The Logic Lifeline

A logical approach to sorting out world events. Where logic, opinion and speculation are combined to produce a reasoned, but entertaining reading experience. The unofficial hometown conservative blog of Woodridge, Il

Monday, June 29, 2009

GOP Sex Scandals and the Charge of Hypocrisy

They say all is fair in love and war. Is it fair game for liberals to make hay about the GOP sex scandals? Of course. Democrats can certainly overlook the many, many sex scandals past and present and claim that because of recent GOP sex scandals that it is better to vote for Democrats. Since they are fully aware of the long history of Democrat sex scandals, they have come up with the claim that the GOP are hypocrits for espousing moral values and then some of their rank become embroiled in some of the most salacious sexual affairs. Is this hyocrisy? It is certainly hypocrisy on the part of those elected officials that partake in these activities - whether they are caught or not.

The actions of others will determine if they are being hypocritical. For instance, if I am vocal in claiming that the GOP is better at espousing moral values and I defend or turn a blind eye to immoral scandals of members of the GOP; then yes, I would rightfully be considered hypocritical. I personally believe that political leaders should hold a high moral standard. This is especially true when somebody has made a lifetime commitment of marriage to another and then they break that trust. I don't really discuss moral issues on this blog but I hold the position that every political leader that breaks a marriage vow while in office should resign. Period. Those who espouse moral positions but then make excuses just because they are GOP are hypocrites.

The fact is that many in the GOP (like me) are not vocal at all on issues of morality. Sure there are enough to be heard, but many others are really more interested in fiscal responsibility, limited government, economic and military strength, rugged individualism, lower taxes. So basically hypocrisy can only come if those who trumpet moral values are engaged in immoral behavior or support the retention in office of those who are. There are approximately 55 million registered voters affiliated with the GOP. How many of those meet my proposed definition of hypocrisy? Only by painting with a broad brush and stereotyping the entire GOP can the charge of hypocrisy be made. Of course who are the ones that are always denouncing stereotypes? The Democrats. Now that looks like hypocrisy to me.

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Quick Note: Liberal Reaction to Passing Climate Change Bill

NOW: Yay! Sock it to those big bad energy companies and save the earth from catastrophe!

SIX MONTHS AFTER IT TAKES EFFECT: Hey! Why is gasoline skyrocketing. Why is my heating and electricity bill so d*mn high! Those evil corporations!

1 YEAR AFTER IT TAKES EFFECT: We need to pass a tax hike so we can help the poor pay for all these high energy bills.

Ok, it might not take a full year for that last one. Let's hope the Senate stops this "pile" as Boehner calls it.

Hey eight GOP Reps. that voted for the pile. Did you wake up this morning, look in the mirror and see a bullseye on your forehead? Believe me, it is there. Here are their names:

Mary Bono Mack (CA)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Steven Kirk (IL)
Leonard Lance (NJ)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ)
John M. McHugh (NY)
Dave Reichert (WA)
Chris Smith (NJ)

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Monday, June 22, 2009

Overspending at the Economic Peak

We are seeing many references in the news about the severe budget shortfalls in states with most focus on California and New York. Without getting into a discussion about Federal deficit spending, I would point to city and state level as a clear government level that requires strict budgetary discipline. At this level, there should never be significant deficit spending. Yet what we see is that at the economic peak where revenues are highest, states are spending at lease as much as comes in and often more.

For decades we have seen economies rise and fall in a constant cycle. Economies can never sustain unending growth, eventually succumbing to a recession where revenues crash back to earth. While we enjoy the spring, summer and fall of each cycle; there is always a winter. Each time we hear of state budget woes. Attempts are made to raise taxes to make up the difference. When wiser minds prevail, cost cuts are made instead; although too often the wrong areas are cut.

During the economic highs, nobody is ever wise enough to prepare for the fall. States should set aside at least 10% of their revenues during the good times to tap into during the bad times. States should retain a reserve from the fruitful seasons to fall back on during economic winter. Unfortunately, this does not happen. There is no serious pressure for budgetary restraint. Instead there is a hand out at every corner. Instead votes are purchased from public coffers.

We are always hearing about looking for solutions to societal problems. Unfortunately, the best time to find and enact a solution is before the problem occurs not after.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Sorry Liberals, but being more like you is not the GOP key to winning elections

Gallop has a poll out showing "Conservatives" as the single largest ideological block with 40% willing to label themselves as conservative or very conservative. 35 % claim to be moderates and only 21% own up to being liberal or very liberal.

I have been sickened since the election by disingenuous members of the media and liberal bloggers claiming that GOP's only hope of survival is to become more liberal. I have difficulty telling whether they really believe this tripe or if they are merely making it up as a talking point to convince people to believe it. I lean toward the latter.

This poll shows that this is still a very conservative country. I also believe the number to actually be higher. Many people might espouse an ideology, but do not want to be labeled with either brand. Each brand has been successfully stigmatized to some degree. I talk to people all the time that claim to lean left and vote Democrat. Yet when you discuss things issue by issue almost always you walk away thinking the person is not only a conservative, but a strong one. Usually there is one issue they lean left on but the rest they are strongly to the right. I've said to more than one person "Dude, you don't realize it but you are a conservative." Their initial response is horror and often the conversation is over.

The biggest shortcoming of the Bush Administration is that they did not take the opportunity in political battles to educate the people. They could be very slick and cunning at times and somehow get their agenda through, but they did not use the process to draw the distinction between conservative and liberal principals. The key to winning elections in the future is not becoming more liberal. The key to winning elections in the future is educating the people and getting them to realize that they are actually conservatives. I think that the biggest voting block that is very, very conservative but votes Democrat are Hispanics. Karl Rove and the Bush Administration courted Hispanics, but they did it in a way where they acted like Democrats instead of making the conservative case.

Of course the education strategy is dependent on one key factor: Republicans as a whole must, must begin to act like conservatives. The "big tent" strategy has destroyed this party. That does not mean we exclude people. We make it clear that in certain groups many agree with 80% of conservative principals. They should be welcome in the GOP but don't expect the GOP to cater to your 20% liberal views.

The Obama Administration has handed us a case study where we can clearly draw the distinction between conservatism and liberalism. We must take this opportunity to educate. We cannot wobble. We cannot muddy the waters with "bipartisanship" and "reaching across the aisle". I have always maintained that when there is an opportunity to clearly debate the two sides without spin and without heavy handed tactics that conservatism wins the debate every time. We must win the debate.

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Monday, June 01, 2009

Quick Note: The Murder of Dr. Tiller

It was clearly wrong for Dr. Tiller to be murdered by an abortion foe. I certainly do not condone such actions. That said, I will point out that the media is going overboard with their coverage. There are people murdered every day for one reason or another: a robbery gone bad, a cheating spouse, wealth envy, or mere inconvenience. The tone of the media that this murder is somehow worst or a graver injustice than others is nauseating. To put things in perspective, I have only found one source regarding the murder of an Army Recruiter in Arkansas and the wounding of another. I doubt we will see the sensational coverage they are using in the Tiller murder. Even when a police officer is killed in the line of duty we do not see such outrage.

Update: Surprise! Army recruiting assistant killed my new Muslim convert who disagrees with our presence in Iran and Afghanistan. This story will not only lack the sensational coverage of the Dr. Tiller murder; it will get buried.

Update II: Liberals blaming Bill O' Reilly rhetoric for death of Dr. Tiller. So who's rhetoric do they blame for the Army Recruiter deaths? Oops, they are silent on that so far.

Update III: Michelle Malkin points out the difference in the statements by Obama about each murder.

Obama's strong statement on the Dr. Tiller murder:
I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.

Obama's weak statement on the William Long murder:
“I am deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence against two brave young soldiers who were doing their part to strengthen our armed forces and keep our country safe. I would like to wish Quinton Ezeagwula a speedy recovery, and to offer my condolences and prayers to William Long’s family as they mourn the loss of their son.”

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