slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Replacing courage with cowardice. When did the GOP add cowardice to its platform?

By Donald L. Sheppard, June 15, 2018

My choice in political parties was clear from my first opportunity to vote. I supported everything the Republican Party stood for in America – fiscal conservatism, individual freedom and responsibility, free market capitalism, the works.

I was influenced, as so many Americans were, by Ronald Reagan. He defined Republicanism to me and other Americans by doing more than simply expressing the party’s values. Reagan lived them, winning enormous numbers of supporters to his side on the basis of his character alone. Even long-time Democrats awarded him their vote because he expressed values that Americans long cherished – trust, honesty, respect for others, equality for everyone, and keeping the promises you make.

Republicans scored congressional successes on Reagan’s qualities over three presidential elections, counting George H.W. Bush’s coat-tails ride. Where are they riding now? Where are the Republicans who once shared Reagan’s celebrated vision of a great shining city on the hill?

Because we no longer fit that image. Very little glow shines from America to the world these days. And the hill we once stood upon has become an odorous pit of mud-slinging speeches and immoral behavior. We have become a nation led by a man whose primary attributes have little in common with Ronald Reagan or any other Republican leader in our history. The current Chief Executive of America shapes his actions with personal insults, unscrupulous business tactics, arrogant bragging, volatile decision-making, and hostile attitudes to our allies.

While multiple voices among America’s media, social groups, industry and other sectors shudder at the man’s behavior, one group appears to fashion its role according to three baboons from my childhood days – the ones who could see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. Most Republican politicians refuse to acknowledge the unsavory antics of the current resident of the White House. Instead, they search for angles to support his capers and comments. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz burrow in the mud searching for compliments to bestow on the man who has treated them with the utmost disdain and, in the case of Cruz, threw insults at Cruz’s wife in the most despicable manner.

They and others attempt to justify their position with an elegant gold-plated political word: Loyalty. To which I respond with a working-class stainless steel reply: balderdash.

Hey, loyalty to a political party is both admirable and essential, but only as long as the party’s principles reflect those of the nation it chooses to govern. Loyalty to an individual whose actions and values are objectionable and damaging is more than just misplaced. It borders on treason.

The man currently in the White House is not the Republican Party nor, until recently, has the Republican Party been the man. Believing each is a direct reflection of the other is not only wrong; it is dangerous in the extreme. The present occupier of our highest office was not elected to remold the Republican Party to match his vulgar style and questionable ethics. He was elected to reflect the Party’s values according to the apparent needs of the nation.

This is surely evident to every citizen even slightly familiar with America’s history. It should be flashing neon-bright red in the minds of Republican leaders who, in their heart of hearts, lament the gulf between what America needs and what the current White House resident delivers. Even if they refuse to publicly admit it.

Their response to every questionable antic of the current president appears to be a hardening of their partisanship and a refusal to acknowledge the right – indeed the obligation – of other elected representatives across the aisle to even discuss the problem.

That’s when so many Republicans step behind a curtain labeled “Loyalty.” It is not loyalty that prevents congressional representatives from speaking the truth and doing what they know is right. It is cowardice. And it is both regrettable and tragic.

They fear the reaction of the current president’s most vehement supporters, and well they should. He achieved his victory, such as it is, because in 2016 too many Americans believed no one else was taking their down-to-earth concerns seriously.

Unemployment, unfair treatment by government and business, and a general sense of isolation creates its own outrage. Trump tapped that reservoir of anger so effectively that many Americans who normally treasured the same qualities admired so much in Ronald Reagan – and so absent from Trump – overlooked the offensive aspects of his candidacy and trusted him with their votes. Little has changed for the vast majority of them, but both the trust in Trump and the anger at their situation remains.

The reservoir of rage remains, and instead of searching for ways to address the real problems facing these disenchanted Americans most Republicans choose to muzzle themselves. Others find the freedom to speak their minds by choosing not to seek re-election, a sacrificial cop-out. The truth is that Trump’s words may echo the mood of his supporters, but his actions do little or nothing to benefit them. Steps to deal with their concerns can and must be taken, beginning with a toning down of the man’s untruths, exaggerations and impossible promises. Unfortunately, this would mean disagreeing with him, something that demands a rare ingredient in politics these days: courage.

If Republicans in office are troubled by the current president’s antics, yet choose to whisper their concerns privately, they need to be reminded that courage once represented the basis of this country’s concept and existence.

Otherwise, they have no credible defense against the charge of cowardice and craven self-interest.

Benjamin22

I think that you are overstating the problems and. ignoring the benefits. Suppose we were dealing with Hillary!

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

I agree with all the above, however, it is not only the GOP that lacks intestinal fortitude. Where are the Democrats in the Congress? Oh sure, one or two of them will read a lackluster speech at a news conference from time to time, or throw out the occasional tweet, but for the most part appear to be asleep - or fearful of the same few people Republicans are afraid of.

Both parties should be looking to the 2/3 of Americans that have yet to make their thoughts known at the ballot box, the same folks that, for whatever reason, refused to vote in 2016. Both sides and the folks in the WH, seem unable to do basic math. A mere 1/3 of eligible voters turned out in 2016, and there is no sane reason to assume that the others will continue to stay home. Registered Democrats and Republicans combined make up 44% of the electorate, leaving the fate of the country in the hands of the unaffiliated voter - if they choose to lift them and press a button in the ballot booth.

It is quite clear to me that neither the MSM nor the two main political parties, have any earthly idea of what the country at large thinks about all the BS flying so hot and heavy from it's Government. I've suspected for some time that "polls" are conducted by asking the same people whatever question is in the offing, and I've long since stopped paying attention to them...............but the MSM and political operatives continue to use them to try and influence public opinion.

Of the people I talk to, there is one overriding emotion regardless of party affiliation or lack thereof, and that emotion is - fear. They do not all fear the same things necessarily, but the cause of their fear IS the same, and that is the Trump/Congress miasma of filth, spastic ideation, hyper partisan apathy and cowardice.................which by and large has robbed them of the hope that common decency, common sense, and collective striving for the common good will ever see the light of day in America again.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

We're certainly on the same page, Doc, as I agree with your assessments. The article presented is clearly a cut 'n paste of Mr. Sheppard's thoughts. Rather than addressing similar problems with the democrats, he chose to speak of the malaise currently within the GOP. I assume this was because he is a member of long-standing within the Republican party.

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

The Republican party radicalized itself. Those not conforming became RINOs. Now we have "Fake News" That's enough to set me thinking. The Mueller investigation is producing indictments and Trump is talking pardons. Things that make you go Hmmm

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Indeed they do, Tom. Or, possibly...WTF

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

But, we're not, and the problems still outweigh the benefits...depending upon how one perceives them, of course.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Yep, and the reason for his angst may be the more serious problem.

Crayons Loc: St Jo, Texas

RINO means republican in name only and are the NWO Globalist Conformers...In other words they are similar to Democrats. I have always explained it like this...

RINO's are Neocon Trotski's who are just grunts for the old guard 'Rothschild Ashkanazi' tribe who
still have an ax to grind with Russia Today... Even though Russia is no longer the Soviet Union

Demo's are Neolib Marxists who Hate Russia Today even though they got their original marching
orders from the Soviet Union. The Demo's actually hate their own U.S. Communist Party roots.

It's the Hate of sovereign nation's and their people, as well as their Love for War that bring both the
Neocons and Neolibs Together.

dongreen76

[quote=slatten49]Replacing courage with cowardice. When did the GOP add cowardice to its platform?

By Donald L. Sheppard, June 15, 2018

My choice in political parties was clear from my first opportunity to vote. I supported everything the Republican Party stood for in America – fiscal conservatism, individual freedom and responsibility, free market capitalism, the works.

I was influenced, as so many Americans were, by Ronald Reagan. He defined Republicanism to me and other Americans by doing more than simply expressing the party’s values. Reagan lived them, winning enormous numbers of supporters to his side on the basis of his character alone. Even long-time Democrats awarded him their vote because he expressed values that Americans long cherished – trust, honesty, respect for others, equality for everyone, and keeping the promises you make.

Republicans scored congressional successes on Reagan’s qualities over three presidential elections, counting George H.W. Bush’s coat-tails ride. Where are they riding now? Where are the Republicans who once shared Reagan’s celebrated vision of a great shining city on the hill?

Because we no longer fit that image. Very little glow shines from America to the world these days. And the hill we once stood upon has become an odorous pit of mud-slinging speeches and immoral behavior. We have become a nation led by a man whose primary attributes have little in common with Ronald Reagan or any other Republican leader in our history. The current Chief Executive of America shapes his actions with personal insults, unscrupulous business tactics, arrogant bragging, volatile decision-making, and hostile attitudes to our allies.

While multiple voices among America’s media, social groups, industry and other sectors shudder at the man’s behavior, one group appears to fashion its role according to three baboons from my childhood days – the ones who could see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. Most Republican politicians refuse to acknowledge the unsavory antics of the current resident of the White House. Instead, they search for angles to support his capers and comments. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz burrow in the mud searching for compliments to bestow on the man who has treated them with the utmost disdain and, in the case of Cruz, threw insults at Cruz’s wife in the most despicable manner.

They and others attempt to justify their position with an elegant gold-plated political word: Loyalty. To which I respond with a working-class stainless steel reply: balderdash.

Hey, loyalty to a political party is both admirable and essential, but only as long as the party’s principles reflect those of the nation it chooses to govern. Loyalty to an individual whose actions and values are objectionable and damaging is more than just misplaced. It borders on treason.

The man currently in the White House is not the Republican Party nor, until recently, has the Republican Party been the man. Believing each is a direct reflection of the other is not only wrong; it is dangerous in the extreme. The present occupier of our highest office was not elected to remold the Republican Party to match his vulgar style and questionable ethics. He was elected to reflect the Party’s values according to the apparent needs of the nation.

This is surely evident to every citizen even slightly familiar with America’s history. It should be flashing neon-bright red in the minds of Republican leaders who, in their heart of hearts, lament the gulf between what America needs and what the current White House resident delivers. Even if they refuse to publicly admit it.

Their response to every questionable antic of the current president appears to be a hardening of their partisanship and a refusal to acknowledge the right – indeed the obligation – of other elected representatives across the aisle to even discuss the problem.

That’s when so many Republicans step behind a curtain labeled “Loyalty.” It is not loyalty that prevents congressional representatives from speaking the truth and doing what they know is right. It is cowardice. And it is both regrettable and tragic.

They fear the reaction of the current president’s most vehement supporters, and well they should. He achieved his victory, such as it is, because in 2016 too many Americans believed no one else was taking their down-to-earth concerns seriously.

Unemployment, unfair treatment by government and business, and a general sense of isolation creates its own outrage. Trump tapped that reservoir of anger so effectively that many Americans who normally treasured the same qualities admired so much in Ronald Reagan – and so absent from Trump – overlooked the offensive aspects of his candidacy and trusted him with their votes. Little has changed for the vast majority of them, but both the trust in Trump and the anger at their situation remains.

The reservoir of rage remains, and instead of searching for ways to address the real problems facing these disenchanted Americans most Republicans choose to muzzle themselves. Others find the freedom to speak their minds by choosing not to seek re-election, a sacrificial cop-out. The truth is that Trump’s words may echo the mood of his supporters, but his actions do little or nothing to benefit them. Steps to deal with their concerns can and must be taken, beginning with a toning down of the man’s untruths, exaggerations and impossible promises. Unfortunately, this would mean disagreeing with him, something that demands a rare ingredient in politics these days: courage.

If Republicans in office are troubled by the current president’s antics, yet choose to whisper their concerns privately, they need to be reminded that courage once represented the basis of this country’s concept and existence.

Otherwise, they have no credible defense against the charge of cowardice and craven self-interest.[/quote. The Republicans historically have been viewed as the party of the rich by the rich and for the rich -hence ,they had to find a commonality with the proletariat,with the common man
in order to retrieve the executive branch.Donald Trump was it.He campaigned as a `Joe six Pak".Inherently the common man comprises the majority of the elective entity -this is the middle class descending through the under class;was it a stroke of genius,[Trump won] or was it a case of America's massive ineptitude which is contrary to the hoax that has been perpetuated of America's ingenuity or white supremacy of intellect or whatever the case may be concerning such mundane trivial topics that best not be spoken of.
They can only be dangerously volatile and extremely disruptive of other more desirable social dispositions and demeanors.What ever the case Trump told them anything and won.He alienated his peers,both his fellow one percent peers,and his party peers so that he fooled just of them to garnish not a popular vote victory but an electorial college victory - but wait !!! did he tell them any thing and won or was it your typical Republican ploy that they have been doing for the last forty years or so.He did fool them but not in the way eluded to in the preceding communicative.He his - a `JOE PAK". They were fooled in the respect that they did not know he didn't have the temperament,the in character,the intellectual prowess be fitting a president of the United States.
The alienation antagonistic demeanor against his peers was genuine.It was not your traditional republican ploy.This feud between Trump and his peers

dongreen76

[quote=dongreen76][quote=slatten49]Replacing courage with cowardice. When did the GOP add cowardice to its platform?

By Donald L. Sheppard, June 15, 2018

My choice in political parties was clear from my first opportunity to vote. I supported everything the Republican Party stood for in America – fiscal conservatism, individual freedom and responsibility, free market capitalism, the works.

I was influenced, as so many Americans were, by Ronald Reagan. He defined Republicanism to me and other Americans by doing more than simply expressing the party’s values. Reagan lived them, winning enormous numbers of supporters to his side on the basis of his character alone. Even long-time Democrats awarded him their vote because he expressed values that Americans long cherished – trust, honesty, respect for others, equality for everyone, and keeping the promises you make.

Republicans scored congressional successes on Reagan’s qualities over three presidential elections, counting George H.W. Bush’s coat-tails ride. Where are they riding now? Where are the Republicans who once shared Reagan’s celebrated vision of a great shining city on the hill?

Because we no longer fit that image. Very little glow shines from America to the world these days. And the hill we once stood upon has become an odorous pit of mud-slinging speeches and immoral behavior. We have become a nation led by a man whose primary attributes have little in common with Ronald Reagan or any other Republican leader in our history. The current Chief Executive of America shapes his actions with personal insults, unscrupulous business tactics, arrogant bragging, volatile decision-making, and hostile attitudes to our allies.

While multiple voices among America’s media, social groups, industry and other sectors shudder at the man’s behavior, one group appears to fashion its role according to three baboons from my childhood days – the ones who could see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. Most Republican politicians refuse to acknowledge the unsavory antics of the current resident of the White House. Instead, they search for angles to support his capers and comments. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz burrow in the mud searching for compliments to bestow on the man who has treated them with the utmost disdain and, in the case of Cruz, threw insults at Cruz’s wife in the most despicable manner.

They and others attempt to justify their position with an elegant gold-plated political word: Loyalty. To which I respond with a working-class stainless steel reply: balderdash.

Hey, loyalty to a political party is both admirable and essential, but only as long as the party’s principles reflect those of the nation it chooses to govern. Loyalty to an individual whose actions and values are objectionable and damaging is more than just misplaced. It borders on treason.

The man currently in the White House is not the Republican Party nor, until recently, has the Republican Party been the man. Believing each is a direct reflection of the other is not only wrong; it is dangerous in the extreme. The present occupier of our highest office was not elected to remold the Republican Party to match his vulgar style and questionable ethics. He was elected to reflect the Party’s values according to the apparent needs of the nation.

This is surely evident to every citizen even slightly familiar with America’s history. It should be flashing neon-bright red in the minds of Republican leaders who, in their heart of hearts, lament the gulf between what America needs and what the current White House resident delivers. Even if they refuse to publicly admit it.

Their response to every questionable antic of the current president appears to be a hardening of their partisanship and a refusal to acknowledge the right – indeed the obligation – of other elected representatives across the aisle to even discuss the problem.

That’s when so many Republicans step behind a curtain labeled “Loyalty.” It is not loyalty that prevents congressional representatives from speaking the truth and doing what they know is right. It is cowardice. And it is both regrettable and tragic.

They fear the reaction of the current president’s most vehement supporters, and well they should. He achieved his victory, such as it is, because in 2016 too many Americans believed no one else was taking their down-to-earth concerns seriously.

Unemployment, unfair treatment by government and business, and a general sense of isolation creates its own outrage. Trump tapped that reservoir of anger so effectively that many Americans who normally treasured the same qualities admired so much in Ronald Reagan – and so absent from Trump – overlooked the offensive aspects of his candidacy and trusted him with their votes. Little has changed for the vast majority of them, but both the trust in Trump and the anger at their situation remains.

The reservoir of rage remains, and instead of searching for ways to address the real problems facing these disenchanted Americans most Republicans choose to muzzle themselves. Others find the freedom to speak their minds by choosing not to seek re-election, a sacrificial cop-out. The truth is that Trump’s words may echo the mood of his supporters, but his actions do little or nothing to benefit them. Steps to deal with their concerns can and must be taken, beginning with a toning down of the man’s untruths, exaggerations and impossible promises. Unfortunately, this would mean disagreeing with him, something that demands a rare ingredient in politics these days: courage.

If Republicans in office are troubled by the current president’s antics, yet choose to whisper their concerns privately, they need to be reminded that courage once represented the basis of this country’s concept and existence.

Otherwise, they have no credible defense against the charge of cowardice and craven self-interest.[/quote. The Republicans historically have been viewed as the party of the rich by the rich and for the rich -hence ,they had to find a commonality with the proletariat,with the common man
in order to retrieve the executive branch.Donald Trump was it.He campaigned as a `Joe six Pak".Inherently the common man comprises the majority of the elective entity -this is the middle class descending through the under class;was it a stroke of genius,[Trump won] or was it a case of America's massive ineptitude which is contrary to the hoax that has been perpetuated of America's ingenuity or white supremacy of intellect through out the world or whatever the case may be concerning such mundane trivial topics that best not be spoken of.
They can only be dangerously volatile and extremely disruptive of other more desirable social dispositions and demeanors.What ever the case Trump told them anything and won.He alienated his peers,both his fellow one percent peers,and his party peers so that he fooled just enough of them to garnish not a popular vote victory but an electorial college victory - but wait !!! did he tell them any thing and win or was it your typical Republican ploy that they have been using for the last forty years or so.He did fool them, but not in the way eluded to in the preceding communicative.He his - a `JOE PAK". They were fooled in the respect that they did not know he didn't have the temperament,the character,the intellectual prowess be fitting a president of the United States.
The alienation antagonistic demeanor against his peers was genuine.It was not your traditional republican ploy.This feud between Trump and his peers came about do to the fact he was an unaccepted Joe six pak amongst people that considered them selves blue bloods.He didn't mesh with them,an animus relationship evolved.
This explains his relationship with Russia,cordial.
Still in all,in name he was one of them if not in spirit.In stead of denouncing with all the fervor in which they profess to be the party of patriotism for the last forty years,they elected to try to manage him for their own non altruistic money grabbing reasons,which are so antithetical to the concept the country as been about since its inception/conception.So now here we stand,with no penis in hand.

So far as comparing him to Ronald Prescott Reagan- there is no comparison.Reagan had exhibited in interest in politics before he was seriously involved in politics,of course he was a governor.He had common sense,and a sincere interest in the country's welfare,whether you agreed with his political creed or not,one had to recognize this.Although Trump may try as he may to imitate him,as so many other Republican politicians do.In Trumps case it would be like this - if one man had an IQ of 160,the man with the lesser substantial IQ could never totally mimic him with any type of total precision.

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

What ever happened to ordinary citizens? We have a No idea now what is going to happen next and we are fighting amongst each other.