Mickey Edwards-The Loss of Conservatism

[waterboy]

Any one catch the interview this am on NPR with Mickey Edwards, former US Representative from Oklahoma? He has written a book about the loss of real conservatism that started with the Gingrich revolution. His insights were pretty good as to how the republican party's focus on blind power and unquestioning authority led to its separation from real conservatism. The brutal nature of the leadership and their tossing aside constitutional authority was pretty scary.

Together with Boren's efforts recently it appears Okies can sound intelligent on the national stage.

[Conan71]

Mickey Edwards.  I hadn't heard that name in ages, and couldn't place it till you mentioned "former Oklahoma representative".

I for one took the whole "Contract For America" to heart and expected great change.  I believe the good intentions were there, but ultimately power corrupted the "class of '94" and Republicans pissed away a great opportunity to truly reform Washington.

Other than Tom Coburn, how many other signees to the CFA kept their word on voluntary term limits?  Not many.  Largent didn't.

The Contract For America turned out to be a huge joke and major disappointment.  I'm surprised to hear a dunderhead like Hannity even make mention of it any more.  He said something to one of his guests the other day along the lines of "why not do another 'Contract For America'?"

Can we sue for "breach of contract"?

[mr.jaynes]

quote:Originally posted by waterboy

Any one catch the interview this am on NPR with Mickey Edwards, former US Representative from Oklahoma? He has written a book about the loss of real conservatism that started with the Gingrich revolution. His insights were pretty good as to how the republican party's focus on blind power and unquestioning authority led to its separation from real conservatism. The brutal nature of the leadership and their tossing aside constitutional authority was retty scary.

In and of itself, the Contract with America was not a bad thing: it did offer proposals that even I could agree with. I will admit that I even voted for a Republican during that election, can ya believe it? Perhaps they were a bit brazen with the marketing of their idea, but all politicians do that.

As for Gingrich, he had a few good ideas, and yes, I've read some of his books. But I think he lost his way somewhere.

[FOTD]

Another affair of the right wing heart....not CFA but Newt. Although CFA could count as another Repug failure due to beltways....

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by mr.jaynes


As for Gingrich, he had a few good ideas, and yes, I've read some of his books. But I think he lost his way somewhere.

I have literally heard the same statement applied to Adolph Hitler before, word-for-word.

I can't stomach Gingrich anymore, but realize he had a role model in Tip O'Niell as to how a divisive SOTH should be.

[mr.jaynes]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

quote:Originally posted by mr.jaynes


As for Gingrich, he had a few good ideas, and yes, I've read some of his books. But I think he lost his way somewhere.

I have literally heard the same statement applied to Adolph Hitler before, word-for-word.

I can't stomach Gingrich anymore, but realize he had a role model in Tip O'Niell as to how a divisive SOTH should be.

I've examined the provisions of the contract and found that they do make some sensical sensible proposals in resolving various governmental and societal problems. His books do show that he's a man who's studied the issues and does try to find solutions. It's just that with his temperment and inclinations, he was not the ideal entity to get these things enacted. I'd say that hubris tended to get the better of him.

I'm no Hitlerite, and I will not accuse Newt of such. Even so, Newt, like anyone aspiring to power, did seem to understand the power of language. Might I recommend studying his GOPAC's publication concerning language and how it is an ideal mechanism for gaining and maintaining control. It makes for an interesting read.