Friday, April 24, 2009

Don't be more like your opposition

After the elections of 2000 and 2002, the talking heads all had the same prescription for the Democrats - - be more like the Republicans. The Democrats tried in 2004, and lost again. So, instead, in 2006 and 2008, they found attractive articulate leaders to clearly state their principals. They won.

With all due respect to McCain's daughter and his former media adviser, the Republicans today don't need to become more like the Democrats. They need to recruit and promote attractive leaders who can intelligently articulate their philosophy.

A healthy democracy requires at least two strong opposing political parties, to keep each other honest and fight complacency. One party government inevitably leads to corruption and abuse of power.

As a Democrat, I wouldn't mind seeing the Republicans reduced to an echo of the Democrats. But, as an American, I think we need a strong Republican party.

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