The New Mexico Independent - Latest Comments in Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

AaronA — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:32:24 -0000

Foley is the Left of the Republican Party - he's just too stupid and arrogant to know it. This turd's been dropped in the bowl. It's time to flush.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

proudrepublican — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:07:55 -0000

babyfatt you must be kidding? I am not going to reprint my article on the history of the Democrat Party but I encourage you to read it. Those racist you speak of all were Democrats and almost everyone of them died a Democrat. The racist hate filled comments you speak of continue to come from the Democrat side of the isle as did the KKK as a wing of the Democrat Party.

Remember Dr. Kind and Dr. Abernathy were both Republicans as were the founders of the NAACP, but I am sure yo will have an answer for that as well.

I would encourage you to read a little about history and the so called "southern strategy" and look at stuff from folks like Michael Baron who talk about why the South went for Republicans. I am sure there are some racist folks out there but it had to do with secularism and the move to the hard left by the democrats on things like abortion and prayer in schools. Stop trying to spit out tlaking points that are false, no matter how many times people say them they still are false.........

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

babyfatt — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:12:53 -0000

Dearest "Trip", while it's easy to pick on the South, it's easy for a reason: it's deeply, offensively racist and backward, and, as a region, is a drag on the rest of the country. Baby Fatt came from deep deep South, my brother (my great great grandfather fought with Nathan Bedford Forest in the Army of Tennessee, and was from Pulaski Tennessee, where a bunch of good ole boys later got together to form a social club they called the KKK), and have no doubt, that where Baby Fatt came from they know exactly how to refer to Obama, and it ain't "President Elect"!. Get real, Trip, the R's ran and won for years on the "Southern Strategy" (i.e., the use of code words like 'law and order' to appeal to white racism). Does the South have a monopoly on racism, no absolutely not, but don't think for a minute that they don't do it better than anyone else. Your problem is the "on the other handism" that affects and pollutes so much of the MSM--why are you so afraid of calling out racism when you see it? Yes, we all have something we can learn from the "fascinating" dialogue the R's are going to have about how history has passed them by--how they figure out to sell us the same old crap under new wrapping. Get real brother. Hate is hate, and trying to empathize with the haters makes you complicit.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

proudrepublican — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:45:18 -0000

Thank you for the response. I do believe Heather Wilson did a good job but as I am sure you can appreciate I do not agree with her or almost anyone 100% of the time. I am a proud Republican because of the founding principals of my party. That doesn't mean there hasn't been some who have strayed or been flat out wrong, my article is about getting back to what I believe is actually important and that is the simple principals we should believe if we are really conservative. I appreciate your comments and look forward to more of them in the future.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Thomas_James — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:36:50 -0000

Ok fine, if you say so then so be it and thank you doing so. I apologize for incorrectly stating your position. But I fail to see how you can be a proud Republican when you have supported those Republicans responsible for growing government and trampling civil liberties. That includes Heather Wilson.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

proudrepublican — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:29:31 -0000

Thomas_James

I was agains the Patriot Act and expressed so to the President in person! I am not and never have approved of growing government at any level. As a matter of fact I am on record trying to shrink government and give more power to the government closes to the people (City Council, School Board, County Commission, etc).

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

proudrepublican — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:25:53 -0000

Quill

The "clear" Democrat victory, if we are so wrong then how come the losses are not what was predicted and let me add the Prop 8 loss in California.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Project_Truth — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:05:41 -0000

More and more true conservatives (as opposed to neocons, who seem to have taken control of the GOP) have changed their voter registration to "Independent," "Libertarian," or even "Conservative" in states that allow that distinction.

I think the Republican Party has bigger problems than whether or not the current leadership presents "conservative" policies. The proof will be in the pudding - and until people like Lindsay Graham and others lose their grip on the direction and guidance of the GOP - that party will continue to suffer.

A "moderate" is someone who really doesn't have a position on anything - and becomes an appeaser and capitulator most of the time. John McCain - the darling of the liberal media until he became the nominee for the Republican Party has proven that time and again with his "reaching across the aisle" and drawing back a nub.

What the GOP really needs is a good thorough housecleaning - it started with this past election. What amazes me is some of those who were swept out of the way still ramble on and on like they deserve to be acknowledged. One can only hope that truly fresh faces, with true conservative ideals (think Goldwater, not Reagan) will emerge from this debacle and save this party - if it doesn't then expect to see stronger and stronger showings from third party candidates who actually walk that walk Foley writes about: "less government, less taxes and more personal responsibility." Those really are principles most Americans would like to see. Unfortunately, not very many Republicans have been following that model for a long time, and the voters finally caught on. The voters decided that if the Republicans were going to act like liberals, then they might as well vote in some REAL liberals, not just some posers who couldn't resist a bottomless pit of funding from a POTUS who could never find his veto pen.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

tripjennings — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:26:29 -0000

Easy with the over generalizating, babyfatt. In case you missed it, Virginia and North Carolina went for Obama. Georgia, according to some the heart of the Deep South, gave him 47 percent of the vote. Let's try to acknowledge the complexity of the American electorate, shall we.
I say this as a native Southerner who has lived all over the US. I know it's easy and simple to pick on the Deep South, and, given its history, justifiable. But what sometimes is missed is how race is viewed in the Northeast and industrial midwest. I spent six years in Connecticut, a state and a people I dearly love. But frankly as a Southerner it was sometimes put into uncomfortable situations. Why? Because it's the whitest state I've ever lived in and it was odd and somewhat disconcerting to be in a room with a bunch of people who looked like me (It took me a while to recognize why I was so uncomfortable. For the record, I grew up in Georgia, where there is more racial mixing and it is not as easy to mingle with one race. I also have lived in California, Florida, Connecticut and now New Mexico). Connecticut, in case you are interested, is the wealthiest state in per capita income and yet is home to some of the poorest cities in the nation. (And, yes, it went overwhelmingly for Obama, like its neighbors NY and Massachusetts). I don't believe that it is a coincidence that the wealthy areas in CT are small towns and suburbs that are overwhelmingly white. And that the urban cores have high concentrations of people of color. When I suggested that this sort of economic segregation reminded me of the South, I heard over and over again that it was about economics, not race. Really?! That's what some people in the South used to say when I was growing up. Go figure! I guess my point here is that to continue to think of any one region as racist shows a lack of understanding surrounding the complexity of race, class and economics. And frankly that sort of attitude allows certain states and regions a free ride on important dialogue that we as a nation -- not a region -- must have.
As for the GOP, it must have a serious debate about the direction of the party. Unsurprisingly, prominent Rs like Lamar Alexander, Susan Collins, Mel Martinez and Peter King are saying the party shouldn't become more conservative. The GOP dialogue will be fascinating and, frankly, I suggest that all of us can learn something from it.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Thomas_James — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:32:07 -0000

We are splitting hair at this point. I don't disagree that the definition of conservative has been skewed to the point that it includes Foley Pearce White and Tinsely. But all of those four support expansions of executive power such as the (un)patriot act and by that fact alone are not really conservative. Any expansion of government would be inopposite to being conservative, therefore they are not really conservative but are neo-cons. Using an inaccurate label is ignorant even if it is the public's working definition. Why perpetrate inaccuracies, that is what Foley was doing, that is what OHReallyNow did, and it is what you are defending.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Plutarch — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:55:42 -0000

I agree that Foley's comments are ill-thought out.
However, I don't fully agree that all these Republicans are Neo-Cons and not simply Cons or that they same person might not overlap. You might have your personal definition of Conservative, but the public's working definition most certainly includes Foley, Pearce, White and Tinsley. Liberal has changed over the years as well.

Moreover, I really don't think that Neo-Cons are "Liberals" by any means.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Thomas_James — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:13:52 -0000

I don't disagree that OHReallyNow is correct in stating that Dan doesn't have a clue, my point if you read above is that OhReallyNow is also spouting incorrect applications of the term conservative.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Thomas_James — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:06:31 -0000

All of them are Neo-cons.

OhReallyNow misstated the facts by implying that any of them are conservative. He was incorrectly lumping the neo-cons (Foley, Pearce, Tinsely, White) in with conservatives.

But in the end maybe you are right, maybe people should just abandon the conservative label and let it sink with the neo-cons. It is disappointing when people lump the expansion of the executive, borrow and spend neo-cons into the right wing, even though they really have no conservative principles to speak of.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Plutarch — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:58:51 -0000

Which of the previous poster's facts are wrong?
All 3 congressional Republicans lost by double digits and Foley lost his own election.
Pearce and Tinsley really did say those things and White does have a Reagan tattoo on his ankle.

Please explain yourself--which of them (Foley, Pearce, Tinsley and White) are Neo-cons and which are Conservatives? Are you saying that Foley's characterization of some in his party as "Liberal" is really just calling Neo-Cons "Liberals"?

In the end you validate one of OHReallyNow's main points: that Dan Foley doesn't know what he's talking about and that he ends up having to depend on his readers to correct him (that includes both you as well as ones who disagree with him).

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Thomas_James — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:07:06 -0000

You are the one that has the facts wrong. You don't even know the difference between a conservative and neo-con. Its apparent that Foley doesn't either, but you just show your own ignorance with that rant.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Thomas_James — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:05:32 -0000

Did you really call everybody in southeastern New Mexico racist????

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

babyfatt — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:49:25 -0000

You're exactly right Dan, and I applaud you for your convictions. As a liberal progressive tree-hugger with a college degree, I believe that it's best for the country that you and your ilk continue with the anti-intellectual, fundamentalist, blowhard politics of resentment that have so successfully marginalized the R party into a provincial party of the Racist south ('Little Texas' included). Congratulations on a job well done, Dan, and keep up the good work (the rest of the country is depending on it).

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

OhReallyNow — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:48:38 -0000

Which is more pathetic:
1. The way Dan "proudrepublican" Foley ends up getting called out by his readers and invariably starts complaining and jousting at windmills in the comments section of his own column.

2. Dan Foley's poorly written and barely factual commentaries to being with.

Steve "Heather Wilson is Liberal" Pearce wasn't Conservative enough in his double digit loss?
Darren "Ronald Reagan Tattoo" White wasn't Conservative enough in his double digit loss?
Ed "My Opponent Wants to Slit the Throats of American Soldiers" Tinsley wasn't Conservative enough in his double digit loss?

Really, now, Dan Foley, why don't you tell the readers how YOU weren't Conservative enough in your loss? That would at least be based on something you personally know.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

proudrepublican — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:37:55 -0000

Wow, you really don't get it do you? Rush and Hannity are talk show hosts and their job is to push the envelope, not the same for "main stream" media and that is the example. I am looking into his comments and if he said them, I will play your game, he is wrong for that. What about President-Elect Obamas comments about our military no comment from you? Your desire to just pass over my examples speaks loudly..... By the way there is no need to use vulgarity it makes you look small let's avoid those words.... The painting with a broad brush has to do with the overwhelming comments by liberals who wish to attack, judging by your comments I didn't paint with a broad brush rather was right on with pin point accuracy.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Plutarch — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:00:39 -0000

"As usual"?
I've posted all of 2 times here and your response is to stereotype and paint with a broad brush?

But, I'll take your word for it ("Just because someone puts it on a blog doesn't make it a fact"). Republican Representative Broun's comments were to a major media outlet, not just a blog. His comparison of Obama to Hitler and Stalin weren't behind the scenes or off the record murmurings. He spoke his hate and fearmongering loud and clear to the AP (or is that not an independent source to you?). You have time to write attacks on the comment section of your website, but you don't have the ability to type Rep. Broun's name into Google and read his hate filled words first hand?

As for your examples of Rather and Gumble, they are commentators, not representatives of a political party. Again, false equivalencies have no place here. Tit for tat is a pretty good way of covering one's a**, but not a good way to actual get anything done for our country.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

tripjennings — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:57:24 -0000

The AP reported the story on Paul Broun. See link below. I've paid close attention because he represents my hometown and my brother knows him personally. My brother, who is friendly with him, plans on asking Broun about the reasoning that led him to say this.

http://www.politico.com/blo...

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Quill — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:18:41 -0000

I'm having trouble seeing your point since there was such a clear democratic victory across the board. It seems that the republican ticket did best in way right areas and less well in more culturally and politically moderate areas of the country.

I guess I'm still trying to make sense of your argument....is the shorthand of it that the republican party needs to lead by ramming an even righter leaning fist down the throats of those unwilling to vote for it? Because that doesn't seem like leadership, it seems like useless.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

proudrepublican — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:09:36 -0000

As usual you have zero ability to comprehend what I wrote. Just because someone puts it on a blog doesn't make it a fact and I said I would find out. I never compared the alleged comments from the Georgia Congressman to those of actors and musicians I was using them as examples, but clearly that was to difficult for you to understand. What about my examples of Dan Rather and Bryant Gumble I guess you missed those. As far as the Congressman from Georgia's comments let's look at Congressman Mirtha's comments of the President or the young Marines he lies about. What about President-Elect Obama saying our troops are "bombing communities and killing innocent civilian", none of which has been proven. But I am sure you will find a way to dismiss those comments. When I find an independent source to verify the comments of the Congressman from Georgia then I will respond. Keep drinking the punch and I look forward to your continued attacks on Republicans and your defense of this new administration.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Fulan O'detal — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:44:26 -0000

You got it right. The Republicans tried to keep Americans scared. And they are still doing it. Does not seem like they got it that it contributed to the reason they lost. And we now have the ability to reverse some of the policies that the Republicans put in place. Both nationally and here locally. And thanks to nasty politics by Republicans AND St. Pete stepping down AND no bloodbath primaries for the democrats.

Re: Now is not the time for the GOP to move leftward

Plutarch — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:35:39 -0000

It is clear to me that forgottenground was talking about name calling and not leaving the country. And he seems to have facts (actual words of the hate ful Congressman Broun) that you so dearly want.

But I find it funny that you compare the words of nonpoliticians like Alec Baldwin or Ted Nugent to the hate ful words of an actual Republican Congressman who is a representative of his party (and why not kick him out if that's not acceptable to Republicans?). The concept of false equivalencies comes to mind when I read your blog response.