, up from 15 percent before the last mid- term election in 2002, according to the survey by the Washington-base Pew Center.




May I (Newport News Dem - 9/14/2006 9:13:14 PM)
let my signature speak for me?


He is a johnny come lately - and sees his job leaving!!! (totallynext - 9/16/2006 8:33:05 AM)
Please

Jonah Goldberg?  He has done everything in his power to create an environment that it is okay to paint the demcratic party and anyone who is not a neo-conservative as an "enemy".  He is just a whore - who is now leaning in a way where he sees all of the money going.  PLEASE!



Another Conservative Bolts (PM - 9/14/2006 9:36:20 PM)
http://www.latimes.c...

Jonah Goldberg, a National Review editor, joins the group of true conservatives who think it's time for a change



Rumor heard: (kestrel9000 - 9/14/2006 9:37:13 PM)
Does anyone know anything about a conference last week in which DickWad was supposed to bow out last week as Felix's campaign manager, to be replaced by LaCivita?


Disregard (kestrel9000 - 9/14/2006 9:37:50 PM)
the second instance of "last wek" in the 4going.


You heard it here first...maybe (kestrel9000 - 9/14/2006 9:51:57 PM)
From http://www.republita...

Republitarian is right!

Most men I've dated have wanted sex with no committment, just like a dog.
Comments ()
#15 Jennifer on 2006-09-14 21:34 (Reply)
*If "Replicantarian is RIGHT", that means you must have dated most men in the world.
Which leaves you little room to call ANYONE a dog.
Male or female.
Either that, or you can acknowledge the fact that Replicantarian just made a bigoted, sweeping generalization, and further proceeded on the assumption that his particular interpretation of "morals" trumps that of others.
No Republican can make that claim with regards to me without my laughing in their Bush supporting, Constitution-disregarding, warmongering face. Oh, but I forget. Things like illegal and unneccesary war and violating the Constitution take back seat with the Republicans to their bizarre obsession with sex. It's their way of reliving the glory years of the Clenis.
Comments ()
#15.1 kestrel9000 on 2006-09-14 21:49 (Reply)
You WILL refrain from the intentional boogering of my name.
Comments ()
#16 republitarian on 2006-09-14 21:58 (Reply)
*Or you'll ban me, right?
Hey, good First Amendmenting, guy.
What were you saying about Dick Wad(hams) out and LaCivita in before you deleted it?
Comments ()
#16.1 kestrel9000 on 2006-09-14 22:02 (Reply)
*Gee, what happened to the "I'm Tired" diary?
It seems to have 'steriously disappeared.
Its snark met a boojum, I wot - it softly and suddenly vanished away.
Comments ()
#17 kestrel9000 on 2006-09-14 22:04 (Reply)


Heh.


From Replicantarian's sidebar: (kestrel9000 - 9/14/2006 9:54:40 PM)
Here's the blog.
Thu, 14.09.2006 22:00
Replicantarian said:
*I posted something that I should not have let go....

all I will say on the matter is that two [...]
Comments ()


The rest of it said something about "two campaigns now being run." In another post, there was a reference to "a conference last week."


My my. (kestrel9000 - 9/14/2006 9:58:33 PM)
More yet:
I pulled it because someone asked me to...but the info is correct.
Comments ()
#18 republitarian on 2006-09-14 22:09 (Reply)

and all of a sudden, I can't post.
Curiouser and curiouser.


I guess I can come out of the closet (Rebecca - 9/14/2006 10:42:54 PM)
I guess its ok to say I am a Progressive Democrat who believes that people should keep their guns. I do think the guns should be licensed. I keep getting slapped around by Democrats when I say this. I also agree with Webb that we need a strong military used wisely. Sometimes I feel like I can't even say the word military around Democrats. So now I'm out of the closet.


I don't mind that a couple of decent people (phriendlyjaime - 9/14/2006 10:58:14 PM)
might have a gun or two.

I mind advocating snooping into my private life re: sex and freedom while others are able to easily purchase an automatic weapon with no sound mind or reason. 



Not automatic, and certainly not easy (Walker Keith Armistead - 9/18/2006 1:19:10 PM)
phriendlyjaimie, you may want to re-consider that statement. No one in the US or Canada can "easily" purchase an automatic weapon. In order to do so one must jump through all sorts of ATF hoops proving their status as a bona fide collector of such weapons.


nothing wrong with what you say (Doug Garnett-Deakin - 9/14/2006 11:05:47 PM)
I feel the same as you, though I haven't run into democrats who have criticized me. My dad was a lifelong FBI agent and taught me how to shoot, and taught me what an awesome responsibility guns are. And he taught me, most importantly, that you shoot a person to kill a person, and that is the most important thing to understand about a gun. Period. It is to kill another human being. He was very liberal in many respects and passed that along to me too.

Here's something I just read about Webb- he felt strongly that the military was maintained between wars by career military people, but that ordinary citizens like you and I fight actual wars. At a time of real war, people like you and I are expected to give up our own freedom for a time, and perhaps make the ultimate sacrifice or to give up the people we are for all time (by killing another, by losing our limbs, professions, etc.) for the good of our society. That is not something that society should and has levelled on us lightly in the past.

But this current occupation does not follow that model, and shame on us if it doesn't- is this really the most important battle to shape the 21st century as our President said Monday night? If so, why do 95% of us feel absolutely no sacrifice?

It is right for citizens to have access to guns. It is right and responsible for us to own them and know how to use them. It is right for there to be some small government check to be sure we are not ALREADY a danger to society before purchasing a gun. There is nothing to be ashamed of there.



From my cold dead fingers will you take my guns..... (Roger A. Jarrell - 9/14/2006 11:29:01 PM)


Slapped when you say (kestrel9000 - 9/15/2006 2:19:16 PM)
people should keep their guns?
No slap from ME on that.
Slapped when you say they should be licensed?
Gee.....my palm is tinglin'.........>;)


Good for you, Rebecca (Nick Stump - 9/15/2006 2:31:05 PM)
I agree. After Vietnam, I thought we Dems sorta slipped over the edge on the military and guns.  I think many Dems are evolving in relation to these issues, or at least I hope so.  Twenty years ago Jim Webb wouldn't have won a Democratic primary. 

And if anyone gives you trouble about the military, you might point out there's plenty of Democrats names on the Vietnam War Memorial, and they weren't all draftees.  Many of us Democrats, especially ones from rural areas were raised in the tradion of military service.  In my family, my father and all my uncles served in WW2. In the next generation, I and all my cousins served in Vietnam--with the exception of one.  Today, we are all Democrats, with the exception of the one cousin who did not serve in Vietnam.  Go figure. 



sound thinking people welcome (Gordie - 9/14/2006 10:44:22 PM)
As a 70 year old life long Democrat who has always enjoyed a Government that had a 50-50 Congress with a change of back and forth party rule, it would never matter who would be President, cause then the Congress will debate good policies, wether there was sound leadership in the White House or not. When good thinking Republicans see that light, some day I will leave this earth knowning my family is in good hands. Welcome aboard.


Lots of conservatives agree with you about Allen AND Davis. (Andrea Chamblee - 9/15/2006 12:42:57 AM)
You're not alone.  The most recent Washington Monthly has seven prominent conservative authors explain why they're rooting for the Republicans to lose this year. But don't forget, George Allen is not alone in his blind loyalty to office and Party.  I can't pass up the chance to say Tom Davis's main concern is self-preservation, not good governing. I cast some of my first votes for Republicans like Connie Morella and Charles Mathias, so I know a moderate when I see one.  Davis claims to be a moderate but he's not, and I hope you also agree Davis must go.

Forget fiscal restraint -- Davis shakes down lobbyists for $3 million+ for his campaign fund and more for his PACs and in return lets them write Oil and Drug legislation that costs us Billions, and pulls punches - or cancels altogether - any oversignt of the bandits by the Reform Committee.  Only 7 lawmakers in Congress have received more money from lobbyists than Tom Davis. (Actually, with DeLay gone, it's only 6 ahead of him, of 435.)  When $3Mil wasn't enough payola, Davis got his wife a job for his good friend Don Upson; she makes appointments between him and the government contractors paying for contracts. A former staffer also works there. This summer the Washington Post revealed the company, ICG, to be an unregistered lobbyist.

Don't forget you won't get small government from a man who signed the subpoena for Terry Schiavo.

Even conservatives should vote for Andy Hurst.



How is this related to Dems for Allen (Andrea Chamblee - 9/15/2006 12:54:59 AM)
here:  http://www.raisingka...

Either "Dems for Allen" plagarized from this one, or someone is pulling our collective legs.



I had a feeling about this one..... (lwumom - 9/15/2006 1:10:32 AM)
when he said something about "conservative-bashing."  I e-mailed a friend about this post and included my own thoughts:

I read VA for Ike's diary and found it very refreshing, HOWEVER, I have mixed feelings about his call to stop "conservative-bashing".  I didn't post anything because I didn't want to seem like the wet blanket of the crowd....but....I've had enough of playing nice.  We Democrats have tried to be the bigger persons for years now.  We've been swiftboated, called godless, and morally and intellectually confused, among other things.  I worked for a company a few years ago where the owners listened to Rush every day on the radio IN THE OFFICE (guess they needed to know what to think), and they spewed his hate message every day.  I've heard hate, hate, hate from Republicans for years!!! And I'm like the Dixie Chicks....not ready to play nice!  While I respect VA for Ike's reasons for abandoning the Repubs, I resent the call to stop the bashing.  We've endured it for years...now, it's their turn! 

Seems like it was a ruse all along.



Regarding bashing (RayH - 9/15/2006 10:00:42 AM)

I believe that the responsibility for raising the level of political discourse in America falls equally on liberals and conservatives. It is very important that we meet lies and distortions from the other side head on. When we add name-calling and distortions or lies of our own to the dialogue, we'll get lots of attention, but lose credibility. When I get angry with the barbs and taunts of people spewing quotes from the likes of Ann Coulter, it is hard for me to resist slapping them around verbally. Sometimes I fail to maintain the restraint that I believe is required. It is still important, though.


Leadership... (VA for IKE - 9/15/2006 10:31:03 AM)
From previous post: "....I resent the call to stop the bashing.  We've endured it for years...now, it's their turn!"

This just seems like a poisonous, vicious cycle...

I would like to reiterate that 'bashing' may win you an election or two, maybe even a term of leadership in the House or Senate, but resorting to these tactics does nothing for your ability to actually govern. I would contend that my party has proven this important distinction between winning and governance over the course of the last several years. 

If any campaign/party/leader ever chose to really step up out of this downward spiral of partisanship, I think you would be surprised at how many people (conservatives and liberals alike) would actually follow them.

 



I understand what you're saying (lwumom - 9/15/2006 12:22:09 PM)
and I agree that bashing is not conducive to political unity.  However, I recall the last presidential election, when John Kerry wanted to stay above the fray.  He was painted as weak by the Bush administration and many voters apparently agreed. I do believe that we need to work together, but I'm not willing to have our candidates berated without a fight this time.


Let's not blame Va for Ike... (Nick Stump - 9/15/2006 2:06:57 PM)
...for the excesses of the Neocon Republicans.  I was just writing on the John Warner thread how I wish some true conservatives would post on RK.  I'm so sick of hearing neocon talking points, it's refreshing to hear a true conservative point of view.  Moderate Republicans and Democrats have much in common.  I believe this is a good thing.  Jim Webb is certainly not the tradional liberal Democrat and I believe that is a good thing too. 

This country has been torn apart by harsh rhetoric of both parties.  This is gonna be a tough election year.  We're gonna see enough mudslinging to do for a lifetime.  But we must somehow find a way to pull together and lift our country up. 

Don't get me wrong.  When the neocons attack with lies and distortions about our candidates, I believe we should hit back hard, but should alway fight with the truth as our weapon.  John Kerry had bad advice and was silent too long when the Swiftboaters lied about his war record.  That's no reason for Dems to resort to the same tactics as the Swiftboaters.  This administration's poor record is plenty for our candidates to win on. 

The Neocons have essentially pulled off a bloodless coup in the Republican Party.  But there are true conservatives, like Va for Ike who recognizing the harm caused to the country by the Neocons, are going to vote for Jim Webb this fall.

As far as the gun issue--I've owned guns my whole life and will continue to do so.  I consider the 2nd Ammendment as much a part of the Constitution as any other words written in that great document. 

So welcome, Va For Ike.  I suspect you won't be voting for Dems every time around, but you're sure welcome and needed to help send Jim Webb to the Senate, and I'm glad to see a real conservative step up and join us in this race. 



Put it in prespective - These guys are REAGAN GUYS! (totallynext - 9/16/2006 8:36:48 AM)
I think it is quite interesting that now the way that conservatives paint themselves or rather try to distance themselves from the current "ruling" party is to say they are Reagan republicans?  Where in the He@@ do you think the current people got there start?  They were all in the Reagan / Bush I Administration.  They have just continued the policy that started in the 1980. 

War on Drugs, War on Workers, War on Liberals, WAr on TERROR!

I say - just stop fighting - give them there way and be done with it.  Believe me the individuals that like all the money will make sure that the money keeps flowing to people who can buy crap!@