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.
