When Losing Is A Good Thing.

Like many of my Republican, conservative Christian, politicos I am frustrated at the morphing of many in the party to Dem-lite (same spending, half the demagoguery). The main similarity of both political parties in America is that they want power for power's sake. Those individuals seeking power want it to aggrandize themselves with the trappings of power, but do not want to lead - lest it jeapordizes the perks and privileges they covet.

The current leadership in the GOP (elected and appointed) have given me every reason to vote against the Democrats, but no reason to vote for Republicans. In 1994 we had every reason to vote against the Dems; but moreover, we had great reasons to vote for Republicans. In 1994 the GOP had the ideas, ten point to bring up, debate, and vote on. All of us, liberal, moderate, and consevative knew where definitively the GOP stood and had a clear vision of where the party was leading. It is what brought them to power.

Now, in 2006 there is no clear vision. Where will the GOP definitively lead the country? On the issues of taxes, spending, foreigh policy, immigration, welfare, Social Security, etc, what specific ideas will Republicans bring to the floor of the House and Senate to debate and vote on? I have not heard any.

If the GOP loses, it will be because of this lack of vision and willingness to lead. For the Republicans this can be a good thing. Unlike the Democratic Party, the Republican Party will soul search and ask tough questions of itself. The greatest thing of the American Republic is the soul-searching effort that goes on from the individual to communities and societies to the organizations of government themselves.

Two years removed from legislative power should wake up the GOP leadership. They should realize that with power come responsiblity. Power should never be sought without a clear vision as to why you want it, and that vision should be plainly articulated, honestly and passionately.