Kevin Drum, who writes the Calpundit blog, has dug up and analyzed the Texas Republican party platform from the year 2000.
While I think that he has perhaps overestimated the innocuousness of the Democratic side of things, this document should be a wake-up call to all libertarians and other fiscal conservatives who occasionally vote Republican, even though they do not support the Republican Party's social agenda. The wake-up call is this: now, more than any time since the days of the Moral Majority, the social conservatives are running the show in the GOP. The fiscal conservatives have little to no voice in the party, as is evidenced by the GOP's profligate spending and general fiscal irresponsibility. (Hint: General tax cuts do tend to push more money into the economy. Tax cuts that don't materialize for 5 years, and then only for people who can pay high-priced accountants to figure out their rules don't do fsck all for anyone.)
Now, more than ever, I think it is time for the moderates in both parties to stand up and be heard. While I certainly realize the difficulty of being an "extreme moderate," I think that recent events, including the popularity of Dr. Howard Dean and the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger have shown that the voting populace is dam' tired of "business as usual."
Posted by brent at 21:16Congratulations to you, Sarah, and Margaret Delaney Neal!
Now to the matter at hand. Dean, Bush, Schwarzenegger, Congress, they're all ruled by the same millions of dollars coming from the same corporations. Their allegiances lie with companies, not with people. Ultimately, those allegiances are to the almighty $youknowwhat.
What we need is a candidate who will serve ALL people, not just the richest 1% of the population. Bringing a child into this world is brave; now think about what kind of world you want it to be when she and others of her generation are bringing up the next generation. I hope and trust that you will work to make the world better not just for Margaret, but also for her less fortunate brothers and sisters in this world.
Sending my love to all of you. And give those ladies a kiss on the cheek for me, please.
The point I was making is that Dean and Schwarzeneggar are widely perceived to be independent of corporate influence, hence the argument that the electorate is seeking a change from the Republican/Democrat hegemony.
In Dean's case, it is largely true. His largest campaign contributor has been the employees of the University of California, and the employees of other universities make up 10 of his 20 top donors. His own campaign staff is one of the top groups that has donated to his campaign. And, his campaign staff has donated an amount on par with his corporate donations. (Note: my source for this is Open Secrets, a website dedicated to tracking campaign contributors.)
Personally, I think that gives him pretty high credibility in terms of being independent of corporate influence.
I'll pass along the good wishes to Sarah and the wee one.
Posted by: brent at November 14, 2003 10:56 PM