Recently, I saw “Jersey Boys” at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. It was fantastic! (I think I was born too late, because somehow I knew every word to every song, many of which were released when I was just a gleam in my mother’s eye.) The production was excellent, though they dropped the F bomb a bit too much, and the re-enactment of the inspiration of “Oh, What a Night” was a bit shocking. Still, I highly recommend it for those over 18.
Now, before “Flash” bursts a vein in his neck, there is a connection to California state politics. (:
A few weeks ago, many of us at the Flash Report and in leadership positions in the CRP received an email from a man who gave us a glimpse into the mind of our most important Party asset…no, not our donors…our voters. Here is what he had to say:
I’m a lifelong resident of the state of California. I’ve actually been here long enough to have witnessed some good policies and politicians on both sides. In my 40’s I began to lean toward the republican way of thinking in regards to personal responsibility and smaller government. I have never been one to want to peak in or regulate people’s sexual behavior but for some reason, the party that I thought was mine, has become less conservative, more radical, and more intrusive. I am Joe- 6 pack and everybody I know comes from that similar blue collar background. You lose the working men and women of California, you lose California. At this point in time it just seems to me to no longer vote along party lines, and I think you’ll see more and more people reject the Republican Party as to a party that only caters to corporate interests and only pays lip service to the fears of the common man.
Sometimes, we as Republican activists forget something intensely important: the Union leadership does not represent the views of a majority of their members. Many blue collar families share our values, were part of the Reagan Revolution, and form the backbone of our electorate. I’m from a Midwestern blue collar family, and I know that Republican values are the ones most appealing to these hard working folks. I’m afraid that sometimes Party leaders forget this, and speak in platitudes that impress reporters…but really don’t resonate with self-described “Joe 6 pack.”
After the smack down of 2006, I think now is an excellent time for GOP activists and the CRP to rethink our message to Main St., and in the words of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons…”Let’s Hang On To What We’ve Got.”
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Ronald Reagan used to visualize the factory worker from Peopia, Illinois in the fifth row of all his audiences when he gave a speech.
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
I grew up near Peoria in a little Illinois town. I’m biased, but I think those are exactly the folks we need to be talking to. They are the most affected by policy that attacks the middle class, and are categorically overlooked by the left wing “intelligencia” of the Democratic party. These are the people who grow our food, send their sons and daughters to war, and keep the American dream alive.
I love it that President Reagan pictured them in the audience, and if I may be so bold…I say we move them up to the front row of the audience.
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Then where would the oil and gas company executives, Wall St hedge fund operators, and bankers sit?
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
On your lap, Steve; you’re one of the most reliable audience members we have.
What are you…auditioning to be the Alan Colmes punching bag of the FR?
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Maviglio with his fancy degrees and marxist manifesto comes in and thinks he knows how Joe 6 pack thinks.Thanks Jill for speaking to those of us who are tired of this nanny state politics where our state legislature acts like a local city council and passes laws that do nothing but criminalize everyday citizens like the cell phone law and the pet spaying law to name a couple.I am glad to see that legislation like Joel Anderson’s that actually takes money away from terrorists got done otherwise this whole session would of been a complete waste.
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Thank you Jill, as somebody who personally, knows the Reagan family. I couldn’t agree more.
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am
I’d like to thank Karl for being the inspiration for this post. Karl, I hope we hear from you much, much more often. (:
And, Chris, thank you very much. It’s great to be on “Dutch’s” team with you. (:
Have a wonderful weekend!
June 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Jill:
Thank you stating that the Reagan Democrats STILL exist! ..If I only had
a nickle for every time I’ve heard self-described “experts” say they don’t,
and that the Reagan era is over.
Reagan Democrats or Homeowner Democrats are THE factor almost every
time a Republican wins a race in a competitive district. If we don’t Ask for
their votes, we’ll lose them. We must keep asking and explaining we are
closer to them than Pelosi/Reid/Hillary are.
.
So…my fellow conservatives, Let’s WALK LIKE A MAN or be a Repub-
lican CANDY GIRL …telling the Reagan Democrats we’re WORKING OUR
WAY BACK to them, with a jobs and family platform that will make Pelosi
look like a RAG DOLL, and allow Jill Buck to remind Steve Maviglio once
more that, BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY.
Madame Speaker, I yield back the floor and my 33-rpm LP records.
June 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 am
On behalf of the both of us, you’re welcome Jill.
June 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Jim, I think we have a new soundtrack for the GOP comeback!
You’re awesome. (:
Take good care,and hope to see you soon!
June 24th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I wish Maviglio would comment more often.
His little jabs usually give me a chuckle, and I appreciate that.
Comedic talents aside, I am most impressed with his ability to keep his finger on the pulse of middle America. If I was pulling down 160 grr! working for “Faaabulous Fabian”, I am not sure I could pull it off.
Anyway…back to the salt mines…