Written on 10/16/2006

It’s well known around these parts that I’m a Republican, as was the former Editor in chief.  I know that at MeZine I pretty much stand alone here on the Right, though I am used to it since I live in NYC and work in the entertainment industry.  As it gets close to midterm elections, I find myself frantically scouring the right-wing blogs looking for some sort of positive news about “my side”.  What I know is that gas prices are way down, the stock market is up, housing is stable, unemployment is low, the economy is strong, and Bush just tightened security around our borders by signing the border fence bill.  You would think with all the great news, Republicans would be linked arm-in-arm with each other, kicking Rockettes-style through the streets with pride.

Alas, no.

At every politically-friendly blog I’ve read, I’ve found discouragement, fatigue and fear.  All the things that Republicans were so proud of before — mainly National security — are now fraught with hand-wringing and defeatism.  This is not my party.

Is it true that Iraq is unstable?  Yes, of course.  The President told us from the beginning that it was going to be a difficult journey.  The current strategy is strong and clear-headed:  create a stable government in Iraq so we can enjoy Middle Eastern allies in an otherwise violent and unfriendly region.  In addition, we’re making it more difficult for terrorists to bomb skyscrapers full of civilians, by adding security measures and hobbling terrorists’ resources.  Middle East peace isn’t something that can happen overnight, this is global change.  The time to be patient is now.

What I’m hearing across the blogosphere are mutterings that It’s good if the Democrats win because Republicans need to go back to small government philosophies, like during the Reagan era.  This is the most backwards logic I’ve ever heard.  If the Democrats win, not only will we be embroiled in politically-motivated Impeachment trials, but taxes will go up, national security will be weakened, and the irrational voice of radical left will overpower the moderate left and policy will unwisely cater to it:  the squeaky wheel syndrome.  This will, most likely, snuff out Democratic hope for the next presidency, but can we afford to waste that time during a time of global crisis?  I don’t think so, and it pains me when I read articles written by brilliant political journalists, who suggest losing midterm elections would would actually be a boon for the conservative movement.  Lose to win is a flawed strategy, a defeatist strategy, and I want no part of it.

I’m not a blind patriot, willing to agree with my party on every issue.   I’m pro-choice and pro-gay marriage, I have no solid view on the death penalty and am ambivalent about guns.  But, I side most often with Republicans, especially when it comes to my security, both nationally and fiscally.  Until now, I was proud to call myself one, even when it meant getting singled out at parties by people who assume being a Republican means I’m a member of the Klan.  What’s changed?  Why are all Republicans leaving the field without a fight?  How can we win if we don’t even show up to the game?

I like my side when it’s confidently swaggering, even if sometimes they get too cocky, rather than this quiet concession that’s seeping into the blogosphere.  To quote Team America: “I’d rather be a dick, than a pussy or an asshole.”