It was heartening to read about how moderate Republicans reacted to the President's State of the Union Address. Here is an interesting excerpt reagarding Maine Senator Olympia Snowe's repsonse to the President's Social Security plan:
"As others felt the pressure to come to their feet, Snowe, who has said she would "certainly not" support Bush's proposal, remained seated without applauding. She smiled uncomfortably and re-crossed her legs."
And this from South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham:
"When the president made his pitch for restrictions on medical malpractice lawsuits, virtually the entire Republican caucus joined a standing ovation. But Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.), who has labeled Bush's proposal "one of the worst bills in Congress," was virtually alone on the Republican side in remaining seated. Spotting Graham in his seat, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) slapped his colleague on the shoulder in a playful reprimand. Graham only smiled."
Moderates have sometimes been portrayed as weak-in-the-knees and the type that goes along to get along. It was wonderful to see a small band who were willing to have the courage of their convictions and not simply join in the applause of something they might not agree with.
I fear that the GOP is becoming a party of syncopahnts: you don't have to think, just agree with the party line. Just agree with what the President or Bill Frist or Tom Delay tells you to agree on. That's not leadership and that is not what any political party is about- except maybe the Communist Party in North Korea.
I would like to believe that the party will understand that following one's conscience doesn't make you a bad Republican-it makes you a thoughtful one.
Kudos.
Posted by Dennis at February 3, 2005 11:51 PMRush Limbaugh is a living absudity
Posted by: Dr S Gerber at February 21, 2005 07:56 PMBush is not a Republican. He has no heart no soul
Posted by: Dr S Gerber at February 21, 2005 07:54 PMI visit this site because, as a conservative Democrat, I have found comments posted by some of the most mature, thoughtful Republicans here. Let's keep it that way, O.K.? In the months following the November election, Democrats were called every name in the book by Republicans, for standing up to challenge the assumed outcome and for not always agreeing with one another on every issue. I live in Ohio so I and many of my family and friends truly experienced a period of depression because we believe that Bush is the most dangerous President in our history. Each and every day he proves this. I have two sons who will be of drafting age within the next four years, so I have reason to worry. But I think the best way for all of us to get through the next four years, assuming Bush will last that long, will be to pay attention to the fact that not every Republican supports the Bush administration, and not every Democrat hates everything about them. Let's find common ground. I'm having to struggle with inlaws and other relatives who voted for Bush and not argue with them - so wish me luck as I try to remain civil!
Posted by: Teena at February 9, 2005 01:35 PMFor every Republican that has the courage and integrity to stand up (or stay seated perhaps) to this administration there is a dumb shit Democrat who undermines their sacrifice.
Posted by: dorsano at February 4, 2005 11:17 PMWhat's that term the Limbaugh croud uses, "Ditto-Heads"?
Posted by: William Bollinger at February 4, 2005 12:42 PM