I recognize that most conservatives are now firmly behind John McCain in his race against “community organizer” Barack Obama - especially after putting Sarah Barracuda on his ticket. But his call in his acceptance speech to use the federal government to provide job training for folks who are out of work - whether through their own fault or not - is a warning shot to starboard. It reminds us, again, that John McCain is a “maverick,” not a movement conservative.
About eight years ago, George W. Bush squeaked into the Oval Office running as a “compassionate conservative.” Before the Right caught on, he and his “compassionate” Republicans in Congress gave us the TSA, Homeland Security, No Child Left Behind and Medicare prescription drugs. It was only years too late that conservatives stood up to the Republican president and started saying “No” - most famously, perhaps, when they refused to swallow Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court.
I fully understand the desire of most conservatives to rally ‘round McCain from now until November 4th - especially considering the alternative. But I suspect we all better be prepared to say “No” to some things “maverick” John McCain is going to want to do from Day One. Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us.
Posted on September 7th, 2008 by Chuck Muth
Filed under: National
Agreed. I’ve said it before, that too many people (including one Rush Limbaugh) carried George W. Bush’s water for too long, even when they knew he was wrong. That can’t happen again. It’s not who’s right or wrong but what’s right or wrong that counts (lest I be accused of plagiarism, that last sentence courtesy of Geoff Metcalf).
During the 80’s, Reagan ruled, but Republicans (and many in his administration) were not conservative. Even if McCain were solidly conservative and Palin backed him up, we would still be needed to keep them and Congress honest.
Conservatives should have learned by now, once in office, everyone reverts to political form. Principles should be our guide.