The Contract with Conservatives

[jerry]

I received this in an email from a friend and I think it gets straight to the point.



The party of Ronald Reagan -- a collection of social and fiscal conservatives -- saw all their work come together with the Republican Revolution of 1994. Republicans came to power through their dedication to core, conservative principles.

Since that time, the conservative base has seen the Republican Party go astray. From runaway spending, to big government programs, to assaults on our First Amendment rights to amnesty for illegal aliens, conservatives have become disheartened. Conservatives are told to be loyal to the Republican Party, yet the Republican Party has shown no loyalty to the conservative base. Conservatives are told to fall in line and work for Republican candidates, yet Republican candidates are not working for conservatives.

As Sean Hannity has so aptly pointed out, conservatives need assurances that core conservative principles will be implemented by our Republican presidential nominee and other Republican officials. After years of failed promises, however, the conservative base needs something more than assurances. We need a contract... and that is what the Contract with Conservatives is all about.

The elections of 2006 showed what can happen when Republican officeholders do not follow through on core Republican principles. Turnout goes down, and Republicans lose. The trend is looking even worse for 2008. As former House Speaker Newt Gingrich noted in a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC):

"[On Super Tuesday], there were 14.6 million Democrats who thought the presidential nomination was worth voting for, and there were 8.3 million Republicans on Super Tuesday," Gingrich said. "That is a warning of a catastrophic election."

Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) noted in his CPAC speech that candidates must return to conservative principles if they hope to win. He pointed out several areas where Republican officials must return to their roots... to the principles that led to the Republican Revolution. In particular, Pence points to areas such as life, free speech, smaller government, and spending.

America can thrive under conservative leadership and government. The Republican Party is best equipped to deliver this kind of leadership, but too often, it has not. The time has come when conservative voters can no longer be taken for granted. For our time, effort, money, and votes, we need a pledge. We need a pledge from our presidential nominee to uphold the core Republican values that built this party, and which have taken a backseat to politics in recent years.

The Contract with Conservatives is that pledge. It is a pledge to uphold the major conservative ideals that have been pushed aside over the past decade.

Contract with Conservatives
Immigration Reform

Secure America's borders
Enforce employment laws
No amnesty
The American people have spoken, and the clear message is that immigration reform starts with secure borders. In a post-9/11 world, we should expect nothing less. In addition, the American people do not support amnesty. Candidates must repudiate amnesty and show respect for the American people by showing respect for the law. Illegal aliens should not be given special consideration for citizenship and should not be put ahead of those seeking to come to America legally. Conservatives will work for candidates who pledge to put border security first and who pledge to not put illegal aliens ahead of those seeking citizenship through legal means.

Tax Reform

Make President Bush's tax cuts permanent
Reduce taxes, both on business and individuals
Simplify the tax code by moving to a flat tax or the Fair Tax
No favorites -- All tax cuts should be across the board
The tax code must be simplified, and all taxes should be reduced. The tax code should focus on its core function -- a means of raising revenue. The tax code should not be a vehicle for social engineering, and the reduction of taxes should not pit one socio-economic group against another. Conservatives will support candidates who pledge to cut taxes and simplify the tax code, while not engaging in class warfare.

Size and Scope of Federal Government

Reduce the size of the federal government
Reform entitlement programs
Respect states' rights and limit the reach of the federal government as stated in the Constitution
Cut spending
Support a balanced budget amendment
Eliminate earmarks and support stand-alone spending bills
It is not enough for the federal government to only grow by a few percentage points. In the end, it still leads to bigger government. The federal government must SHRINK. The Republican Revolution was built on this core Republican principle, and conservatives will support candidates committed to shrinking the size and scope of the federal government. The pork must go! Earmarks and pork-barrel spending must be eliminated. These practices lead to corruption and are not conservative. The federal government should do only those core jobs enumerated in the Constitution. Other governmental responsibilities should fall to the states. Conservatives will support candidates who pledge to cut spending, shrink government, and eliminate earmarks.

Judges

Vigorously nominate and support the confirmation of judges who follow the law, not those who legislate from the bench
Wage a real fight against left-wing attempts to block judicial nominees
Nominating a conservative judge simply to let him or her languish without an up-or-down vote is not acceptable. Judicial nominees, who follow the law rather than make new laws from the bench, deserve full and enthusiastic support. Conservatives will support candidates who pledge to nominate strict constructionists and who will not wilt in that support even under left-wing attacks.

Life

Respect the rights of the unborn and promote laws which will protect innocent human life
Support the overturning of Roe v. Wade
Block any efforts to fund or promote embryonic stem cell research
Conservatives believe in a culture of life. This culture must be embraced and advocated by our Republican leaders. Conservatives will support candidates who pledge to promote a culture of life and who work for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. No candidate can say they are "100% pro-life" and also support embryonic stem cell research. This research results in the destruction of innocent human life. Research proves that adult stem cells are as good or better for curing diseases, and thus the use of embryonic stem cells is moot. Conservatives will support candidates who pledge to support life at every stage.

Free Speech

Repeal the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act
Embrace First Amendment rights
The Campaign Finance Reform Act is an assault on free speech and must be repealed. The law resulted in a rise in soft money advocacy through the actions of 527 organizations while other groups were not allowed to exercise their First Amendment rights to support a candidate of their choice. This is wrong. Conservatives will support candidates who pledge to repeal this law and support the free speech rights of all Americans.

I want Republicans to win. Why? The reason is simple. I want conservative ideals to be promoted and implemented into government. Winning for the sake of winning is not even a hollow victory. It is nothing. Conservatives are told to be loyal to the Republican Party, yet the Republican Party has shown no loyalty to the conservative base. Conservatives are told to fall in line and work for Republican candidates, yet Republican candidates are not working for conservatives.

This year, my support comes with a very large string attached. I want my presidential nominee to pledge to support the Contract with Conservatives. If he does, then I will work for the nominee and encourage others to do so. But we must know that our hard work will be something. Lower taxes, smaller government, a commitment to life, support for free speech.... these are timeless issues, and Republicans should be leading the charge.

GOPUSA has set up a petition to show our support for the Contract with Conservatives and to show the Republican establishment that our votes will not be taken for granted. Please sign the petition and encourage all Republicans and conservatives you know to sign it.

For Republicans to be successful in November, we need a strong, energized base of conservatives to turn out to the polls and support the Republican nominee. With our nominee pledging to uphold the Contract with Conservatives, we can take a big step forward in uniting the Republican Party, renewing our commitment to conservative principles, and generating excitement in the base.

That is the recipe, not only for victory in November, but for a new Republican Revolution.

Here is the link to the website.

http://www.gopusa.com/activist/petitions/petition.php?petition=080211_cwc

[jerry]

This is a copy of the reply they sent.

Greetings to the GOPUSA Family of Activists!

Please see the message below from Sen. John McCain. He has some important information to share with you.

Keep up the fight,

 
Bobby Eberle

-----
Robert R. Eberle, Ph.D.
President and CEO, GOPUSA



 

My Friends,

I am writing to you because today, we must begin to unite as party and prepare for the upcoming election in November. If I am so fortunate as to be the Republican nominee for president, I will stand on my conservative convictions and offer Americans a clearly conservative approach to governing. But my friends, I cannot succeed in this endeavor without the support of dedicated conservatives like you. And today, I write to ask for your support.

Will you join my campaign today by making a generous contribution? We will have a hard-fought battle against either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, and I know that by joining together, our party will prevail on Election Day.

In just a few short days, Senators Clinton and Obama have raised nearly $10 million online for their respective campaigns. I know that I must take the time now to replenish my campaign's funds to prepare for what will undoubtedly be the most expensive campaign for president in our history. That is why I ask you to make an urgent contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or more today.

This election is going to be about big things, not small things. And I intend to fight as hard as I can to ensure that our shared conservative principles prevail.

Senators Clinton and Obama want to increase the size of the federal government, raise your taxes, and withdraw our forces from Iraq based on an arbitrary timetable designed for political expediency. I intend to reduce the size of the federal government, cut your taxes and win this war. I have had the distinct honor of serving our great country for many decades and with your support, I will be able to serve her for a little while longer.

I am proud to have come to public office as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution. My friends, twenty-five years later, I am still proud to be a conservative and it is my greatest hope that you will join me in this campaign today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. If I am so fortunate as to be the Republican nominee for president, I intend to lead our party to victory in November guided by our shared conservative principles. The upcoming battle for the White House will be the most expensive ever and your immediate contribution of $50 or more will help our campaign raise the funds necessary to wage a spirited and competitive campaign. Your generous support is always appreciated and I look forward to working with you as we campaign through Election Day. Thank you
 
 
 
And my reply back.

Did I make a mistake?  I thought this was a contract with conservatives.  I know McCain does not fall under this heading.  If this is the type of so called conservatives you are representing, please remove me from your mailing list. 

I agree the Republican Party has shifted more and more to the left and we need to move it more to the right, but McCain is in my opinion about as far left as you can go and not change parties.  We do need more conservatives in office, but lets not elect someone that will tell us he is a conservative just to get our vote.

We need someone in office that has a history of protecting our constitution which includes the complete Bill of Rights.

Do I now have to send out an email to all my friends letting them know this is not what it wants us to believe?

Jerry

[tombogan03884]

1) Leave the borders wide open, Then make it legal to shoot illegal aliens on sight within 1000 yards of the border, companies that hire illegal aliens will be fined $100,000 Per head, persons who turn in illegal aliens will be paid $1000 per head, persons who turn in companies employing illegal aliens will be paid 10% of fines collected, Apprehended illegal aliens will be stripped of all assets to pay for deportation, no benefits of any kind for illegal aliens, No constitutional protection for people who are not supposed to be here in the first place,they may be robbed beaten and otherwise discriminated against. If they do not like this they may leave, we have open borders and are not forcing them to stay.
2) Flat 10% tax on all income, one welfare program for the crippled and lazy, if you are on the welfare rolls you lose your right to vote for the duration, If you are not contributing to society you have no say in how that society is run, DON'T LET ME HEAR YOU BITCH ABOUT HOW YOU CAN'T WORK, Stephen Hawking can barely even move his eyes, but HE contributes to society, and makes a nice living for his family.
3) Get politics out of womens crotches, an abortion is an elective medical procedure, just like Liposuction, the arguments against it are based on religious beliefs and are no more valid than arguments against hair restoration or tattoos, he constitution says congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, don't approve of it, don't get one.
4)See item 2 NO entitlement programs means no administrators are needed, 1/2 of all bureaucrats fired immediately, remainder kept based on job performance, all agencies must operate at a profit or be eliminated
5) Judges will be held accountable, If they allow violent offenders to receive easy sentences or probation they are accountable for the criminals good behavior or are tried as co-conspirators.
6)Free speech is guaranteed by the constitution, Be prepared to back it up. Socialist media lost Vietnam by lying they are trying to lose Iraq by lying, they sway elections by lying. Media outlets that can not prove "facts" or publish opinion as fact lose their licenses.

Now that is a contract with Conservatives.

[Teresa Heilevang]

I agree!
Might sound like a hard ass to some... and I know there are a few "gray areas"... but for the most part...
that is pretty much how I feel..

[clayflingythingy]

2008 is not 1994.

And did conservatives win in 1994 because of "conservative principles" or because of a backlash against Clinton? Or perhaps as a combination of both? Some things conservatives hold near and dear are outside of the mainstream of public thought, abortion being one example. If the Republican party keeps looking backward to a "golden age" it is unlikely to become the majority party again anytime soon. The Rep core base is white guys in the south and west. Kind of hard to win by only getting the white male vote. In the 1990s, Reps picked up support from moderate Dems and independents who disagreed with a good deal of the Rep agenda but preferred it to the liberal Dem agenda. W has screwed the pooch to the point no Dem will back Reps and darn few independents. If a Dem wins this year the U.S. may have turned a corner on political thought with liberals in control for the next couple of decades. I for one do not look for a resurgence of "conservative values" in the body politic at large. If Reps could clone Barry Goldwater and run him this year he would go down to a lopsided defeat just as he did in '64.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Clay, Election is irrelevant, No economy can long sustain a society of entitlement. Probably within our life times American society will return to "Conservative values" not by way of the ballot box, but through a major civil upheaval that will be followed by armed revolution and dictatorship by the Conservative elements in society. I'm confident in predicting the eventual victory of Conservative forces because their ideology is based on a philosophy of self reliance personal responsibility, and making do that can not be matched by the socialist culture of dependency.
In the late 18th century only about 25% of the population supported the insurrection that became the American Revolution, another 25% supported English rule, the remainder were sheep who obeyed who ever held that particular area at the time, The tax rate was about 14% for businesses individuals only paid service taxes such as the tea tax and the stamp tax, today the minimum tax rate, based on individual payroll deductions is 20%, add property taxes,state ,and local taxes, sales taxes ,and assorted "User fees and the total can be as high as 50% or more depending on where you live. Without representation? How many MODERATES, never mind Conservatives, are in favor of having their hard earned money go to support illegal aliens and other welfare leeches, How many approve of prison inmates sitting on their butts getting cable tv and free education,after committing murder rape and robbery, how many approve of supporting Charles Manson, Ted Kazinsky and Ramzi Yuseff, in a style to which they never aspired on the outside, FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES which are extended by medical care WE pay for. The Boston Massacre pales in comparison to an atrocity like Waco. If my typing finger wasn't getting sore I could continue listing  legitimate grievances such as the NAFTA corridor, and REALID.  But the fact remains that the socialists, if not voted out will be dragged out and strung up like Mussolini, shot, like Maximilian the Emperor of Mexico, or forced to flee like the loyalists after the American revolution.

[Pathfinder]

Clay, Election is irrelevant, No economy can long sustain a society of entitlement. Probably within our life times American society will return to "Conservative values" not by way of the ballot box, but through a major civil upheaval that will be followed by armed revolution and dictatorship by the Conservative elements in society. I'm confident in predicting the eventual victory of Conservative forces because their ideology is based on a philosophy of self reliance personal responsibility, and making do that can not be matched by the socialist culture of dependency.
In the late 18th century only about 25% of the population supported the insurrection that became the American Revolution, another 25% supported English rule, the remainder were sheep who obeyed who ever held that particular area at the time, The tax rate was about 14% for businesses individuals only paid service taxes such as the tea tax and the stamp tax, today the minimum tax rate, based on individual payroll deductions is 20%, add property taxes,state ,and local taxes, sales taxes ,and assorted "User fees and the total can be as high as 50% or more depending on where you live. Without representation? How many MODERATES, never mind Conservatives, are in favor of having their hard earned money go to support illegal aliens and other welfare leeches, How many approve of prison inmates sitting on their butts getting cable tv and free education,after committing murder rape and robbery, how many approve of supporting Charles Manson, Ted Kazinsky and Ramzi Yuseff, in a style to which they never aspired on the outside, FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES which are extended by medical care WE pay for. The Boston Massacre pales in comparison to an atrocity like Waco. If my typing finger wasn't getting sore I could continue listing  legitimate grievances such as the NAFTA corridor, and REALID.  But the fact remains that the socialists, if not voted out will be dragged out and strung up like Mussolini, shot, like Maximilian the Emperor of Mexico, or forced to flee like the loyalists after the American revolution.

Interesting supposition, but most dictators in history, especially in the 20th Century, have been flaming socialists and communists, not "conservatives". Even if Julius Caesar were alive in our day and age he would be labeled a liberal or progressive, what with his pandering to the masses and his desire for absolute power. Conservatives don't run around plotting how to run other peoples' lives - progressives do.

As others have pointed out in other forums (fora?) one thing the libs do have - when in power - is near absolute obedience of the LEOs regardless of how egregious the order or violent the confrontation. The LEOs have been co-opted, militarized, taught to view each of us as "the enemy" rather than as a Citizen. They cannot be trusted in any coming conflict. Another poster in another topic on DRTV pointed out that the LEO at the gun range, laughing with you and joking around, will be the one kicking in your door at 4AM when the order comes. Most of them will not even hesitate. I have met a number of younger officers and what I see scares the crap out of me - the ignorance, the blind obedience, the "gung-ho - go get 'em" attitudes.

The sad truth is that the libs will win - they own most of the courts, Congress, local and state governments, and most importantly, the bureaucracies that support all of the above. Even here in ND.

The libs will win - unless the US convulses in civil war in which case other countries will invade as the US army is deployed against US citizens and the libs will win anyhow, since the destruction of the US as a dominant world power is exactly what they want, so they can get on with the nasty business of subjugating the world under one government.

Someone much wiser than I once said it is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. Best we all consider the implications of that statement carefully with what is coming in the next years. We appear to be living the curse - may you live in interesting times.

[tombogan03884]

- progressives do.

Wow I think I'm starting to get the hang of that quote button.
First off Pathfinder, Lets call them what they really are, communists and socialist. Progressive was a term used by the Communist international, a group sponsored and controlled by the Soviet Union prior to world war 2 to spread communist subversion through out the world, they were particularly active in Europe and reaction to their front groups such as the Spartacists was one of the things that brought Adolph Hitler to power, They referred to their sympathizers as"Progressive Elements". The term may have been used even as early as Marx and Engels themselves. Also, most Dictators in the 20th century were ANTI COMMUNISTS Mussolini,Hitler Tojo, Somoza, Marcos, The Shah of Iran,and the Saudi Royal Family, are the first ones that come to mind.

As others have pointed out in other forums (fora?) one thing the libs do have - when in power - is near absolute obedience of the LEOs regardless of how egregious the order or violent the confrontation. The LEOs have been co-opted, militarized, taught to view each of us as "the enemy" rather than as a Citizen. They cannot be trusted in any coming conflict. Another poster in another topic on DRTV pointed out that the LEO at the gun range, laughing with you and joking around, will be the one kicking in your door at 4AM when the order comes. Most of them will not even hesitate. I have met a number of younger officers and what I see scares the crap out of me - the ignorance, the blind obedience, the "gung-ho - go get 'em" attitudes.

The sad truth is that the libs will win - they own most of the courts, Congress, local and state governments, and most importantly, the bureaucracies that support all of the above. Even here in ND.

There are about 5 million police and military personnel in the US, not ALL are fascists waiting to oppress the citizens, There are 80 million gun owners, true, not all will defend their rights, but I still like them odds.because the fight will not be settled in courts and elections, it will be settled by self reliant Conservatives who can take care of themselves outlasting the socialist entitlement society that CAN"T take care of it's self.
So far so good

- unless the US convulses in civil war in which case other countries will invade as the US army is deployed against US citizens and the libs will win anyhow, since the destruction of the US as a dominant world power is exactly what they want, so they can get on with the nasty business of subjugating the world under one government.

No one intervened the last time we had a civil war, England and France considered it , England went so far as sending to to the Bahama's and Canada after the "Trent Affair". decided they could not support the Confederacies stance on slavery.  The only countries that could conceivably supply the manpower for such an attack (Russia, China or India) do not have the logistical capabilities to launch or sustain an amphibious operation of that magnitude,  As the British learned at Galipolli, that sort of assault involves FAR more than just putting warm bodies on a beach, for one thing it REQUIRES very specialized shipping, For another it requires a logistic train that even WE could not achieve and we all speak the same language and use the same equipment. On top of all that, with out us feeding and policing the worlds trouble spots the UN would be helpless, therefore most of the potential invaders would have plenty of things to keep them busy right at home, Russia's remaining ethnic minorities would start acting up again as would Ukraine and Georgia over gas, India would really need to worry about Nuke equipped Pakistan (probably governed by Islamofacsists) and China has several groups waiting to cause her trouble. No, based on what I've read of history and current events, the Conservatives would eventually win,the only 2 questions are would they adhere to the Constitution (which they might characterize as a failed idea) and how severe will the repression be that invariably follows a revolution, will it be like Russia's Red Terror, or as Lincoln said, with malice toward none?
Now lets see what this look like when I post it

[Pathfinder]

Wow I think I'm starting to get the hang of that quote button.

Congrats. Fun, ain't it?   

First off Pathfinder, Lets call them what they really are, communists and socialist. Progressive was a term used by the Communist international, a group sponsored and controlled by the Soviet Union prior to world war 2 to spread communist subversion through out the world, ...

I had tongue firmly planted in cheek when I used the term "progressive", since the modern libs Like Hillery have adopted it to hide the word "socialists". Like changing the name of their little organization from the Democratic Socialists of America to The Progressive Party. Just a little sleight of hand, pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

Also, most Dictators in the 20th century were ANTI COMMUNISTS Mussolini,Hitler Tojo, Somoza, Marcos, The Shah of Iran,and the Saudi Royal Family, are the first ones that come to mind.

Granted Hitler and Mussolini were anti-communists, but they first and foremost SOCIALISTS - the gummint knows what's best for you kind of socialist. Hitler's part was called (in English) the National Socialists. Somoza and Marcos were the same. Tojo was hard core military in the samurai tradition and so could possibly be considered a conservative. The Japanese culture and mindset though are different enough from us that would be a tough call.

The Shah and Saudi royal family represent 17th and 14th century feudal or quasi feudal cultures, again socialist/communist is a tough call - dictatorial they were/are.

There are about 5 million police and military personnel in the US, not ALL are fascists waiting to oppress the citizens, There are 80 million gun owners, true, not all will defend their rights, but I still like them odds.because the fight will not be settled in courts and elections, it will be settled by self reliant Conservatives who can take care of themselves outlasting the socialist entitlement society that CAN"T take care of it's self.

First I was speaking only of the LEOs, not the military. There are certainly units of the military who will follow any order, but I think a lot of the Guard and regulars will not if it means going against US citizens, they would never see that as part of their job. The LEOs on the other hand, live with that reality every day, and IMHO will be the shock troops of the takeover.

If it comes to a brawl, well, true, we do seem to have most of the guns and ammo. I know my lib friends and acquaintances do not and are revulsed by the fact that I do.

BUT, and this is significant, if the populace is disarmed effectively, it will no longer matter if the masses have a sense of entitlement or even if they are supported by the gummint, they can withhold food and supplies like Stalin did and starve troublesome parts of the population out of existence.

Good points all, tomboggan, made me stop and think. I like that.

[tombogan03884]

First I was speaking only of the LEOs, not the military. There are certainly units of the military who will follow any order, but I think a lot of the Guard and regulars will not if it means going against US citizens, they would never see that as part of their job. The LEOs on the other hand, live with that reality every day, and IMHO will be the shock troops of the takeover.

I agree but thought I better include the military to cover my bases,and yes thinking is fun