The Governor appeared on the Today Show yesterday to talk about his philosophy of government. During the course of the interview, the interviewer asked the Governor to comment on the criticisms
of conservatives, including Rush Limbaugh, that he is not a Republican, and that he is not governing as a Republican. In essence, the Governor responded "Republican or Democrat is not relevant, Rush Limbaugh is irrelevant. All that matters is the people of the state of California. I represent the people." That may not be an exact quote, but I think it is fair representation of what the Governor said. This, of course, was not his attitude during the recall, when I endorsed him, or even during his re-election campaign, when he actively sought the help of Republicans. I don’t know if it is his attitude now, but that is what he said.
I recently went to see the movie, Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce, whose decades long struggle to end the slave trade in England is one of the great political stories of the 18th and 19th century. Wilberforce was genuinely moved by the plight of the slaves and the inhumane conditions to which they were subjected, and spent his entire political life to ending the English slave trade. The first vote on his bill to end that trade was 16 yes, 300 no. The last vote on the bill, 35 plus years later was 300 yes, 16 no. During decades long struggle, everyone on both sides of the issue claimed that they represented "the people," whether it was the people of their districts, the people who needed the slave trade jobs, or the people who were opposed to the slave trade. It was hard to discern exactly where "the people" were.
Which is the essential problem of anyone in politics. There are two ways to approach your job. One is try to and figure out where a majority of the people are on a specific political issue, and then take that position. The other is to try and figure out what you believe is the right thing to do, and then convince a majority of the people that it is the right thing to do. The first method is a haphazard method of putting together a coherent governing structure, which causes government and political officeholders to swing and sway with the wind of the public mood. The second method creates stability and permanent majorities. The first is the officeholder trying to follow, the second is the officeholder trying to lead. The first accepts the current mood of the electorate, no matter how foolish it might be. The second tries to treat the electorate as intelligent and moral people who only need a little education to do what is right. The first is easy. The second is hard.
**There is more – click the link**
[That "Total Sellout" graphic is courtesy of the creative minds at the Rush Limbaugh show – Flash]
March 21st, 2007 at 12:00 am
The governor had the ability to win as a conservative. He just “chickened” out. The CRP played a part in enabling this to the detriment of our state and our future.
March 21st, 2007 at 12:00 am
The idea or notion is nobel. Help the people regardless of party. However, there is different ways to grow the economy, promote business, promote values, and protect families.
The Govenor has not always used tactics that support the Republican Philosophy. Politically, he has positioned himself well. His agenda and staff resemble that of a middle ground Democrat. His party is Republican. From a voters perspective, he would be the choice for either party.
I do not consider him to be the beacon of the Republican party values. However, he is open and willing to listen, that is at least a step in the right direction.
March 21st, 2007 at 12:00 am
Wow! what a releif to know that we have a Republican Governor who is at least open and willing to listen to Republicans.