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Revenge of the RINOs
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Republican in Name Only? Try the future of the GOP. The following is Meghan McCain's address to the Log Cabin Republicans Convention—a group that promotes gay issues within the GOP—on April 18, 2009.
Thank you all for having me here tonight. I am thrilled to be able to speak to you this evening to share some of my experiences from the campaign and observations on where our party is today. And I’m proud to tell you there is a special role for the Log Cabin Republicans to play in our future.
The last two years of my life have been an amazing series of moments. Some sad, some thrilling and others mesmerizing. I want to tell you about some of those moments as well as the ones that are yet to come.
Some will say I can’t be a new, progressive Republican. If you aren’t this and that, then you’re clearly a “Republican in Name Only,” also affectionately known as a RINO.
I have been humbled by the outpouring of support that I received during the campaign. The tumultuous ride of my father’s quest for the Presidency has been well chronicled. In October, 2007 I launched the site McCainBogette.com. I chose to do my part in telling the campaign’s story from my perspective for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, I realized my Dad would always have to deal with people perceiving him as “too old” to be President. I know what you’re all thinking: Why would anyone think that? As with many things, reality is sometimes so different from what people perceive.
I know my father better than anyone. And if he could have a 23 year old wiseass like me as a daughter, then that certainly doesn’t make him too old. Someone had to tell the nation that, and I was up to the challenge.
Second, I have been a child of politics since the day I was born.
As you can imagine and have seen, politics can be a nasty sport. And between you and me, many of the people in this business tend to take themselves entirely too seriously. I wanted to break out of that. I wanted people to see the normal aspects of political life. From the messy motel rooms to the steady diet of doughnuts and Red Bull. From the moments of endless energy to the quiet times you share with family and friends.
And from the times of incredible pride to the ones where the world around you seems like it’s unraveling in a storm of insanity. I wanted to give people a first hand look into an experience few ever have seen.
And finally, I wanted to be me. That perhaps was the most challenging reason of all. I have been fortunate to have been blessed with two amazing parents who have led lives motivated by helping others. But I am also my parents’ daughter. I have my mother’s grace under fire.
And I have my Dad’s “heartburn-inducing” ability to say what he thinks almost whenever he wants. The person who stands before you is not confined within the mold of what a daughter of a Republican Presidential candidate “should” be for some. And that’s OK. Our world is not confined by molds and neither should our nation.
That’s what I saw for fourteen months on the campaign trail. Of course it wasn’t all that you might expect. My hair stylist, Josh Rupley who is here tonight and a proud new member of the Log Cabin Republicans, joined us on the trail for the last few months of the campaign. I was not prepared for the uptick in date requests I received via email during that time. And I mean date requests for Josh, not me. His presence really seemed to cause quite a stir on the site and we still get a huge kick out of it.
That brings us to today. I honestly did not expect my personal journey in politics would become more interesting since election day. But that's exactly what has happened. It took months for the campaign highs and lows to subside. When 2009 began, I had a fresh outlook on life and decided to pursue writing. I still wanted to focused on that delicate blending of Republican politics and who I am and what I think. I was thrilled to be asked to write for Tina Brown’s website The Daily Beast. My most notorious article to date was entitled, “My Beef with Ann Coulter.” Ok, so much for being delicate.
I am concerned about the environment. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable. I have lots of gay friends. And yes, I am a Republican.
What’s happened since has been unexpected, humbling and motivating. I did not expect my frustration with what I perceive to be overly partisan and divisive Republicans to cause a national incident. And no, I’m not that engaged with myself to think it was even that much of an incident.
People in our country have much more important issues to deal with on a daily basis. But the experience did reinforce what I learned on the campaign trail in some major ways.
I’ll summarize them in three points:
- Most of our nation wants our nation to succeed.
- Most people are ready to move on to the future, not live in the past.
- Most of the old school Republicans are scared shitless of that future.
You know the old problem: Political discussion just breaks down into bickering and fighting instead of solving. And Republicans have a tendency to get way too hung up on words. I’m not just talking about the occasional profanity. When someone says they “hope the President succeeds” they say it with the hope that the country gets better, the economy improves and people can feel safe, confident and free to live their lives as they choose. And may I add in full equality with each other.
I believe most people get that, and more people are getting it everyday.
I believe most of our nation wants our nation to succeed.
I feel too many Republicans want to cling to past successes. There are those who think we can win the White House and Congress back by being “more” conservative. Worse, there are those who think we can win by changing nothing at all about what our party has become. They just want to wait for the other side to be perceived as worse than us. I think we’re seeing a war brewing in the Republican party, but it is not between us and Democrats. It is not between us and liberals. It is between the future and the past. I believe most people are ready to move on to that future.
We know a party that was thriving at one point on a few singular issues cannot see long term success. Even worse, we’ve seen how it has contributed to some serious problems in our nation and world.
Let me blunt, you can’t assume you’re electing the right leaders to handle all the problems facing our nation when you make your choice based on one issue. More and more people are finally getting that.
Simply embracing technology isn’t going to fix our problem either. Republicans using Twitter and Facebook isn’t going to miraculously make people think we’re cool again. Breaking free from obsolete positions and providing real solutions that don’t divide our nation further will. That’s why some in our party are scared. They sense the world around them is changing and they are unable to take the risk to jump free of what’s keeping our party down.
What I am talking about tonight is what it means to be a new, progressive Republican. Now some will say I can’t do that. If you aren’t this and that, then you’re clearly a “Republican in Name Only,” also affectionately known as a RINO.
Suggesting the notion that one can be faithful to the original core values of the GOP while open to the realities of our changing world has really hit a chord with people. And it seems to be the next, natural stage of the journey I’ve been traveling.
It would be easy to say my generation views politics very differently from others. Maybe we’re more progressive, socially liberal or just hate arguing in lieu of actually solving the problems at hand. But what I’ve learned though my experiences is that these feelings are not contained to one age group. They’re the growing beliefs and desires of people of all ages, races, genders, faiths, persuasions and political parties.
So tonight, I am proud to join you in challenging the mold and the notions of what being a Republican means.
I am concerned about the environment. I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people’s lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable. I have lots of gay friends. And yes, I am a Republican.
If there is one thing that gives me hope about the future of our party and the role you and the Log Cabin Republicans can play in it is this: there’s never been a better time to speak out. People are listening. And, they’re more open minded than ever before. Maybe it’s because they’re worried about the future. Maybe it’s because they’re so disenchanted with the past. It’s probably a little of both.
But know this: The moment to make a difference is now and I am proud to share it with you. America’s best days are ahead of us. And we will show our nation that we will get there together.
Thank you again for having me speak tonight. And thank you for all you are doing to help make a new Republican party a reality.
Meghan McCain is originally from Phoenix. She graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She previously wrote for Newsweek magazine and created the website mccainblogette.com.
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Joe's No Traitor
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
I proudly proclaim my political leaning as "not Republican", and the Republican party won't have my vote for a very, very long time. The gay marriage wedge issue in 2004 was one of the final straws because as a straight, moderate middle-class American, demonizing homosexuality was an insult to basic humanity.
But this is definitely a step in the right direction. Kudos.
just because pepole do not believe in gay marriage does not mean they are demonizing homosexuality. I find it difficult to believe that in such serious times a person could form political positions based on what is really a completely feckless and irrelevant non-issue. Maybe you are feckless and stupid?
If you believe homosexuality is a valid attraction (i.e., something you are rather than something you choose), then you have no grounds to oppose homosexual marriage. It is as natural as a heterosexual marriage. If, however, you believe homosexuals "choose" that lifestyle, then you may subjectively believe that their relationship less value than a heterosexual relationship.
It really is that simple. Is homosexuality a choice? The answer to that one question should settle whether homosexual marriage should be legal.
That's like saying "just because people do not think black people should be able to vote doesn't mean they are racists." I find it difficult to believe that in "such serious times" a person could be so deluded as to consider the denial of human rights to a minority group a "non-issue." Maybe you are a bigot?
Being opposed to homosexuality is your perfect right. Forcing others who disagree with you to your point of view is another matter entirely. And that's what happens when people who oppose gay marriage want to prevent it through legislation. A religious belief of a few -- or even a majority -- is not a reason to impose it on those why don't hold those views.
Maybe you are discounting the value individuals place on having their important life choices dictated by people with no idea what they are talking about. Also, you sound like an arrogant jerk.
I wish there were more oration about a middle ground on the gay marriage issue. I see it as a Church/State issue.Maybe, I fall in the bunch of republicans who are too hung up on words. It just seems that the government should provide civil unions/domestic partnerships, and marriage should be left to religion. Some churches embrace the idea, others don't.
A few points on same sex marriage:
First of all, every person has a right to their opinion. If you disagree with same sex marriage, you are free to advocate against it and teach your kids your morals. The government, however, may not discriminate against a specific group of people by granting certain rights to some but not to others. The 14th Amendment guarantees that (i.e. Equal Protection under the law).
Whether homosexuality is genetic or a choice should not matter either; every individual "chooses" what religion to follow and the government protects that right.
Lastly, I agree with ALLTHINGSNINJA... Government has no place in granting "marriage" licenses since marriage IS a religious institution and some churches do allow same sex marriage. The solution should be for governments to issue civil union certificates to both same and opposite sex couples and let churches perform marriages as they see fit.
I find it curious that you won't vote for a repub because of gay marriage. I'm not too old and as long as I can remember the GOP has always been against gay marriage.
You do realize that Obama and Biden are also against gay marriage.
NO WAY.
Who knew
You could have a tattoo
And wear black
And listen to
Punk rock
AND
Be a Republican!!!!!!!
That is sooooo
cool!!!!
Did you find Mr. Far Right
Yet?
I totally will not think
You're oversharing
If you say
yes.
I liked the part where
You said that you thought
Most
Of our nation
Wants
Our nation
To succeed
Guess what?
ME TOO!!!
Congratulations
On your book!!!!
Serious!!!!!!
This sounds just like someone I try to watch every week night at 9:00 on MSNBC.
I think a great future topic for Ms. McCain would be to identify the reasons she chose to register as Republican instead as a Democrat. We have heard a great deal about what she dislikes in the GOP - old school, out of touch, antiquated, embracing obsolete wedge issues...so why join it? Can she articulate the features of the donkey that induced an even greater aversion, leading her to settle instead on the elephant?
She has articulated her reasons for being a Republican. Probably on The Daily Beast. In anny case, you'll find it when you google.
She's a Republican because otherwise she wouldn't get daddy's money? Probably also get dis-owned, and called a stupid whore by the entire conservative media establishment her church book club. Just a theory.
An idiotic theory that is stupid and mean, but hey, you can be a brave little troll, "Stromko".
Meghan,
I've become a fan of yours over the past few weeks! I predict if the Republican Party ever listens to you and takes your wise advice they will be a force to be reckoned with.
I was Goldwater Republican -- that both dates me and lets you know there is no place in the Republican Party for me today. I haven't been able to cast a vote for the Republican candidate in national elections in many long years!
I want a strong two-party system because I feel that will hold our elected officials more accountable and increase the chances of a strong America. If what put the grand in the Grand Old Party could be revived, it would make us all stronger! You, Meghan, are doing your part. Good work!
GRLFROMKS,
I predict that for the mid-term elections in 2010 that every repub that heeds Meghan's suggestions. That also gets elected will win that seat in a usually democrat district. Hate to burst your bubble Meghan but your feeling on issues and calling yourself a progressive repub have already politically taken by bluedog democrats. Meghan read a few books on how the term "progressive" was brought to the political scene and you'll see how completely you and they don't see eye to eye. Just saying the "first progressives" in my view were the worst and (hate to use the term) quite fascist of people. NOT SAYING YOU ARE!
As a Goldwater Republican, I would imagine you can't support the Democratic candidates either.....
Ms. McCain,
I have respect for you, and great respect for your father. But, with all due respect, RINOs are just Democrats without the presents (Welfare, Healthcare, Amnesty, & all the handouts you want). RINOs are why Republicans lose elections, not the future of the party (otherwise we're down to just one... ). For the sake of the nation, I hope you're wrong -- and that you get past the Democrat stereotype of what Republicans are.
I agree! Dole 96 (RINO) BUSH 00,04 No child left behind great growth in gov. Hundred of billions a year in deficet speeding Doubled the national debt. Department of homeland security over $400 BILLION AND RISING EACH YEAR. BUSH is and always was a RINO. I don't have a college degree I can hang on my wall but with the facts I conclude that for quite some time the republican leaders have been "progressive republicans". But what do I know I only have a public school education.
She is a conservative, but not your kind. Look her up and you'll find her conservative views.
No, Republicans are losing elections because the electorate (in general) has finally figured out that Republicans hand out presents to the people with all the wealth and power, like little toadies seeking funding for their next election.
strong military, accountable gov't, people from all walks of life.
looks like she rounded the bases.
home run.
so saying "I believe in an efficient government" is a home run? LOL
Obviously, believing in a wasteful government is more a winning strategy. If I remember right, no child left behind was a product of the neo-cons. Read up on how that works and tell me how well that helped the USA's top notch education system.
If you're going to disagree, at least make a point that isn't so obviously uninformed.
compared to what, not saying you believe in efficient government. is that your position?
epockismet
quote:
Obviously, believing in a wasteful government is more a winning strategy."
If you say so, it has seemed to have worked for some time. I think there is a lot of room for improvement though and that is what we are working towards.
compared to what, say you don't?
Megan McCain does not share the values of the Republician party...she needs to re-register as a Democrat....I don't know why she is a writer on the Beast....she's boring.
The majority of Republicans today have NO morals .Meghan is one of the few republicans who are honest and not afraid to speak her mind !
I'm ex-Military,ex-Republican and straight talk like Megan speaks is exactly what the GOP needs.
Meghan McCain I salute you !
Yeah, Republican's stand for ignorance, racism, and all the great things heros like Hitler fought for.
Brilliant jburrey2! I'm right there with you!
Boring? Megan is the first Republican who has made sense in recent memory. If you want boring, re-read your comment. That's what she was talking about. Guys like you refusing to see what had happened. That's why Republicans are flinging teabags and complaining abouth the White House dog instead of trying to help the American people out of the hole you guys dug.
Megan McCain is my favorite Republican. And I was a Reagan Republican back in the day. Until I woke up.
"I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people's lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable."
You and Johnny Ramone.
http://www.officialramones.com/hailjohnny/4.html
@DeclineToState I agree and wish that she would explain this. Maybe she has in her blog. IDK. The Republican party she "fell in love with" doesn't seem to exist anymore.
I want to say she's "a libertarian with a small 'l' and a Republican with a capital 'R'" a la Milton Friedman. However, I remember her saying on Maddow that "she doesn't get Economics."
I still really like her though. Isn't that usually enough for someone in politics these days?
lower taxes, holding gov't accountable, strong military and people from all walks of life.
that is our republic, welcome to the party josh.
Last I checked, that's exactly what the Republicans are supposed to stand for.
Spot on Erick00
supposed to vs. do/ rhetoric vs reality / reality vs. dogma, what party have you been watching?
Meghan you misguided fool.
a) We get that you have a lot of gay firends so you want to stomp on everyone else in the Republcan Party's views to suit your own. Life doesn't revolve around you. Get used to it.
b) The liberals got even more liberal than 2004 and yet they gained popularity. Why is that? Live long enough and you will see that no party has held party more than a few years. Losing in 2008 wasn't a sign we need to become the Meghan McCain party it was a natural swing and if you were a little less impulsive you would get that people are already swinging back after 70 days of unchecked liberalism that they have forgot or never experienced LIKE YOU. WE ARE RIGHT TO SAY DON'T CHANGE THAT IS WHAT LOST IT FOR US IN THE FIRST PLACE. BECOMING DEMOCRAT LITE!
No, losing just meant the neo-cons need to at least look less racist and classist. Has nothing to do with liberal or conservative. Look conservative up sometime and reflect on it's execution over the last 8 years. I'm sorry, but the government has not had this much power over us in a long time.
Try educating and thinking for yourself sometime, instead of parroting nutcases like Limbaugh.
Conservatives and Republicans shouldn't be known for being willing to give up their rights for the illusion of safety, but that's what we're famous for now thanks to people who don't think, like you, hooray...
@pga301: You're the misguided fool. Meghan has it exactly right. If you don't believe it, watch us hammer your party again in 2010 -- because, until you "get it" like Meghan does, we Democrats will remain as the only meaningful party -- and that, is a loss for America.
"Losing in 2008 wasn't a sign we need to become the Meghan McCain party it was a natural swing and if you were a little less impulsive you would get that people are already swinging back..."
Oh man, I REALLY hope that the mindset you are demonstrating is the standard Republican response. We are in the process of building a Democratic majority the likes have which haven't been seen since the 1930's. Don't believe me? Just wait until November. The Obama campaign machine will work to increase the majority while people like you sit back and wait for the 'natural swing' to go your way. Or maybe you'll just throw more tea parties. Either way its fine by me.
Ms. McCain,
You are not a Republican. You are not the future of the Republican party. You are a poorly-educated (I don't care where you went to school, you clearly didn't learn much) spoiled rotten brat.
The only sense in which you are a Republican is that ANYONE can CALL themselves a Republican. David Duke claimed he was a Republican, but everyone rejected him too.
You have run for nothing, no one has elected you to represent them, and frankly nobody wants you.
I am BOTH gay and conservative, and your rantings about both are blitheringly ignorant. Being accepting of gays and lesbians does not mean accepting their radical agenda. It doesnt mean accepting the lie that there isnt a significant, important difference between gay relationships and straight relationships. The fact that you exist is proof of that.
Moreover, your ignorance of "progressvism" is abhorent and shameful. That is a moniker to be ASHAMED of, not proud.
Woodrow Wilson was the first American "progressive" -- he jailed people who spoke out against his policies and rejected the ideas of separation of powers and checks and balances. He was an outspoken critic of the constraints on power placed on him by the constitution and is one of the biggest abusers of that sacred document in our nation's history. Wilson was also a vehement, outspoken racist.
Similarly, FDR, was a "progressive", he also jailed people for political dissent, he even jailed Americans who dared to offer goods and services at prices lower than those which he commanded from on high. He once jailed a man for offering to press a suit for 35 cents instead of the required 40. No president in American history has had its actions ruled unconstitutional by SCOTUS more than FDR, and rather than abide by their rulings, FDR tried to increase the number of justices on the court, so he could pack it with jurists who would approve his unconstitutional policies. And lets not forget FDR is the man who interred over 110,000 Japanese Americans during WWII for no other crime than their national origin.
"Progressivism" is fascism -- the control of people and industry and usurpation of rights by all powerful central government -- you ignorant little girl, and it is not welcome in the Republican party and neither are YOU.
Please shut up and quit embarrassing Republicans. Seriously!
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
There we have it folks ...
A GAY American who is AGAINST Marriage Equality ...
I mean come on ... Why should the masses keep fighting when members of the same affiliations wish not to achieve what is being fought for on the behalf ... ?
Think about it. Imagine Americans decided to fight for legalization of illegal immigrants, a a bunch of the stood up to say,"NO! We do NOT want to be American Citizens", would we still fight for legalization ... ?
So I say, throw Meghan under that bus or tell her to switch back to being an Independent already ...
You don't have to fight for the rights of the few idiots that shout out against themselves, that is a horrible example of what you're trying to portray as logic.
You take your pseudonym a little too literally. Instead of just being against people you disagree with, try to educate yourself on your own points so you can actually make one. Using an idiots argument to back your own less than spectacular argument helps no one learn from anything you say.
There you have it folks, the most reasonable of republicans can't string a couple paragraphs together without demonstrating the crazy.
The first American president who was a "progressive" was actually Theodore Roosevelt, Republican.
What about Lincoln?
He's a Republican that I'm proud of. He governed during our civil war, had to compromise in order to govern and he saw things in the long-term. Obviously he was for a strong federal government. Somethings he did are still controversial ( some will refer to the last statement), but he managed to govern wisely. He's really the complete opposite of Republicans like Limbaugh, who are combative and uncompromising. There's never been a Republican better than Lincoln in the history of the party. Lincoln might even be the best president that ever lived. Both the Republican and Democratic party have changed a huge deal ( it says something that Lincoln is Obama's hero.) The old Dixiecrat Democrats have in essence become the current G.O.P, while Lincoln's Republican party has become the Democrats. It would be great to have more than 2 parties actually. This way, the Conservative Christians could have their own party, fiscal conservatives could have their own party, etc, etc. Politics would be more participatory at least, and that's good for a vital, strong nation.
AmericanElephant, you are almost spot on but the first 'progressive was FDR's kin Teddy. Your right Woodrow took it to another level. Confined over 75,000 political dissenters. We can also thank him for 17th amendment (federal income taxes) and his greatest achievement was the 18th amendment(no beer for you). Which didn't grow the gov. but it sure did grow the mafia's strength and influence. During WWII and a call from many journalists for FDR to declare himself King(yes, many journalists did). FDR said he wouldn't bring fascism to America. Which gave birth to the famous saying "It couldn't happen here". That quip should be the sole description for the word ironic since it all started here with the "progressives"
Umm, did you miss the last 8 years under the last Bush administration? What was fascism again? Do you read what you write, or listen to the words that come out of your mouth? The negative things you had to say aren't new things, from either side of the political fence (assuming there are truly other sides to it). And I'll say it again, the Japanese under FDR were at least paid off for what they had to endure once the war was over. Unlike the Nazis and the Japanese, we didn't use them in experiments, or torture them, as far as I am aware (we used our own troops, etc., but that's a whole other story).
And, though you may disagree, Neo-Cons are not the only ones that are allowed to call themselves Republicans. In fact, last I checked republicans were for less government when it is not necessary to have government intervention. The exact opposite of what the Bush administration stood for. And removing the social safety nets put in place to keep another depression from happening, is not the only thing the government does, and is very much not used as something to hold over the people as power, except when the neo-cons take over. Then they make people who need things, like disability help, regret ever asking for it. Meanwhile they take over our lives saying it is for our own safety (patriot act, no child left behind, you remember that right?). Based on your comment, you have actually never educated yourself on what those two things actually accomplished, and parroting what the far right media says is not educating yourself, it's just plain laziness.
Oh yeah, the overwhelming support of the racists and classism on the Republican's side do a fine enough job of embarrassing the Republican party on their own, they don't need Megan's help. In fact, people like her speaking out on the side of rationality on the Republican side is too late in coming.
Self-loathing, party of one?
"It doesnt mean accepting the lie that there isnt a significant, important difference between gay relationships and straight relationships. The fact that you exist is proof of that."
Am I correct in assuming that the above refers to the ability of heterosexual couples to procreate? If so, I'll stop fighting for gay marriage when the federal government no longer allows infertile or elderly couples to marry.
If you feel that there are other "significant, important difference(s) between gay relationships and straight relationships," then please enumerate them, because I have yet to notice a fundamental difference between my relationship and that of my parents, or my partner's parents, or my sister and her husband, or any of my married friends. The one difference I've found is the severe lack of vagina extant in our relationship, which I can't imagine would be grounds to not let people enter into a government-sanctioned contract; I mean, men sign contracts with each other all the time. If vaginal presence/absence is the fundamental difference to which you are referring, then I suggest they add a stipulation stating such to the marriage code. And then legalize lesbian marriage.
If she defined Progressive the way you define it, then what you said would be relevant. But she didn't. You made shit up, then attacked it.
For any point that you could have used there as a teaching moment you completely ruined which says far more about you than it does her.
Way to go.
What history book did you read? LOL Windbag. Self hating lately? LOL
Megan isn't embarrassing Republicans LOL It's like the last 8 years didn't exist for you self-hating gay man.
American Elephant-
Please shut up and quit embarrassing gay people. Seriously!
My radical agenda? My desire for equal protection under the law is radical? Only heterosexuals ever produce offspring? Progressivism is the same as fascism? Sorry pal, but you are one "twisted sister".
I'm not a republican, but you sir, are no "gay" man...you may refer to yourself as a homosexual, but gay has to stand for something... like the many years of work and struggle to secure even the most basic of protections for ourselves (against heavy republican opposition!)
I guess your ridiculous rantings would make you a "GINO" gay in name only...
Megan, I am writing a feature article for the Los Angeles Free Press. The working title is: "The GOP as the New Counter Culture." Can I interview you for it? Please have your PR person contact me through my personal email or cellphone asap. Thanks, Jackie Deveraux, Editor of the Desert Valley Star, the American Free Journal and Contributing Writer for the LAFP.
Meghan McCain is my new hero, for a while there I thought I would never call myself a Republican again...I'm glad the issue of the Republican party changing for the better is finally being addressed and not avoided. go Meghan!
I undestand why there is a lot of negativity towards Ms. McCain from the Republicans here, but why are the Democrats and Liberals against Ms. McCain? For the Democratic party to be a strong and well formed party it needs a true opposition. When the GOP is at its best it has a strong well formed opposition. Right now the Democrats have no strong opposition, just as the Republicans in the first W. Bush term had no truly well formed opposition.
Businesses grows because of opposition, and if they don't change and adapt they die. Right now the GOP needs to learn to adapt and struggle out of the darkness of not having a well formed opposition. Until the GOP has found itself again this Union is not safe.
I do not say that because I think Democrats are anti-American, I say that because un-fettered power in one group or another is never a good thing.
"I do not say that because I think Democrats are anti-American,"
Of course they are. When you want to make America LESS like our founding principles prescribed, and more like France, you are anti-American. Socialism is selfish, fascist, consfiscatory and anti-American. Undermining your nation for political gain during a war you voted for is anti-American. Leaking top secret national security documents, or stealing them in your pants and destroying them for political gain is anti-American. Saying the era of capitalism, also known as free markets, is over, is anti-American. Blaming the people for the economic devastation caused by Democrat redistributionist policies is anti-American.
AmericanElephant,
If we are going to speak of making a country less like the founding principles describe, let's discuss the just past presidency of George W. Bush.
It is beyond belief that our founding fathers would have supported the concepts of torture, degradation of our civil rights in the Patriot Act, illegal spying on Americans, Extreme Rendition, Secret Prisons, attempts to enlarge the power of the Executive branch beyond those originally envisioned, threatening our checks and balances or the no-bid contracts that were let out to corporations that these political hacks formerly worked for.
That is anti-American.
Ms. McCain is spot on. We have a duty, both Republicans and Democrats, to work together towards a greater future. Calling one or the other 'America Haters' gets us exactly nowhere, and neither does slavishly clinging to a 'my way or the highway' attitude. Our forefathers had in mind the idea that people of differing opinions would work out compromises that would work for everyone, not a 'winner take all' attitude.
Though I don't agree with everything that President Obama has done, the old guard Republican's insistence on not working with him is damaging our efforts to move forward. We need a strong Republican party that is dedicated to making their views known and working with a strong Democratic party to chart an adequate course for us.
Democrats and Republicans need each other. Without all views being represented, this is not a democracy.
As a Democrat, I am encouraged by Ms. McCain's words of hope and expect that, should we ever debate, she would present her views as effectively as I would hope I would, but that, beneath it all, we would understand of each other that we want the same things- a more accepting and open America, a stronger America and a better life for all Americans.
There's a difference between having opposition that stands for nothing the majority believe in, and opposition that makes sense. Opposition for opposition's sake means nothing. It's like having a war because one thinks wars are the best for an economy that rely heavily on military spending, while completely ignoring the costs of such meaningless conflicts.
Also, business grows with Competition, that is not the same as opposition.
What ever happened to decent Republicans? Eisenhower Republicans who you could disagree with on matters of policy, and still go out and have a beer with at the end of the day? When did the Republican party turn into a bunch of rabid Christianist weasels?
I'm not so in love with the Democratic Party. We screw up a lot, and there are some things I think the new administration should put higher on the list of priorities, but when I look at the slavering, frothing-at-the-mouth, attack everything without providing an alternative, hope America fails, I could just weep.
"Guns, God and Gays" isn't a winner anymore. We have real problems, and we need real solutions. We need serious thinkers, we need actual ideas. More tax cuts for the rich isn't going to do it. Republicans, come home. We kept your room just the way you left it, take your time, figure out where you want to go from here. We miss you.
(Time for my standard reply)
Megan...seriously....leave the party and take your dad with you...
Arlen spector is RINO, snowe is a RINO, and Collins is a RINO...
And we have these three RINO's to thank for crossing party lines and voting for Obama's part of the bailout swindle...
You wish to self identify with these Idiots...so be it...
Maybe you can get Colon Powell to endorse your dad next time...I here he still thinks he's a republican too...
Zeitgeist
Let her do her thing. If the nut-jobs in the GOP who are bringing the Republicans down have some competition within the party, maybe the Libertarians will be the new conservative party of choice. Then we can say goodbye to the neo-cons (fascists who don't realize they are).
Yes...all moderates LEAVE and join the DEMS so we can end this party called the GOP once and for all and leave it to the 25% who thought Bush was a great president. THAT WILL WIN ELECTIONS! LOL
May I remind you my freinds that to disagree one does not have to be disagreeable. Ms McCain has my vote.
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Yes, certainly some of the Democrat identified people here have a point: why does Meghan McCaine even bother calling herself a Republican? I've been registered as a Republican since 1976 and I ask myself the same thing especially after that piece of crap Sarah Palin was selected as a V. P candidate. That little bit made me not only ashamed to be a registered Republican but to be an American.
A Swedish friend once told me that here in the USA we have a choice. Register as a member of the demagogues (Democratic party) or as a member of the hypocrites (Republican party). So, I guess I'll stay with the hypocrites a bit longer as long as Meghan is around too.
Interesting responses - Ms McCain is right - there are way too many hate-filled, hateful people in the GOP for the party to make a significant return to governing. We need to appeal to moderate voices and many of you certainly can't do that. Well done, Meghan, keep it up.
William F. Buckley, Jr., she ain't. Perhaps after acquiring more knowledge and maturity she will understand the difference between accomplishment and celebrity. Being the daughter of a long-time politician does not validate her opinions. The media focus is there because she is criticizing Republicans (which they like) and she is a celebrity (she's been on TV!!!) As soon as she accomplishes something her opinion will have weight. Let us know when you have actually done something substantive Meghan, aside from just telling us what you think.
Buckley's insane, bad comparison. Thank GOD she isn't Buckley. And not all Republicans are being criticized, in fact, many of us are being ignored by the GOP. Which is why she has a place to say what she is saying, for the rest of us, who probably are actually the majority, at least those of us who didn't want to run to the Democrat Party. If things keep going the way they are, the Republican Party will be outgunned by the Libertarian Party, who have the conservatism, without the blowhard nutcases.
Let's see, you think that Buckley was insane and that the Libertarian party has no blowhard nutcases, only conservatives. Please, don't restrain yourself. Go ahead and run to the democrat party. I doubt you are a Republican anyway. But if playing this little game of pretend on a message board makes you feel good by all means go ahead and play.
Respandent = envious! what huge sour grapes you have!
Learn to spell. Learn to type. Learn capitalization. Learn to focus your thoughts. As usual, an ad hominem response. Ignore the issue. Instead characterize my comments by imputing a motive that exists only in your imagination. Yours is a typical useless post because it consists of nothing that adds to the discussion of the issue. Why would you think that I would be envious of an airhead? I guess you will next suggest I am envious of you.
And what have you accomplished that makes your opinion mean anything?
BarryGoldwater; please tell them what you would do to the neo-cons. please Mr. Goldwater tell them what would happen to the world and our civil liberties if john bolton was secretary of state. please Mr. Goldwater, please Mr. AuH2O, tell them the wall they build to keep some out will be the wall that keeps them in. Mr. AuH20 they have eyes but they don't see, and why do they hate America?
Meghan:
I am sure you are a sweet girl, but you are two years out of college. Live in the real world, if that is possible for the daughter of a U.S. Senator and beer heiress, then start writing a blog. For starters, you could try writing about issues that actually matter and are important, such as taxes, the proper role of government, entitlement reform, the current administration's creeping nationalization of huge swathes of our livelihood, and President Obama's pending assault on basic individual freedom and liberty by nationalizing, either de facto or de jure, that part of our health care industry that has not yet been nationalized. But then again, you "support" him. I guess I should keep dreaming. Learn a few things first, then hold yourself out as a spokesperson for the GOP.
Many people might not realize, but the scary things Obama is putting into action are things that were started long ago, and not abandoned by the Bush admin, except in their rhetoric. Don't actions speak louder than words? Obviously not in this country.
Yes! Social Medicine! I CAN'T WAIT. About time the richest country in the world take care of it's own. You know, every other industrialized country does it. Are they all stupid?
And exactly what is you know thats so important,or what have you done thats so much more or better than what she has done that affords you an opinion greater than hers?
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I don't know if anyone else here has noticed, but all she did was give an annual speech.
Major pols do that every year.
aye aye aye
Meghan McCain is my new hero...for awhile I thought I'd never call myself a Republican again! It's about time someone addressed what needs to happen with GOP instead of just avoiding it. I loved everything she said in this speech.
If Ms. McCain wants the government to stay out of their personal lives, why has see aligned herself with militant gays who want the government to ask you your sexual preference and then reward or punish you by the way you answer.
I wonder Ms. McCain will stop supporting militant homosexuals when they start demanding affirmative action for homosexuals?
superdestroyer; there's a clock in Switzerland needing an employee. your guaranteed several breaks a day which you can use at your leisure. All you have to do is every 6 hrs. come out and declare what you have a natural propensity for; saying coocoo,coocooish things. superdestroyer, why do you hate America.
Forget about Sarah from Alaska... let's have Meghan instead!!
I'd appreciate her remarks more if she could spell out the "government accountability" that Republicans have demonstrated in the past or which they now propose. Just where was/is this "accountability" other than in the current obstructionism and general ranting when someone other themselves spends large amounts of money. Spending, I might add, that now is aimed at benefitting society as a whole rather than the self-anointed few.
Your opinion in the world of politics is irrelevant. This is obvious by all you blogs and speechs. You must always remember that you only have the stage because of your father, who was fatally wounded in the last Presidential election. Your father was my choice, but you are tarnishing his reputation and evidently do not realize it..........please reign in your rethoric for the good of the Republican Party.
She is the Party's last hope. Your ideas are old. Young people do not identify with Republicans, mark my words. When the older generation is gone, you are weaker than already.
Patrick, I'm not certain that Meghan is the last hope, but she is a very good start for a new hope. And there are others like her who don't recognize the party of hate and "NO" that the Republicans have become.
Thank you.
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