Ever since the election there has been a
lot of reflection on the future of the Republican Party and what it must do to
improve its appeal to groups other than white males. Well, in case you’re
interested, here are my ideas on the subject…..
Many conservatives seem to believe the
problem was their party’s failure to explain their policies and that they didn’t
“reach out” enough to minority voters. “If only these voters understood our
positions”, the Republicans argued, “they would see that we are the ones
looking out for their interests”.
I would suggest that the opposite is true.
As the GOPs positions on many issues became clearer, more and more people came
to understand how their election would be bad for the country.
Here’s my advice: If you want those minorities
and women to vote for your party, you need to initiate and support policies and
programs that HELP those constituencies, not HURT them. It really is that
simple.
If you want blacks to vote your way, don’t
try to make it harder for them to vote.
If you want Hispanics to support you, don’t
threaten to deport their grandchildren.
If you want gay people to join your party,
don’t deprive them of the same rights every other couple have.
If you want women to join your cause, don’t
mess with their reproductive rights.
If the GOP cannot adjust to the changing
demographics of our country and learn to support policies that serve the cause
of the common people and not the wealthy, I fear they will go the way of the
Whig Party. Americans deserve an honest debate about the direction our nation
needs to take to get us back on the road to prosperity. Unfortunately, one of
our political parties has chosen to only support policies that increase the
flow of wealth upwards. It’s not surprising, therefore that the majority of
Americans no longer see them as a viable alternative to the Democrats, who,
despite their faults, at least acknowledge the importance of giving a hand up
to EVERY American, not just the wealthy ones…..
I couldn't agree more, Bob. I think one of the major problems with the change is that part of the party platform is supporting Christian values.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/09/us-usa-campaign-georgia-idUSBRE8A813W20121109
Religious freedom is a fundamental part of the constitution. I fully accept that, but it's sad that they only cater to those that want the "Old Tyme" religion. Supporting the fundamental values such as being Pro-Life and the freedom to believe in Creationism drives a great chunk of their base. GREAT!!! Do that, but ignoring the reality isn't going to get them anywhere. A change of language could go a long way for them, as well as welcoming some moderate Republicans back in to the party. I think Chris Christie is starting to show some "rationale" to his views. Especially, coming out against the drug war. It's a failure, and the government spends way too much money on it. If Republicans could come out and bot shoot themselves in the foot by supporting Tea Party and the super-religious right I think they could still be a viable political party. Fundamentally, I think it is a problem with the primary system. Only the far right get nominated anymore because they all have to pander to very red districts. A dead man getting 4k write-ins should be a huge Red flag.