When you're lost you're really lost

Despite what some might think, when I say I am an independent, I mean it. Generally I am left of the liberals on domestic issues, and right of the conservatives on foreign policy.

Frankly, neither side gets it. Hence my desire for a real 3rd party.

But as an information sponge, it does mean I seek out information and opinions from all over.

So, I am on the email lists of both the DNC and RNC.

Since the election of Michael Steele, I must say that the communiques from the Republicans have generally been hysterical, unless they are just really ridiculous.

But today topped it all. Pathetic is about the only word that can describe it.

What was today's email about? Arlen Specter of course. Now, don't get me wrong. Specter switching parties was flat out about getting reelected, that is all.

Frankly, as the government is now constituted Specter may be the closest politician to me ideologically (pro choice, pro stem cell research, and strong defense - but wrong on judgships, and even more wrong on the stimulus boondoggle) but his switch was clearly not ideologic but based on the fact that he was going to lose his Republican primary.

But there is one thing Specter can NEVER be described as: Liberal.

Not when you vote for Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito. Not when you vote with your party 65% of the time - granted that was third LEAST among Republicans, but still...

So, what follows is the ABSURD email I received from the Republicans today, and after that is the response that I wrote to them.

Dear ,

I hope Arlen Specter's party change outrages you. It should for two reasons:

First--Specter claimed it was philosophical--and pointed his finger of blame at Republicans all over America for his defection to the Democrats. He told us all to go jump in the lake today.

I'm sorry, but I don't believe a word he said.

Arlen Specter committed a purely political and self-serving act today. He simply believes he has a better chance of saving his political hide and his job as a Democrat. He loves the title of Senator more than he loves the party--and the principles--that elected him and nurtured him.

Second--and more importantly--Arlen Specter handed Barack Obama and his band of radical leftists nearly absolute power in the United States Senate. In leaving the Republican Party--and joining the Democrats--he absolutely undercut Republicans' efforts to slow down Obama's radical agenda through the threat of filibuster.

Facing defeat in Pennsylvania's 2010 Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record, and an end to his 30 year career in the U.S. Senate, he has peddled his services--and his vote--to the leftist Obama Democrats who aim to remake America with their leftist plan.

As recently as April 9th, Senator Specter said he would run in the Pennsylvania primary next year as a Republican. Why the sudden change of heart? Clearly, this was an act based on political expediency by a craven politician desperate to keep his Washington power base--not the act of a statesman.

His defection to the Democrat Party puts the Democrats in an almost unstoppable position to pass Obama's destructive agenda of income redistribution, health care nationalization, and a massive expansion of entitlements.

Arlen Specter has put his loyalty to his own political career above his duty to his state and nation.

You and I have a choice. Some will use Specter's defection as an excuse to fold the tent and give up. I believe that you are not one of those people. When Benedict Arnold defected to the British, George Washington didn't fold the tent and give up either.

He grit his teeth more determined than ever to succeed. That's what I'm asking you to do today.

Sincerely,

Michael Steele
Chairman, RNC

Here's my answer to Mr. Steele:

This is exactly what I was afraid of. Instead of taking this opportunity to examine why a lion of the party left (and yes I understand the politics) you immediately run the blame game.

Haven't you learned anything? Unless the GOP examines itself and understands that true MODERATION is the way to attract more votes the recovery of the party becomes less likely.

Specter a leftist? Come on, that is just plain stupid and serves NO point except to make you look like a sore loser.

You are right, his defection DID make me mad. But not for the reason you want. The way the party is reacting to everything these days is the definition of immaturity.

A mature, responsible adult takes responsibilty for their own failures, and does not blame others.

At some point the party has to say "what have we done wrong?" Emphasis on WE. Not THEY.

Wake up Michael.