The Conservative Thread: Back to Basics. Pass the Lasagna and Have a Flower!!

[blestmom]

Not Moderate. Moderates lost this election. Here in CA we elected Obama. But in the same election the vote for or against the propositions went decidedly conservative. This in a BLUE state! If we run conservatives we win if we run moderates, the moderates vote for the Democrat.

Exactly...that is exactly right!!

 

[blestmom]

I agree. But I think that much of the thought process is on the Presidential race and not enough on the congressional end where I think we really lost. In two years we have another congressional election. Republicans need to be seriously thinking about what they're going to do to win back seats. (we did it with the Contract with America) I certainly wish Obama the best in his Presidency, because if he does well we all prosper but in reality... The Democrats run everything now. And, I'll tell ya... they don't too well when they are running everything. (citation: Presidents Carter and Clinton) When they fail (and they will) we need to be ready with strong conservative voices. If we perform strongly in 2010 then we will be poised to take the White House in 2012. If not, then it will be 2016 before we can wrest contol from the libs. And there's a whole lot of damage that can be done between now and then.

Yep...I agree with this too!

 

[blestmom]

I found this on Mike Pence:

From the Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) -

"We are pleased to endorse Congressman Pence to be the next Republican Leader of the House," said CFIF President Jeffrey Mazzella. "Throughout his career and as leader of the Republican Study Committee, Congressman Pence has never wavered from the principles of limited government, lower taxes, personal responsibility, individual freedom and a strong national defense. Rather, he has been an effective and articulate leader on those principles during a time when the Republican majority departed from many of them," Mazzella added.

(It is from 2006. I don't know much about Mike Pence Maybe someone else has more current info...)

 

[Tink & Goofy]

Americans forget very fast. I doubt most of the PTS even remember what happened on 9/11.
Remember how some complained about seeing videos of it on TV?

 

[luvs_eeyore]

I'm on facebook, too -- could we join a 'no we didn't' group?

Now that is a group I would like to join!

I wonder when they'll start the "We did what?!?" group.

 

[blestmom]

Americans forget very fast. I doubt most of the PTS even remember what happened on 9/11.
Remember how some complained about seeing videos of it on TV?

I so completely agree with this. That is one thing that has really, really confused me. WHY won't they let it be shown on T.V.? Yes, it is upsetting. It should be. And everyone should remember...everyone MUST remember.

We honored our veterans at church today. I got a little teary-eyed thinking of what our veterans do to defend us...and so many people don't appreciate it. Not only that, they dislike the military.

I started thinking of the horrible videos/audios that were going around during the beginning of the Iraq war, of Americans being tortured. And sadly, yes, I think Americans forget too fast.

They seem to think that if we just 'be nice' to the terrorists, and "talk," that they will then like us, and leave us alone. At least, that is how many of my liberal family members seem to think. I don't get it.

 

[blestmom]

This is part of a segment with Mike Pence this morning on Fox News Sunday:

PENCE: Well, let me say -- look. You know, I'm a conservative, but I'm not in a bad mood about it, Chris. You know, the purpose of the opposition is to oppose, to oppose every time that we do.

And look, we're -- you know, I prayed for our president-elect this morning. I think Americans all want to see their president successful. We're going to get through an inauguration. It's going to be a historical moment.

But as Eric and I both know, having dealt with the Democrats on Capitol Hill, and knowing the policies of the president-elect, we're going to have some pretty vigorous disagreements, and they're going to be along traditional fault lines.

And we're going to cheerfully provide that loyal opposition.

PENCE: Right. But you build those conservative solutions, Chris, on the same time-honored principles of limited government, a belief in free markets, a belief in the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage.

You look at those social issues, Chris -- you know, there were three state referendums on marriage. All three of them carried -- I think in Florida, California and Arizona. You know, the vitality of the conservative movement around the country is very real. I don't think we should draw any broad conclusions, as Eric said, about a big realignment. You know, my...

WALLACE: So what do you do, as I say, to speak to people to say, "We can solve your problems..."

PENCE: Oh, I think that...

WALLACE: "... better than the Democrats?"

PENCE: Well, I think number one, I like your question because I think being in the minority in the House and Senate for two years, what we've learned is we've got to speak to the American people.

What we've learned is that a minority of conservatives in the House plus the American people equals a majority.

And last August, when House Republicans held the House floor for five weeks and demanded that Speaker Nancy Pelosi abandon her historic opposition to more domestic drilling, the American people mobilized, contacted their members of the House of Representatives, and the policy changed.

That's exactly the kind of approach you're going to see. It's going to be a cheerful opposition. We're going to carry those timeless principles of limited government, a strong defense, traditional values to the American people.

And we're going to invite the American people -- when the opposition is appropriate, we're going to invite the American people to join us in stopping any slide to the left by the Obama administration or Pelosi Democrats.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Thanks for posting that, blestmom. I'm assuming when he keeps mentioning Eric, he's referring to Eric Cantor? I was just doing some reading on him, and I didn't realize he got his law degree where I got my degrees.

I need to go look up Pence's voting record and get a better idea of what we're dealing with. Based on the interview, it sounds like he has the right idea. But as Reagan said: "Trust, but verify."

Fiscal responsibility has to be the focus of the GOP going forward, supported by strong foreign policy stances and social conservative principles (but not to the point where they are the focus and thus alienate many people). There's nothing wrong with being socially conservative. I am, myself. But when a Republican runs on that as the focus of their platform, they lose. Have to focus on fiscal conservativism as the centerpiece, IMO. Pence sounds good. I do know we have to get rid of Boehner NOW though. He's been in charge since DeLay got the boot, and his time has long since passed.

 

[debbieandroo]

Mike Pence --

In 2006, the NYT had an article about him --

He supports tax cuts and the war in Iraq. He opposes stem cell research and the Medicare drug plan. He is a master of his movement's medium, talk radio. Jesus Christ is his personal savior and Ronald Reagan his political idol.

Conjure what might be called the perfect conservative, and chances are he would look a lot like Representative Mike Pence, the Indiana Republican who in just three terms has turned 100 House allies into a vanguard and himself into one of his party's rising stars.

Or that was the case until this spring when he sought compromise in the rancorous immigration debate. His complicated plan would strengthen border security and send illegal immigrants home, but let most of them quickly return.[/B] Since then, Mr. Pence -- named last year's Man of the Year by the conservative weekly Human Events -- has looked to some conservatives like this year's Benedict Arnold. They say he has lent his conservative prestige to a form of liberal amnesty....

''It's a test of the character of the conservative movement in the 21st century,'' Pence said. ''We are either going to prove that we believe in the ideas enshrined on the Statue of Liberty or the American people will go looking elsewhere.''

When Mr. Pence weighed in on immigration this spring, the issue, like much of the Republican agenda, was stalled and Republicans were deeply split. The House had passed a tough bill focusing on border security alone. The Senate had passed a broader measure that included a guest worker program and a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already here.

Mr. Pence tried to offer something to everyone. He included provisions to bolster the borders. After two years, if the government certified that those changes were in place, a guest worker program would begin. Those here unlawfully would have to leave the country and apply at job-placement centers. By requiring re-entry, Mr. Pence argues, the plan avoids amnesty and respects the rule of law. The guest worker visas could be renewed, with a chance of citizenship after 17 years.

Mr. Bush sent an approving signal by inviting Mr. Pence to an Oval Office meeting. And the proposal won a Senate co-sponsor in Kay Bailey Hutchison, Republican of Texas.

The idea, at best, faces an uphill fight when Congress reconvenes next week. But Tamar Jacoby, a fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute who sees promise in Mr. Pence's approach, said that without him, ''the issue would be dead.''

Arriving in Washington, he was dismayed at conservatives' support for government expansion. In 2001, he was one of 34 Republicans to oppose the No Child Left Behind Act, which expanded federal involvement in education. In 2003, he was one of 25 who opposed the Medicare drug benefit. ''I was voting against big conservative government before it was cool,'' he said.

Congressional leaders hinted at reprisals, but the base applauded, especially after a 2004 speech in which he warned that the movement was drifting into ''the dangerous and uncharted waters of big government.''

Among those won over was Paul Weyrich, a fixture of movement conservatism. He said Mr. Pence had strong appeal among supporters of four major conservative causes: limited government, free enterprise, strong defense and traditional values.

''Nobody is perfect, but he comes pretty close,'' Mr. Weyrich said. ''He is what I've been waiting for in terms of leadership.''

Last year, Mr. Pence became head of the Republican Study Committee, a conservative caucus. He quickly expanded its profile, and, rivals note, his own. Mr. Pence, unlike many conservatives, courts the news media.

His influence was apparent last fall after Hurricane Katrina, when Washington was suddenly filled with talk of new aid for the needy. Concerned about the cost, Mr. Pence's group replied with Operation Offset, a plan to cut $500 billion over 10 years in programs that included Medicaid, tax credits for the poor, and care for people with AIDS.

It outraged the leadership, which accused him of showboating, and failed to pass. But it quickly changed the political dynamics, from starting programs to cutting them. Five months later, with Mr. Pence nearby, President Bush signed a bill that cut $39 billion over five years. ''I think Operation Offset had something to do with that, though I would never boast of that,'' Mr. Pence said.

Edwin J. Feulner Jr., president of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington group, said Mr. Pence ''has really been central to the revival of principled conservatism in the House.'' Admirers have already begun a ''Mike Pence for President'' Web site.

 

[debbieandroo]

From the LA Times, in 2007 --

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) told C-SPAN that he is still serious about forcing a vote on his bill preventing the FCC from reimposing the so-called fairness doctrine.

Pence, a former syndicated radio host who opposes reinstating the doctrine, added that talk about reviving it was prompted, in part, by a publication from a former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton.

Interviewed for the cable net's Communicators series, Pence said that former Clinton aide John Podesta's think tank, Center for American Progress, had issued a report on the 'Structural Imbalance of American Talk Radio' (http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/06/talk_radio.html ) that recommended new radio ownership regulations.

On the heels of that report, he said, and in the wake of the collapse of the immigration bill (which most conservative radio talk show hosts vehemently opposed), prominent Democrats started talking about reviving the fairness doctrine. Pence decided that it was time to 'run to the sound of the guns.'

The doctrine, which the FCC scrapped as unconstitutional in 1987, required broadcasters to air both sides of issues of public importance. Its demise helped spur the rise of talk radio stars like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

Asked why he was still concerned about FCC action after FCC Chairman Kevin Martin assured him he had no intention of bringing back the doctrine, Pence said it was not about Martin, but about the next chairman, who could bring the doctrine back without consulting Congress.

Pence successfully amended an appropriations bill to put a one-year moratorium on using FCC funds to reimpose the rule and President Bush said he would veto any congressional attempt to bring the doctrine back. As a candidate back in 1988, the president's father also threatened a similar veto after President Reagan had vetoed one fairness doctrine reimposition bill and threatened a second.

Pence will sponsored the stand-alone Broadcaster Freedom Act, which would prevent the reimposition of the doctrine, and vows to use 'every tool in the box' to bring the bill to the floor. He says every Republican member of Congress and one Democrat-he did not identify the Dem-have co-sponsored the bill.

While some Democrats, including Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) have talked about reviving the doctrine, most say it is a non-issue drummed up by-what else?-talk radio.-By John Eggerton

 

[MeghansMommy]

Okay, I might've missed seeing this Peter Hitchens article mentioned 'cuz this thread moves so fast, but in case you haven't seen it, here's just the beginning:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...t-waved-goodbye-America--best-hope-Earth.html

The night we waved goodbye to America... our last best hope on Earth Last updated at 9:52 PM on 08th November 2008

"Anyone would think we had just elected a hip, skinny and youthful replacement for God, with a plan to modernise Heaven and Hell – or that at the very least John Lennon had come back from the dead.

The swooning frenzy over the choice of Barack Obama as President of the United States must be one of the most absurd waves of self-deception and swirling fantasy ever to sweep through an advanced civilisation. At least Mandela-worship – its nearest equivalent – is focused on a man who actually did something.

I really don’t see how the Obama devotees can ever in future mock the Moonies, the Scientologists or people who claim to have been abducted in flying saucers. This is a cult like the one which grew up around Princess Diana, bereft of reason and hostile to facts.

It already has all the signs of such a thing. The newspapers which recorded Obama’s victory have become valuable relics. You may buy Obama picture books and Obama calendars and if there isn’t yet a children’s picture version of his story, there soon will be. "

I love that last part ... I saw a children's book advertised online last night called "Mama Voted for Obama" which will help you "tell your children the story of how you took part in history". :sad2:

BARF.

Hey, I'm on Facebook too and would love to be everyone's friend on Facebook. PM me if you're interested.

I don't have a Myspace page. Too lazy for it.

My DD (Meg) loves the dancing banana and is sitting right next to me - so this is for her:

 

[debbieandroo]

More about Mike Pence's Broadcaster Freedom Act:

The Fairness Doctrine mandated that broadcasters provide balanced coverage of controversial issues. To avoid federal second-guessing and expensive lawsuits, most broadcasters chose to say nothing. In effect, while trying to mandate "fairness," the government instead stifled broadcast discussion.

Fortunately, the Federal Communications Commission discarded the Fairness Doctrine in 1987. Broadcasting and democracy have done just fine ever since, with nearly 2,000 radio stations now providing the conversation of democracy in talk formats, compared to about 200 back then.

Indiana Congressman Mike Pence, R-6th District, is working to pass the Broadcaster Freedom Act, a bill that would ensure the Fairness Doctrine never returns. His efforts have been stalled, however, by the Democratic leadership of the House. Pence is now trying to gather enough signatures on a discharge petition, which would force an up or down vote on the Broadcaster Freedom Act this fall.

 

[debbieandroo]

I also learned that Pence voted for the bailout both times.

YIPES - I meant to say that he voted AGAINST the bailout - sorry about that!

 

[debbieandroo]

Washington Times, this past Thursday --

It is little wonder that House Republicans lost 25 seats Tuesday, if only because there were too many open seats, no grassroots operation and no money. In any case, the House Republican leadership will be changing.

House Minority Whip Roy Blunt has decided not to seek re-election to his post, an indication that he saw it was time to allow others the opportunity to build the party for the future. The assumption is that Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor will replace Mr. Blunt as whip. House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam of Florida also decided to step aside and in a Nov. 4 "dear colleague" letter, said he would not seek a leadership position. As a young member with a fresh perspective, his leadership voice will be missed. Mr. Boehner has already endorsed Rep. Mike Pence to become the new chairman. That is an excellent choice.

Mr. Pence is one of the most sensible and intelligent spokesmen for conservative principles. He is leading the fight for a law to defend the First Amendment from the reintroduction of the Fairness Doctrine in the communications markets. He correctly led the charge against the bloated Medicare Prescription Drug Bill. Mr. Pence is also not afraid to step across the aisle to do the right thing, as he did when he joined former Maryland Democratic Rep. Al Wynn to increase campaign contribution limits.

Mr. Wynn's ouster from Congress at the behest of the left wing of the Democratic Party also hints at the dilemma facing President-elect Barack Obama. How will he manage the extreme liberalism of the minority caucuses -- Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander, and women -- with his promises to govern from the center? He can't ignore them; after all, he is a star member. But Mr. Obama has to temper their expectations. With the clear leftward shift by House Democrats, principled conservative leadership will be desperately needed.

Rebuilding the Republican Party must begin immediately and it must be forward thinking. It must move past the President Bush years and settle the infighting over core principles that has nearly destroyed it. Its leadership must be solidified with members who truly believe in traditional conservative principles and understand that those principles cannot be compromised.

"You don't re-brand. You're supposed to have principles," said Thaddeus McCotter, chair of the Republican Policy Committee. He told our editorial board there has been a fight in the party between globalist neo-conservatives, "who view America as an economy," and traditionalists, "who see America as a country."

The traditionalists are winning, and with good reason. The most important thing is that the Republicans marshal their muscle and not lose focus representing the values and issues that are important to the American people in general and to conservatives in particular.

 

[Humphrey Bear]

I also learned that Pence voted for the bailout both times.

YIPES - I meant to say that he voted AGAINST the bailout - sorry about that!

You scared me for a minute there!


Thanks for the info on Pence. I had heard of him before, especially his stance on the fairness doctrine, but liked reading the detailed info you posted. He sounds like a pretty good guy!

 

[#1hockeymom]

*not on face book or my space* I think I'm afraid of being on the same sites my kids are on!

 

[debbieandroo]

You scared me for a minute there!


Thanks for the info on Pence. I had heard of him before, especially his stance on the fairness doctrine, but liked reading the detailed info you posted. He sounds like a pretty good guy!

Me, too -- it is easing my troubled heart somewhat to know that there are some proactive conservatives still in DC. And that they, along with us, can make a difference.

 

[blestmom]

Thanks for posting that, blestmom. I'm assuming when he keeps mentioning Eric, he's referring to Eric Cantor? I was just doing some reading on him, and I didn't realize he got his law degree where I got my degrees.

Yes, he was referring to Eric Cantor. The article was really long, so I just quoted part of it.

I need to go look up Pence's voting record and get a better idea of what we're dealing with. Based on the interview, it sounds like he has the right idea. But as Reagan said: "Trust, but verify."

Very wise...

Fiscal responsibility has to be the focus of the GOP going forward, supported by strong foreign policy stances and social conservative principles (but not to the point where they are the focus and thus alienate many people). There's nothing wrong with being socially conservative. I am, myself. But when a Republican runs on that as the focus of their platform, they lose. Have to focus on fiscal conservativism as the centerpiece, IMO. Pence sounds good. I do know we have to get rid of Boehner NOW though. He's been in charge since DeLay got the boot, and his time has long since passed.

Absolutely. I like your idea of contacting our Congressmen about this.

 

[Muushka]

Wow, I like this Mike Pence.

What we've learned is that a minority of conservatives in the House plus the American people equals a majority.

And last August, when House Republicans held the House floor for five weeks and demanded that Speaker Nancy Pelosi abandon her historic opposition to more domestic drilling, the American people mobilized, contacted their members of the House of Representatives, and the policy changed.

That's exactly the kind of approach you're going to see. It's going to be a cheerful opposition. We're going to carry those timeless principles of limited government, a strong defense, traditional values to the American people.

And we're going to invite the American people -- when the opposition is appropriate, we're going to invite the American people to join us in stopping any slide to the left by the Obama administration or Pelosi Democrats.

Maybe there is hope!

Does anyone else feel more interested in politics after this past week? I feel like we don't have enough time. That the dems will start doing dumb things like:
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081109/D94BM1O00.html

On drilling, the federal Bureau of Land Management is opening about 360,000 acres of public land in Utah to oil and gas drilling. Bush administration officials argue that the drilling will not harm sensitive areas; environmentalists oppose it.

"They want to have oil and gas drilling in some of the most sensitive, fragile lands in Utah," Podesta said. "I think that's a mistake."

Time to get busy!

 

[honugirl]

On both facebook and myspace. I think we need a "no we didn't" group. Or how about, "Got Buyers Remorse?"

Anyone that wants to be my friend, PM me, I can use all the conservative friends I can get... We have to support each other.