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Denise McNamara, Republican National Committee, Texas

No Matter How Hard She Tries, Hillary is No Bill

            Hillary began her presidential campaign last week by announcing that she wants to “chat” with voters.  The Smartest Woman in the World wants to hear your ideas?  Yeah, right.

            This “chatting” tour comes on the heels of the “listening” tour from her 2000 senate campaign.  Can you see a pattern developing?  Hillary is one of us.  She wants our input.  It is touching.  Soon she will be wearing pink suits again.

            The problem with this whole strategy lies in the fact that no one actually believes that Hillary is a touchy-feely, empathetic candidate.  On the contrary, the Hillary Clinton that Americans know (and either love or hate) is a calculating, ruthless, scheming politician bent on dominating the world, or at least
Washington, D.C.  She has persevered through her husband’s indiscretions, patiently waiting for her turn.  She has tasted what it’s like to live in the White House.  She was co-President with Bill (remember Hillary healthcare?).  And now it’s her turn.  And she wants to chat?

            She did learn from the best.  Bill Clinton could talk to anyone and make them think that he was sincerely interested in their opinion. When I met President Clinton during his deposition in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case, he was impressive in his ability to connect with people.  He asked questions and seemed genuinely interested in my responses.  This occurred in an attorney’s office as he was being sued and deposed.  Most people would be a little preoccupied, but Bill Clinton is a world-class schmoozer.  It is a gift.  Hillary does not have it.

            If anything, Hillary is a little scary.  Rumors of her throwing and breaking things in the White House are legendary.  When she forces a smile, it seems to take a lot of effort.  Bill Clinton could summon a smile or a tear on cue.  Even if it was not sincere, he could act.  There were times when Bill Clinton gave Oscar-worthy performances.  Maybe some of those Hollywood liberals should volunteer to give Hillary some method acting lessons.

            Hillary should record another message for her web site.  This time she should just come clean and tell the truth.  Something along the lines of, “Of course I am the best choice for President of the United States.  I have planned for this my entire life.  I am the Smartest Woman in the World.  You would be a fool not to vote for me. I have put up with Bill all these years, and now it’s payback time.”  Now that would be sincere. 

Reagan and Bush Got it Right: It’s Good vs. Evil

          When President Ronald Reagan first decided to use the word “evil” to describe the
Soviet Union in a speech to the British Parliament, squeamish advisors edited it out.  The word evil, after all, is inflammatory.  It might offend someone.  Heaven forbid.  But precisely because Reagan had the wisdom to call a spade a spade, he persisted in communicating to the world what he knew to be true, that mankind is engaged in a battle of good versus evil.  He was not named the “Great Communicator” for nothing.  Reagan will long be remembered for what has been dubbed the “evil empire” speech.  And because of his clear-eyed vision of peace through strength, he toppled the Soviet communist empire. 

            President George W. Bush also used the term evil in the wake of the terrorist attack of 9/11 when he said, “We will rid the world of evil-doers.”  Liberals have lampooned him ever since.  Bush subsequently described Iraq, Iran, and
North Korea as the “axis of evil” in his State of the Union Speech in January of 2002.  In looking at those three nations over the past five years, I would say that the President was right on target.

            Liberals, on the other hand, tend to think that there is no such thing as evil.  They firmly believe in peace through weakness.  To them, everything can be diplomatically addressed through negotiation.  If we would just communicate, they promise, Kim Jong-il will be our friend.  The Democrats actually believe that the United Nations is effective.  Liberals, unfortunately, truly believe that men are inherently good.  That misguided premise could prove to be catastrophic for our country.

            To understand the true nature of men, you must go back to the Garden of Eden.  Originally, Adam and Eve were innocent.  After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, innocence was gone.  In the book of Genesis, we are told that God sent the flood which wiped out most of mankind because, “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.”(Genesis 6:5)   Sound familiar?  There we have that word “evil” again. 

            Now liberals will no doubt counter my argument by pointing out that, in their opinion, the Bible is simply a work of fiction.  To them, it is an interesting myth with no basis in fact.  For those skeptics, I would like to recommend the fascinating book by Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict.  McDowell set out to prove that the Bible is false.  In the process he discovered just the opposite.  According to McDowell, the volume of historical evidence which proves that the Bible is true is so overwhelming that it is amazing, or should I say supernatural.

            History establishes that men have always had to fight the war against evil.  World War II exemplifies the struggle.  Adolph Hitler personified evil.  The
United States was reluctant to get involved, until our hand was forced. 

In the war on terror, we were a little slow on the uptake.  Our embassies were bombed, the USS Cole was blown up, the World Trade Center was targeted, but not until our homeland was hit with a coordinated, simultaneous, brutal assault in multiple locations did we understand the extent of the evil forces which were intent on our destruction.  That was a wakeup call.  And I am fearful that Americans are forgetting.

 Those enemy forces have not gone away.  At this point in our history, they may never go away.  And because of the possession of nuclear weapons by terrorist-supporting countries, the stakes are now astronomical.  No amount of negotiation by liberals or
Hollywood actors or United Nations diplomats is going to stop the threat.  The problem is not really “solvable,” as Nancy Pelosi would have us believe.  Our country and our way of life are now permanently in the crosshairs of radical terrorists whose sole objective is to destroy us.  Our troops in
Iraq are not sacrificing in vain.  If they come home prematurely, our enemies will gather more strength, more resources, and more weapons. 

President Reagan had it right.  And thank the Lord that we now have another President who understands what is at stake.  Following the next presidential election we may not be so blessed.  In the meantime, we need to pray for our President and our country.  Our very way of life hangs in the balance.  We are truly in a struggle of good versus evil.

When Republicans Stray, Republicans Pay

As we usher in a new year, it is time for Republicans to look back at 2006 and reflect upon lessons learned.  On the national front, Republicans controlled the White House and Congress, but they lacked unity and leadership.  Out-of-control spending, lack of progress on immigration reform, and perceived corruption brought huge losses in November. 

Texas was a mirror image of
Washington, D.C.  Republicans controlled both legislative houses, but they could not seem to remember the Republican platform nor work together as a team.  Once again, there was no unity of purpose.  Trying to rally Republicans around the creation of a new margins business tax is no way to unify the party.

When our base was clamoring for border control and security, our national leaders argued amongst themselves and got bogged down on how to implement a guest-worker/amnesty program.  Common-sense Americans simply want to get control of our border.  In this post-9/11 atmosphere, security needs to be the highest priority.  Feeling extreme pressure from their constituents and with November elections approaching, Republicans finally passed the Secure Fence Act and the Homeland Security Appropriations Act. 

            Republicans expect fiscal restraint from our leaders.  Instead, Republicans spent money just like Democrats.  Our base watched, astonished, as spending sky-rocketed and Republican legislators made excuses.  In
Texas, the Republican-controlled legislature passed a margins tax on business, creating a system of taxation that contains loopholes and exemptions and fine print that rival any federal tax code.  Of course, this new margins tax will require businesses to hire accountants and experts who will then attempt to circumvent and avoid paying any more tax than necessary.  In other words, a whole new tax bureaucracy has been created, and by Republicans, no less!  Republican leaders in the legislature tried to force this bad legislation down the throats of conservatives.  And now folks wonder why the Republican Speaker of the House is being challenged. 

            Yes, the lessons of the past year are simple:  When Republicans act like Democrats, they lose power.  When Republicans spend like Democrats, they are voted out.  When Republicans create new taxes and expand government, they lose elections.  When Republicans ignore their base, the base does not work for Republicans.  When Republicans stray from our core principles, Republicans pay the price.  Let’s hope that 2007 will bring much-needed leadership, teamwork, and a return to the principles set forth in our platform.

Are you Conservative Enough?

           The politics of labeling is alive and well.  The broad classifications of conservative, moderate, and liberal are no longer adequate.  If you’re a Republican, chances are you proudly claim to be a conservative.  In fact, if you are not a conservative, you probably won’t be able to run for dog catcher.  To be called liberal, or even moderate, is the death knell to Republicans.  Even Democrats run from the liberal moniker.  Hence, there are now varying degrees of conservatism.  You may choose from neoconservative, social conservative, Christian conservative, fiscal conservative, right-wing conservative, Reagan conservative, compassionate conservative.  My personal favorite, however, is the new brand of Republican:  Kool-aid conservative. 

            This label is pretty self-explanatory.  If you blindly follow directions and support non-conservative policy, you fall into this category.  This label applies to a Republican who goes along to get along, regardless of principle.  Some of our long-time Republicans think that if they say they are conservative loudly enough and often enough, that it will be true.  The problem is that actions speak louder than words, and in order to maintain power, many so-called conservatives are selling out.  These “Kool-aid conservatives” are voting for more taxes, more spending, and more government.  Now call me a crazy conservative, but I thought that taxing and spending was the Democrat/liberal way of governing.

            Blindly following orders regardless of principle is the hallmark of a Kool-aid conservative.  Sure, our Republican leaders can lead us to the trough of taxing and spending, but they shouldn’t be able to make us drink.  As our new legislative session promises to start off with a battle for control of the House, please consider which type of conservative you are.  Then, call your elected officials and urge them not to drink the Kool-aid.

Secure Fence Act of 2006: Was Congress Just Throwing us a Bone?

            The way that our elected officials are talking, the much-touted Secure Fence Act of 2006 which Congress passed just in time for the November elections may have been just what its title implies:  nothing but an act.  Despite the President’s signing of both the Secure Fence Act and the Homeland Security Appropriations Act which allegedly provides funding for the fence, no one believes that it will ever be built. 

            Scoffers maintain that the fence is an ineffective solution and that illegals will simply dig under or climb over.  That begs the question, what is their alternative plan?  Why did they pass the legislation?  Are we planning on asking our border patrol agents to line up along the border and link arms?  Red Rover, Red Rover, send terrorists right over.

            The Secure Fence Act may not be perfect, but inaction is no alternative.  Americans want our borders secured, and a barrier would go along way toward accomplishing that goal.  High-tech accessories such as electronic sensors and security cameras would be even better. 

            The fact that we have not had another attack on our homeland since 9/11 is a huge accomplishment for the President.  With the Democrats in charge, we might as well kiss any further progress on border security goodbye.  Meanwhile, the borders continue to be breached.  Persons of unknown background continue to flood our country.  Americans worry about their safety.  Let’s just pray that the terrorists are otherwise occupied in
Iraq and are too busy to plan another attack on our homeland.  But with millions of unknown illegal aliens already roaming our streets, we may never know until it is too late.

Representative Brian McCall: Impetus for Change

             Kudos to the Honorable Brian McCall, State Representative from Plano, for having the courage to run for Speaker of the Texas House against incumbent Speaker Tom Craddick. 

            While many Republican Texas House members privately grumbled and complained about the heavy-handed tactics employed by Speaker Craddick, Representative McCall was the only one willing to formally challenge the Speaker.  Undoubtedly, State Rep. Jim Pitts only threw his hat in the ring after the race was opened up by McCall.  If Pitts ultimately prevails, he will owe his victory to Brian McCall.

Although McCall earned the support of many key conservative Republicans, the Craddick spin machine focused on the fact that Democrats were crucial to a McCall victory.  Ironically, this allegation comes from a Speaker who led a group of Republicans that swung the vote for Pete Laney back in the ‘90s.  Craddick will not win this election on Tuesday without the support of Democrats.  That is the nature of the campaign for Speaker.

Regardless of who wins on Tuesday, Republicans will have a leader who has been sent a clear message:  Allow members to vote their conscience without retribution, and stop taking the support of conservatives for granted.  We can all thank Brian McCall for this welcome change.

Mr. Patrick goes to Austin

        Senator Dan Patrick may be just a tad bit more vocal than was Jimmy Stewart’s character in the classic movie.  But the comparison is hard to resist.  Regardless of one’s life experience, the first stint as an elected legislator is always an educational one.  In politics there is tradition and protocol and bureaucracy to deal with that most of us are blissfully unaware of in our non-political worlds.  On the opening day of the Texas Senate, while the more seasoned Senators watched in amusement, Senator Dan Patrick proposed to end the time-honored tradition of requiring a 2/3rds approval of the Senate in order to consider a bill.  His proposal went down in flames in a vote of 30-1.  Welcome to Austin, Senator Patrick. 

            Many respected conservatives like the Blocker Bill.  It ensures that when Democrats are in power that bad legislation will be blocked.   And that is a good thing.

            What the senior Senators may be ignoring, at their peril, is the power of the people.  Unlike Jimmy Stewart, Sen. Patrick did not come to
Austin to seek funding for a Boy Scout camp.  He came to
Austin to shake things up. .And with the power of a radio station at his disposal, he is well equipped to do just that.  While Stewart had an army of Boy Scouts to support his efforts in Washington, Patrick has an army of listeners in
Texas.  The conservative base of the party is largely in favor of abolishing the 2/3rds rule in the senate.  The State Republican Executive Committee passed a resolution in favor of abolishing the rule.  The people are on Patrick’s side.

            The Senate is a collegial body that likes to remain above the fray.  Senator Patrick will force them to vote to block consideration on any number of issues.  Just today he filed a trigger bill to outlaw all abortions in
Texas, contingent on the overturning of Roe v. Wade.  He filed a bill to tax out-of-country wire transfers which will raise tax revenue from the underground economy of illegal workers.  Bravo, Senator Patrick!  Will these bills be blocked from consideration by the 2/3rds rule?

Of course, a vote to block consideration of a bill is tantamount to voting against the bill, but the Senators are able to spin it by saying they never voted against that particular issue.  If 2/3rds of the Senators agree to shut Patrick down, it’s possible that no bill that Sen. Patrick puts forth will see the light of day.

            While Dan Patrick has already ruffled feathers around the state with the targeting of legislators by his radio program, especially those who opposed appraisal caps, that is nothing compared to the feathers that will fly in
Austin.  How often have we seen conservatives arrive in
Austin ready to conquer the world, but by the time their fellow legislators and lobbyists finish with them, they get beaten down.  They lose their boldness.  Will Patrick be an effective Senator?  Will his enthusiasm and determination last?  Will Lt. Governor Dewhurst put a muzzle on him?  Will Patrick’s radio audience march on
Austin?  Time will tell.  But this frustrated grassroots conservative is rooting for him.  Welcome to the legislature, Senator.

At the RNC, Resistance is Futile

I have always been a big fan of Star Trek.  When I was in the sixth grade, it was my favorite television show.  (Yes, I am a nerd.)  But you don’t normally hear references to Star Trek on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.  So when Congressman David Wu of
Oregon, a Democrat, recently compared Republicans in the White House to Vulcans and Klingons, he got a lot of attention.  Brit Hume played the clip on Fox News.  If you missed it, you can watch the video clip of Wu, who bears a striking resemblance to Lt. Sulu, at the following link:  www.clipstr.com/videos/ThereAreKlingonsInTheWhiteHouseRepDavidWu.  While I don’t agree with the Congressman’s assessment, I have to admit it was hilarious.

            Having just returned from the RNC meeting, another Star Trek analogy comes to mind.  You see, members of the Republican National Committee are expected to assimilate.  Any independence of thought or opposition to leadership is seen as unacceptable.  The RNC has become the Borg.  Resistance is futile.  You will be assimilated.

            The top-down leadership of the RNC attempts to squelch individuality.  Most members do not publicly express their true thoughts because, just as with the Borg, resistance will be punished.  Few are willing to vote against the majority because that could mean the loss of a committee position or the prospect of future retaliation. 

            In politics, examples of classic Star Trek characters abound.  We have Ferengi, those who profit from their positions.  We have Changlings, or shape-shifters, who change their position to fit the situation.  But I don’t believe that we have Klingons in the White House.  On the contrary, I think that President Bush is more like Captain Kirk.  Vice President Dick Cheney is logical and unemotional like Spock.  And perhaps Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is an effective diplomat because she possesses qualities similar to Ambassador Deanna Troi, a Betazoid.  The United States, just like the Federation, is a force for good.  Little did I know as a child watching Star Trek that it paralleled the politics of the era.  For the rest of my tenure on the RNC, I will continue to resist, futile or not, because damn it, Jim, I’m a conservative.  I will boldly go where no conservative on the RNC dares to go.  And as Spock would say, live long and prosper.

Suggested New Year’s Resolutions

       As a party official who has been elected by our convention-going grassroots Republicans, no one understands the frustration currently felt by our base as well as I.  Many of us could see the mood of the electorate leading up the November elections.  As one stalwart leader in the Republican Party, Congressman Jeb Hensarling put it, “…too many Americans came to the conclusion that the Republican Party lost its commitment to limited government, to accountability, to a balanced budget, to less spending.  So that is where there is a huge battle. If you look at the polls, and I’ve looked at a number of polls, particularly in swing districts, the Republican brand has been damaged.  Fiscal responsibility is one of our core values.  Nobody expects the Democrats to be fiscally responsible.  But if we’re not fiscally responsible, I don’t know how we ever get back into the majority.  (Texas Congressman Hensarling is currently the Chairman of the Republican Study Group.)

            The question now is:  Where do we go from here?  No one is saying the problems faced by our nation are easily solved.  There are no quick fixes, but every single proposal should be tested to see whether it complies with the broad principles of our platform.  It is also imperative that we re-energize our base.  To that end, I propose the following New Years’ Resolutions:

1)                  I resolve to communicate more frequently with my elected officials.

2)                  I resolve to submit timely letters to the editor of my local newspaper.

3)                  I resolve to be an unpaid citizen lobbyist to help counteract the countless paid, professional lobbyists.

4)                  I resolve to encourage those elected officials who do the right thing.

5)                  I resolve to contact my precinct chairman and to help organize my precinct.

6)                  I resolve to meet candidates in person and ask them how they stand on the issues before I vote, and hold them accountable after they are elected.

While many Republicans are discouraged, if we commit to these resolutions, and if we strive to work together as a team, it is possible to influence our elected officials and change the direction of our Republican Party.  Please join me in taking back the GOP!  Also, please give Congressman Jeb Hensarling a phone call and thank him for his outstanding leadership in Texas and in
Washington, D.C.  He can be reached at these numbers:  telephone 214-349-9996 and fax 214-349-0738.  Here’s to a productive and successful 2007!