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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
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."
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."
I agree that Kasich seems the least extreme. And he seems normal. Except I could never support someone who denies reproductive rights to women.
It did make me laugh to read that Hillary is the Dubya of the democrat party. Because, sad to say, I think in many ways, that's true.
So to fix either party we need to actually fix the people. Continuing to "debate" actual worthy issues by saying the other view point is "denying women reproductive rights" or the others are a bunch of "baby killers" is exactly why we have the candidates we have.
I guess we deserve them. Everyone always getting offended at stupid shit and reacting with such anger results in stupid candidates that actually do reflect us unfortunately
I guess we deserve them. Everyone always getting offended at stupid shit and reacting with such anger results in stupid candidates that actually do reflect us unfortunately
Makes much sense.
I guess I'm just tired of party/partisan shit. It's like the fifth grade all over again.
How difficult is it to demand - actually elect and have - representatives who are responsible, accountable, frugal when warranted, open-minded, employ common sense?
The same basics I expect of myself and fellow citizens...which, by the way, these politicians are.
And maybe, also, for us to be the change we want to see?
I'm always amazed - who would want to be a politician? And I'm being serious - is it about wanting power? Wanting to do public service? I just finished the biography of Alexander Hamilton and it's great because it's all about the beginning of this country. And today I finished a book on Joe McCarthy (who looks way too much like Ted Cruz) and that's about the splintering of a country.
I can't think of anything I would like to do less than be president.
I'm always amazed - who would want to be a politician? And I'm being serious - is it about wanting power? Wanting to do public service? I just finished the biography of Alexander Hamilton and it's great because it's all about the beginning of this country. And today I finished a book on Joe McCarthy (who looks way too much like Ted Cruz) and that's about the splintering of a country.
I can't think of anything I would like to do less than be president.
Lots of perks being a politician, esp. Those w/ life terms...
E, I imagine that in the beginning, it was about public service (and wish it still were). Now it seems more about ego, power, image...a false sense of altruism.
Smoke and mirrors.
One of my cousins ran for office years ago in NY. A young, earnest and stand-up guy. Genuinely wanted to do good and make a difference. Didn't stand a chance because his competition had a shitload more money.
I have a nephew who wanted to work in politics and tried really hard to make a go at it, too. He genuinely wanted to make a difference. Seeing the reality of it though change his mind within 2 years. He now works for a nonprofit actually making a difference.
E, I imagine that in the beginning, it was about public service (and wish it still were). Now it seems more about ego, power, image...a false sense of altruism.
Smoke and mirrors.
One of my cousins ran for office years ago in NY. A young, earnest and stand-up guy. Genuinely wanted to do good and make a difference. Didn't stand a chance because his competition had a shitload more money.
Welcome to the machine.
There is one candidate who is running with only public service in mind.
Comments
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.
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.
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.
It did make me laugh to read that Hillary is the Dubya of the democrat party. Because, sad to say, I think in many ways, that's true.
Kasich just announced he is going to strip $1.4 million from Planned Parenthood. To my way of thinking, that's extreme and despicable.
I guess we deserve them. Everyone always getting offended at stupid shit and reacting with such anger results in stupid candidates that actually do reflect us unfortunately
That's good. Reminds me of a friend of mine always saying that Hillary is a closet Republican.
I guess I'm just tired of party/partisan shit. It's like the fifth grade all over again.
How difficult is it to demand - actually elect and have - representatives who are responsible, accountable, frugal when warranted, open-minded, employ common sense?
The same basics I expect of myself and fellow citizens...which, by the way, these politicians are.
And maybe, also, for us to be the change we want to see?
I can't think of anything I would like to do less than be president.
Smoke and mirrors.
One of my cousins ran for office years ago in NY. A young, earnest and stand-up guy. Genuinely wanted to do good and make a difference. Didn't stand a chance because his competition had a shitload more money.
Welcome to the machine.
?
Seriously, to think this party doesn't need some fixing would be pretty crazy.
Kasich devoted so little resources and attention to South Carolina that he spent today campaigning in Vermont and Massachusetts.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
is this an American slang for Republican?
Never worked a day vs. a criminal......