Wednesday, January 6, 2010
By Jacob M. Jordan
I happen to believe that the celebration of individual autonomy extends beyond the realm of the federal government. When this principle is violated, entropy ensues, ultimately resulting in failure. In the case of the current RNC, the consequences for transgressing this principle can clearly be seen.Consider the case of Dede Scozzafava. The RNC demonstrated a complete insensitivity to the individual-centered, grass-roots Tea Party movement. The movement is organic; its green shoots represent the reservoir that the GOP must tap into if Republicans are to take back the country. What happened instead? The RNC went for Dede Scozzafava. Underestimating the full extent at which Tea Party concerns had permeated the nation, the RNC swung its support behind a candidate who had won kudos from Planned Parenthood, supported the bailout of New York banks (not to mention the federal stimulus), and showed supported the enactment of Card Check. When it became clear that Scozzafava's electoral hopes were jeopardized, she dropped out—and then swung her support behind the Democrat candidate. The RNC got the hint and "backed" Conservative Doug Hoffman.
This type of egregious behavior on the part of the RINO National Committee is exactly why you should not donate a dime to the RNC. Instead, if you intend to donate, give your money to conservative candidates who are dissociated from this mess. The RNC is already starving for funds. A little deprivation could go a long way.
If a few months seems to be ancient history in anyone's mind, however, think again. On Monday, RNC Chairman Michael Steele was asked by Sean Hannity about the prospects of a GOP takeover in November. Steele's response? "Not yet." Way to keep spirits up, Steele! Apparently, Scozzafava represented the model candidate to Steele—and her loss represented the GOP's overall potential. The guy still does not get it. Steele is still clueless as the reservoir of momentum.
The GOP management needs to be transformed from the top down. At this point in the game, there is only one thing that I will consider as being evidence of legitimate transformation. It is the resignation of Michael Steele from the RNC. Steele has a record of failure trailing behind him. Michael Steele's employment by the RNC is non-negotiable hurdle.
Do not confuse my views with support of a third-party. Put simply, I believe that the RNC could be wiped clean much sooner than a third-party could effectively construct itself. The existing infrastructure of the RNC is invaluable. While a third-party would obviously have a significant effect on the election, I believe there would be a gold rush for its leadership. For a third-party to build its ranks, time is needed. Its growth should be organic and natural—much like the Tea Party movement itself. The slapdash organization that would follow could turn the party into a fad.
With less than a year to go, the GOP does not have time to sort out Steele's motivations or political psyche. What is needed in Steele's place is someone with personality, who demonstrates thorough comprehension of the fact that current GOP hopes are nil; the unresponsive GOP can only be kept alive with a steady IV of tea running through its veins.