What would you do to improve the Republican Party?

24

Comments

  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,882
    Been here before. Doesn't work.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • Gern Blansten
    Gern Blansten Mar-A-Lago Posts: 22,479
    The republican philosophy is dead. Trickle down doesn't work. As soon as they lost that their party was done.
    Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
    The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)

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  • JimmyV
    JimmyV Boston's MetroWest Posts: 19,605
    Gern Blansten said:

    The republican philosophy is dead. Trickle down doesn't work. As soon as they lost that their party was done.

    I understand wanting this to be true but I see very little evidence that it is true. They hold solid majorities in both houses of Congress and may add the White House in November. "Done" is not how I would describe their current position.
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,674
    cincybearcat said:

    Let's be real. This is not the forum for this discussion as has already been proven in this thread.

    Obviously not everyone here is as pessimistic about this thread as you seem to be, Cincy:
    bootlegger10 said:

    I like the Mitch Daniels approach. Focus on fiscal conservatism, affordable education, infrastructure and not who someone wants to marry.

    Considering "fiscal conservatism" being defined as, "Prudence in government spending and debt; advocating the avoidance of deficit spending, the reduction of overall government spending and national debt, and ensuring balanced budgets", this sound like a good start. It would also be helpful if Republicans went back to being conservationists (a word which has it's roots in "conservative").

    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,882
    Free said:

    Get rid of everybody?

    First response Brian.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,674
    cincybearcat said:

    Free said:

    Get rid of everybody?

    First response Brian.
    But the others, Cincy, the others!

    Do you see the Republican Party in need of changes/adjustments and if so, what would you like to see changed?
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Free
    Free Posts: 3,562
    Seriously. Get rid of everyone in there. Start anew. Take it negatively if you want but the Republican Party could really get a boost and fresh start from starting all over. Starting with term limits for everyone and abolishing lobbyists would do wonders for our government. And enough with extremism.
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,674
    By the way, I get it that some would feel offended by me suggesting that the party they long have stood by needs fixing. But I would say the same about many things including the democratic party. I would say the same about most of us because we are all junkies hooked on oil. It's not easy to look at who and what we are and be told we would do well to change. What's good for us is not always easy.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Free
    Free Posts: 3,562
    cincybearcat said:

    Free said:

    Get rid of everybody?

    First response Brian.
    And how do you feel about the Trump thread?
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,674
    Free said:

    Seriously. Get rid of everyone in there. Start anew. Take it negatively if you want but the Republican Party could really get a boost and fresh start from starting all over. Starting with term limits for everyone and abolishing lobbyists would do wonders for our government. And enough with extremism.

    I can see why Cincy might believe you were being sarcastic. "Everybody" might be a stretch. But a major overhaul would not be a bad idea. The Republican candidates put up this year are a prime example. After 8 years out of the White House, this is what they have to offer? That speaks volumes.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • eddiec
    eddiec Posts: 3,963
    brianlux said:

    Free said:

    Seriously. Get rid of everyone in there. Start anew. Take it negatively if you want but the Republican Party could really get a boost and fresh start from starting all over. Starting with term limits for everyone and abolishing lobbyists would do wonders for our government. And enough with extremism.

    I can see why Cincy might believe you were being sarcastic. "Everybody" might be a stretch. But a major overhaul would not be a bad idea. The Republican candidates put up this year are a prime example. After 8 years out of the White House, this is what they have to offer? That speaks volumes.
    Which is another good point. Instead of bringing forth a candidate to challenge the Dems they focused all their energy and the taxpayers money on a smear campaign of Hillary.

  • Who Princess
    Who Princess out here in the fields Posts: 7,305
    I have a good friend, my age (60 something), who was a lifelong Republican. He was a traditional R, from a middle class family that was very involved in local Republican politics. They lived in California. His parents hosted a gathering for Ronald Reagan at their home when he was running for reelection as governor. In other words, he has some credentials.

    Several years ago he told me that he was one of those people who believes "I didn't leave the Republican party, the Republican party left me." I've learned a lot from conversations with him. He's very frustrated with the various groups that have co-opted the party and made it into something unrecognizable. When a stalwart like Bob Dole isn't considered conservative enough, I've got to say that the Rs have completely transformed.

    My only suggestions for transforming the Republican party are the same ones as for transforming the Dems. It will be a long term process. The religious right began their political work in earnest in the the late 70s. They have worked hard at taking over. It will take a grassroots effort to begin to modify the current situation.

    For starters, get out and vote, people! So few people vote that it's easy for people like Ted Cruz to be elected Senator with no real experience. Get involved at the local level. Be a precinct chairman. Work on a local or state campaign. You'll be surprised at what you learn.

    It would also make a big difference if congressional districts where determined by courts rather than legislatures. Both parties use gerrymandering but the Rs have turned it into an art. It leaves us with a Congress that refuses to work with the Administration or each other.

    I've taken an active interest in politics since my teens and I can't remember such a discouraging time as this. I'm not optimistic. But I will work on what I can. I'd like to continue to respect, learn from, and be friends with people of opposing political views.
    "The stars are all connected to the brain."
  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,882
    Free said:

    cincybearcat said:

    Free said:

    Get rid of everybody?

    First response Brian.
    And how do you feel about the Trump thread?
    Not sure I've read it. Trumps an asshat
    hippiemom = goodness
  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,882
    brianlux said:

    Free said:

    Seriously. Get rid of everyone in there. Start anew. Take it negatively if you want but the Republican Party could really get a boost and fresh start from starting all over. Starting with term limits for everyone and abolishing lobbyists would do wonders for our government. And enough with extremism.

    I can see why Cincy might believe you were being sarcastic. "Everybody" might be a stretch. But a major overhaul would not be a bad idea. The Republican candidates put up this year are a prime example. After 8 years out of the White House, this is what they have to offer? That speaks volumes.
    And the truth is look across the aisle. Bernie and Hillary are the best? We are all in a lot of trouble
    hippiemom = goodness
  • rgambs
    rgambs Posts: 13,576
    cincybearcat said:

    brianlux said:

    Free said:

    Seriously. Get rid of everyone in there. Start anew. Take it negatively if you want but the Republican Party could really get a boost and fresh start from starting all over. Starting with term limits for everyone and abolishing lobbyists would do wonders for our government. And enough with extremism.

    I can see why Cincy might believe you were being sarcastic. "Everybody" might be a stretch. But a major overhaul would not be a bad idea. The Republican candidates put up this year are a prime example. After 8 years out of the White House, this is what they have to offer? That speaks volumes.
    And the truth is look across the aisle. Bernie and Hillary are the best? We are all in a lot of trouble
    Compared to asshat Trump and the maniac Cruz?
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • PJfanwillneverleave1
    PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    OP
    It sounds like perhaps you may be tired of having a two party system and being forced to pick sides.
    Trump, Hilary or Bernie I predict will be the next POTUS.
    What would I do to improve the Republican Party? - you can't change people, so nothing
    If I was serious about changing policies and laws I would run.
  • Enkidu
    Enkidu So Cal Posts: 2,996
    Who Princess said:

    I have a good friend, my age (60 something), who was a lifelong Republican. He was a traditional R, from a middle class family that was very involved in local Republican politics. They lived in California. His parents hosted a gathering for Ronald Reagan at their home when he was running for reelection as governor. In other words, he has some credentials.

    Several years ago he told me that he was one of those people who believes "I didn't leave the Republican party, the Republican party left me." I've learned a lot from conversations with him. He's very frustrated with the various groups that have co-opted the party and made it into something unrecognizable. When a stalwart like Bob Dole isn't considered conservative enough, I've got to say that the Rs have completely transformed.

    My only suggestions for transforming the Republican party are the same ones as for transforming the Dems. It will be a long term process. The religious right began their political work in earnest in the the late 70s. They have worked hard at taking over. It will take a grassroots effort to begin to modify the current situation.

    For starters, get out and vote, people! So few people vote that it's easy for people like Ted Cruz to be elected Senator with no real experience. Get involved at the local level. Be a precinct chairman. Work on a local or state campaign. You'll be surprised at what you learn.

    It would also make a big difference if congressional districts where determined by courts rather than legislatures. Both parties use gerrymandering but the Rs have turned it into an art. It leaves us with a Congress that refuses to work with the Administration or each other.

    I've taken an active interest in politics since my teens and I can't remember such a discouraging time as this. I'm not optimistic. But I will work on what I can. I'd like to continue to respect, learn from, and be friends with people of opposing political views.

    I have heard this over and over and over. "My party left me." In my husband's family (the Republicans), Bob Dole was the last candidate any of them supported with enthusiasm.

    WP is right. We have to become more involved. Get people to vote. That being said, as a Democrat, am I on the phone making calls for Hillary or Bernie? No.
  • InHiding80
    InHiding80 Upland,CA Posts: 7,623
    Who Princess said:




    I've taken an active interest in politics since my teens and I can't remember such a discouraging time as this. I'm not optimistic. But I will work on what I can. I'd like to continue to respect, learn from, and be friends with people of opposing political views.

    If Vedder and Cornell can do that with Johnny Ramone, other people can do it.

  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,674
    cincybearcat said:

    brianlux said:

    Free said:

    Seriously. Get rid of everyone in there. Start anew. Take it negatively if you want but the Republican Party could really get a boost and fresh start from starting all over. Starting with term limits for everyone and abolishing lobbyists would do wonders for our government. And enough with extremism.

    I can see why Cincy might believe you were being sarcastic. "Everybody" might be a stretch. But a major overhaul would not be a bad idea. The Republican candidates put up this year are a prime example. After 8 years out of the White House, this is what they have to offer? That speaks volumes.
    And the truth is look across the aisle. Bernie and Hillary are the best? We are all in a lot of trouble
    Obviously, for the most part, I like Bernie. Hillary I definitely have problems with. The Democratic Party I definitely have problems with. But the reason I focused on The Republican Party is because it is the most frayed of all parties. In the hospital of politics, the Dem is in intensive care but the GOP is in ER. Sadly, the Green Party is still out in the parking lot.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • InHiding80
    InHiding80 Upland,CA Posts: 7,623
    brianlux said:

    Free said:

    Seriously. Get rid of everyone in there. Start anew. Take it negatively if you want but the Republican Party could really get a boost and fresh start from starting all over. Starting with term limits for everyone and abolishing lobbyists would do wonders for our government. And enough with extremism.

    I can see why Cincy might believe you were being sarcastic. "Everybody" might be a stretch. But a major overhaul would not be a bad idea. The Republican candidates put up this year are a prime example. After 8 years out of the White House, this is what they have to offer? That speaks volumes.
    Years ago, Kasich would have been okay with them. That's how low they've sunken. I wouldn't be ecstatic if he were elected and defeated Bernie but at least it wouldn't be to the point that everyone else is threatening to leave for Canada or whatever if Trump and Cruz get in. Can't blame them. I'd feel the same way towards Hillary as Trump and Cruz as well. She's the Dubya of the democrat party. With Kasich, my reaction would be, "Oh, well. It is what it is. I'll give him a chance for now."

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