GOP Infighting Helps Democrats, Hurts People

The current rift between Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh validates the views of many concerning the current state of the GOP. Most political observers seem to think that Republicans lose ground with American citizens because of the failure to articulate clearly and objectively the principles of conservatism.

Michael Steele said that radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh was at times "incendiary", "an entertainer" and sometimes "ugly". In my humble opinion, this is sometimes true of Limbaugh; therefore, Steele was simply being accurate in his statements. Even Limbaugh's regular listeners will acknowledge his propensity to "push the envelope" in the presentation of his views largely for the sake of entertainment and ratings. I would expect nothing less from someone who makes their living maintaining the attention of a radio audience and sponsors.

The basic political problem with Steele's apology is that it weakens him as RNC Chairman and emboldens Limbaugh as a primary influencer in the Republican Party. Steele's efforts to make amends only gave Democrats more reason to say, "I told you so" in reference to rudderless Republican leadership regarding policy.

The sad truth is that the Republican Party has lost its voice and has become a laughingstock on the political landscape of our nation. Anytime the Chairman of any political party capitulates to a radio talk show host, who is in the entertainment business, then that political apparatus is in big trouble.

In fact, it seems that most conservatives spend the majority of their time criticizing liberals rather than presenting their own beliefs. The notion of always criticizing rather than offering direct solutions to our nation's problems leads people to believe that Republicans have no real agenda for America.

Another important issue surrounding this mess is that it diminishes the voice of people who simply believe that government is not the answer, but often the cause of problems in America, by reducing the argument for less government and more responsibility to a circus sideshow. How then do we hear millions who reject the notion of liberal policies, if their leaders wander without direction?

All I want for Christmas is a GOP that is unafraid to stand on the principles that make America great. Granted, it is tough to take a message to hurting people that requires them to be less dependent on government and more self-reliant. In the face of recession and fiscal trauma, it is difficult to maintain that we should not rely on a government that cannot effectively deliver mail to create jobs and manage healthcare. This is no slight to hard-working postal employees; it is simply a statement regarding ineffective government bureaucracy.

The problem with the GOP is that political correctness and fear seem to infiltrate every discussion about policy. Concern over hurting the feelings of voters restricts tough but necessary leadership. Of course, it is much easier to tell people what they want to hear, but this posture ultimately compromises one's principles and under serves the needs of people. Real leadership is honest and forthright, not relying on the latest poll numbers to make decisions.

These difficult times certainly will test the resiliency of the American spirit. However, if we sacrifice truth, the essence of that spirit erodes. Long live the truth.