Posted by
Tom Dickens on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 4:00:00 PM
Some of the fondest memories I hold of my childhood are of riding in my fathers car, listening to the Rush Limbaugh show, and quietly attempting to gage his reaction towards this often outspoken but powerful media figure. This was, I believe, the beginning and indeed the most essential part of my political socialization. I still often listen to Rush's program and find that I agree with most of what he says.
Most recently, however, I have found a point of contention with Rush's "strategery" in regards to the Democratic nomination. Rush has spent the past week gloating and defending his urgings towards Republicans in Texas and Ohio to swing to the Democratic Party in order to artificially enhance Hillary Clinton's vote count. Although this action did evoke the desired result and prolong Clinton's stay in the race towards nomination I feel that it undermines our system and in truth lies beneath conservative morality.
I fully realize that Clinton would have stayed in the race anyway, and numerically at the end of the Texas Caucus she actually lost any benefit, delegate wise, that had been gained in the primaries for the two states, but it must also be realized that this form of political sabotage still holds intrinsic within it significant implications in future general elections and candidate nominations alike. This country operates on a two party system; this is not by coincidence but planning. Within these two parties defined sanctity exists in that they are composed of people pledged towards certain goals and holding certain beliefs.
I digress, my intention is to express that this action, encouraged by Rush, represents a slippery slope. If both parties partake and seek to perpetuate these actions we will eventually find ourselves devoid of leaders who are truly qualified to hold the Presidential Office; i.e. Brownback Vs. Gravel. With both parties partaking actively in choosing which candidate is in effect least fit for office from the opposing party and thus most easily defeated by their own parties candidate, the system will no longer serve to fulfil its intended function; to elect the best candidate to hold office. Rush, shame - shame. We must look further down the road and find better ways to effectively battle the Dems, deceit and divisive action, although often utilized by the left, is beneath us.
We remain, and always will remain, the party of truth and honor; as long as Rush Limbaugh doesn't pull an Al Gore and get so power hungry he interferes with Americas Political process, possibly forever tarnishing our system and party.
Warmest Regards,
Thomas Charles Dickens II