Bullcrap.
The problem is just that. Most of the voters oppose Republicanism and conservatism to the core now. Entitlements are a need. Government workers are revered and a public service, and don't ever dare call them overpaid. Homosexuality is a God-given right (ha!) and no one is allowed to criticize it. The idea of leaving people alone and expressing responsible behavior is, quite frankly, anathema to the modern culture.
This is a different country. Those of us who see the error of these people's ways, and fear the national destruction that HAS BEEN HAPPENING and will happen further, are now the opposition.
It is their fault. It is their ignorance. “Patriotic” Americans are a dying breed—literally, judging by demographics lately.
Which is precisely why I agree with the idea of not having a major platform or manifesto for the Democratic Party Machine to attack. The Tea Party's greatest gains of 2010 were fueled solely by the idea that the Republicans were the opposition, and that's all they needed. The fact is, if the Republicans retake the Senate, the ignorant masses are not going to like what they do, so it has to be a stealth operation.
I largely agree. But an opposition's duty is to
oppose, and to do that, you need to stand for something.
The GOP suffers for its current appearance of standing for either nothing at all, or for its refusal to defend itself against its Democrat/Media caricature.
I would suggest that Republicans coalesce around the proposition that America has lost its way, and needs to return to its foundational principles: liberty, individual responsibility, and virtuous behavior. They ought to promote the importance of voluntary associations, not government as the primary means of solving social problems, and champion the rebuilding of families, and the vitality of neighborhoods, communities, membership organizations, religious groups and charities.
They also ought to ask Democrats to reject the voices of hatred, anger, intolerance, bigotry, and irresponsibility that now dominate their own leadership. Recognize that honorable people may differ on many things, and on ideas, and that such diversity of thought is not only acceptable, but welcome.
Challenge Democrats and independents to question their assumptions, to check their premises, and to think outside of the boxes that the media has created for them.
Be positive. Be forward-looking. Be cheerful. Be calm. But be honest and ask others to ask the same of themselves. Reject the politics of hatred and division. Stop the mindlessly stupid negative and phony advertising - leave that to the other side. Instead, have our candidates speak directly and calmly to the voters and viewers - right into the camera - and tell them that if America is to survive, America must first return to its fundamental principles, and invite all people of good will to join in the fight.