In these stressful times you might find yourself having trouble dropping off to sleep. So many things to worry about, you know? Well if you are in need of a good sedative tonight but are wanting to avoid heavy medication, may I recommend, hot off the presses, the “Republican Road to Recovery”.   Gingerly presented, courtesy of the overcautious Cong. John Boehner, the reserved Cong. Mike Pence and the restrained Cong. Eric Cantor. And other noncommittal GOP types.   

Leave the Ambien and Melatonin in the medicine cabinet. If you make it through the “Curbs Spending,pg 5” segment before the 1^st snore, don’t worry. Coming up next is the mind numbing subject of “Universal Access to Health Care,pg 6-8” portion. Even the most severe insomniacs will not escape deep slumber. 

[Not to mention the fact that this portion of the document never once mentions the burden that is being placed on our health care system by the 12-20 million illegal immigrants that were allowed in over the past 8 years. By who?   Yes, Republicans.] 

So, if you want to waste your time reading through this “more-of-the-same” document, it might be best to do it after a good nights sleep and with a cup of strong coffee close by.   You’ll find little to disagree with, mind you. I do not want to be critical of the content, such that it is. Your typical Republican “appealing word groups” and “talking points”.   Like you get in the mail from the RNC when they’re begging for money. But what floored me? The glaring and, of course, purposeful - omissions.   Typical of Republicans over the past 8 years.   When it comes to the real hot-button, ideological issues that the voting Conservative Base wants strong action on, well our timid elected rep’s simply choose to “not discuss it”.   The more these elected ones dis and ignore the Base, the greater the hostility between the 2, hence the results - 11/7/06 and 11/4/08.   And if this plan is the best the Republicans can come up with, so will it be on 11/2/10. Just a short 19 months away.

Example, page 11. Energy. We read much of what we already know. That the democrats will throw every obstacle possible in the path of those wanting to dramatically increase domestic oil production. Why do we already know it? Because we, out here in flyover country know and aren’t afraid to talk about the fact that the democrat party is the property of the radical environmental movement. The 2 terms, in fact are almost synonymous.   Radical greenies own this political party, make no mistake. So why won’t these Republicans talk about this? Why do they not have an aggressive plan of attack against these radical greenies (as we expect of them)? Do they actually think they’re going to get any of these goals accomplished, such as drilling in Anwr or the OCS, until they decisively defeat this very determined enemy standing in the path? No, of course not. Republicans are cowering in fear of these environmental whacko’s. 

Republicans had an awesome opportunity recently to make a strong statement regarding this issue. Earlier this month in New York the 2009 Int’l Conference on Climate Change was held. This was a meeting of some of the top Climatologists who also happen to be strong skeptics of the loose theory regarding man-made climate change. In other words, they don’t buy off on the idea that mankind is affecting the climate or weather. Wouldn’t it have been grand to see Mr.’s Boehner, Pence and other signers of this document in attendance? Or the newly appointed RNC chair, Michael Steele? Or Sarah Palin? To have them march in to that conference armed with notebook/pencils or laptops. Ready to take notes and learn. Or even to speak, if called upon. Their presence alone would have bolstered this brave group of scientists and, again, it would have made an unmistakable statement. Loud and clear; the Republican Party does not sign on to this flimsy theory/hoax of man made global warming. Of course, this sort of bold challenge by Republicans “could” have been the shot heard round the world. The democrats and the Main Stream Media would, most certainly, have skewered them for attending. The conservative Base, however, would have cheered. But not to worry. None attended, to my knowledge. Too risky. We’ve learned not to expect this sort of boldness from our overcautious, limp wristed Repub’s.   No, an act of bravery like this might cause a loss of something very dear to them – their coveted chair at the democrats “table of compromise”.   Such an egregious lost opportunity for Republicans. Another opportunity for them to regain a bit of respect - lost. 

You want another lost opportunity? Go back to page 9. The Republican Plan (in bold letters) “Creates Jobs”. Ha! This is the one issue that cost the GOP millions of Reagan Democrats and Union Rank ‘n File worker votes on 11/4/08. And probably cost them the POTUS election. And, sadly, the authors of this document are too blind to see it. I searched the entire segment and document searching for something that might indicate that it might possibly be time, what with 8%+ unemployment, to insure that all U.S. jobs go to U.S. citizens or Immigrants that are in country legally. Here’s what I found: ( link ) What a joke! Very little at all on how they plan to create any jobs.   Not one mention, either, of the 12-20 million U.S. jobs being taken by the 12-20 million illegal immigrants presently in this country. Most of which came while the Republicans were on watch. Nor did these illustrious Republicans put forth a plan to require employers to attach an E-Verify printout to each employees signed I-9 form. This simple solution would rapidly encourage our “illegal visitors”, once the jobs dried up, to return to their nation of origin. And would open up millions of good paying warehouse, construction and even “janitorial” jobs for U.S. workers. These are not lettuce harvesting, bus-boy or leaf blower jobs but are, in fact, the jobs that Americans will take. 

This document demonstrates that the GOP appears unable to reject special interests. Or turn, re-focus on and re-connect with the actual Conservative Voting Base. The Base that kept them in power for so many years. And they lack the will to aggressively oppose special interests, the democrats and radical environmentalists. That is what is lacking in this document. How will they oppose and defeat the left? A battle that must be waged before we ever move the Nation again in a rightward direction. 

Instead we have watered down, lifeless “glowing generalities” such as we find in this document. Nothing here that will inspire or reignite the former and estranged GOP Base, sadly. Its almost childish. Like a kid talking about what they’re going to do when they get to Disneyland. “Sounds great!” you ask. “When will you go and how will you get there?” The reply; A blank stare and shrug of the shoulders. 

So, my fellow conservatives, this isn’t the Big Plan or Contract we’ve all been waiting/hoping for. Might as well just roll over and go back to sleep. Darvin Dowdy

 We hear a lot these days about the blunders and failings of Chairman Michael Steele.  Many think that Chairman Steele has been making too many public mistakes and is simply not up to the job. In my humble opinion, they are totally and absolutely wrong. Dead wrong. Steele knows exactly what he’s doing.    You see, Steele is obviously using a classic military tactic. A probing action to draw out the enemy (or in this case the opposition “us” – Movement Conservatives) for the purpose of judging their strengths/weaknesses.   Steele is gutsy and bold. He aggressively thrusts forward with his “Extreme Moderate” agenda (LINK). And then he retreats. Classic!   Just as with the Limbaugh encounter, forward - critical/name-calling one day and then the next day retreating /apologizing. Very well executed. This tactic requires a rapid retreat or the individual(s) performing the probe will most like become a casualty. Steele has come fairly close to that, yet he survives. 

But you see an “extreme moderate” like Steele, and many others within the GOP Hierarchy believe radically in their particular brand of “moderation”. These haughty moderates are so enamored with themselves for being able to move back and forth across the aisle compromising, communicating and working well with those on the far left, the center and, occasionally, even the right.   Like a honey bee buzzing from flower to flower. Yes, it is almost sexual. That is how strong it is. Self adoration. Infatuated and totally in love with self.   You can see it when they operate. Restraint and genteel rhetoric. Fake humility. Dulcet tones. No real passion because, in their effort to be all things to all people they are, in fact – no where!   Certainly they’ll occasionally self-destruct when they get caught in their own trap of trying to play both sides toward the center. 

So, what we have here is Steele “and others” making a deliberate and determined effort to steer the entire political process of the GOP (and the Nation) back toward the left.   Driving toward the center and most likely beyond! And the probing actions? Well, these Extreme Moderates are trying to determine what they can get away with.   Steele is bravely taking “the point” but do not think he is alone in this endeavor. You can be certain that he has the blessings of many within the GOP Hierarchy. I totally expect John McCain to jump to his defense and will be surprised if he doesn’t. This is, I believe, a planned, organized and choreographed offensive.   It’s a long term plan designed to eventually wear down the opposition.   He and his skirmish line are advancing under fire. 

And what about this “skirmish line”? Who are some of the combatants? The participants? Well this is actually a new movement, in its infancy.   I’m calling it the Movement of Extreme Moderates (MEM). An oxymoron of sorts, I suppose.   I mean, there have always been moderates but they’ve not been so combative.    David Frum is, in my view, an MEM leader and he’s already proclaiming victory. Saying they are the “New Majority” . In his view, his brand of conservatism (which is not conservatism) is the only formula that can win.  

And we have “new recruit”. Valley girl, Meghan McCain.   Already going on the offensive against anyone that she considers too extreme. Making Daddy proud. Riding her high horse, she even slammed her fellow MEM member Steele! : ( link2 ). That’s normal. Remember all MEM members revere their own particular brand of moderation above all. They’re in deep, rapturous love with their own opinions. A weakness that can be exploited by Movement Conservatives, by the way.

So we have, in my view, this MEM forming up without its members even being aware of the fact, apparently. A weak and fragmented cabal fomenting a mini-revolution within the GOP. Vying for control - and on the attack. Their one big advantage? The confused, clueless 168 members of the RNC made a boneheaded move and placed an MEM member in its “Chair” at the head of the table. Or maybe many of these “168” are, in fact, Extreme Moderates, too? 

Now what will Movement Conservatives do? Are they so demoralized and defeated that they’ll sit on their hands and watch 30 years of hard work evaporate? Will they stand idly by while this pip-squeak, up-start of a movement pushes their way in taking “more” control of the Republican Party than it already has?   Diluting the Republican message down into some lukewarm pablum that right-thinking Middle America will, once again, spew out of their mouth come next election day? 

Michael Steele and his hip-hop strategy ; it’s all about pandering.   The same destructive pandering tactics of Bush43 and Karl Rove. This is what has placed the Conservative Movement in the mess it is now in. And Steele and his ilk want to move more in that groveling, pandering, doormat of a direction??    By pandering to specific groups, the “panderer” only draws the ire and disrespect from those in other groups who are not being pandered to. 

Question is, do we Conservatives have the will to stop this insanity and get this Nation moving rightward again? The direction that the majority of Americans want our nation traveling.   Do we have the stomach to aggressively go after people in our own political party that have now, for what ever reason, strayed away from the Conservative Movement and are drifting (or in some cases running) leftward? 

About 173 years + 10 days ago in an abandoned mission, fortified by Texas freedom fighters, in what is now San Antonio, Texas, Col. William B. Travis read a letter aloud to his men. It was a letter demanding surrender from Mexican Gen. Santa Anna. Travis unsheathed his sword and drew a “line in the sand”.   Well, you know the rest of the story, I’m sure. If you don’t, shame on you.

Darvin Dowdy 

 Limbaugh seems to be enjoying the ride as his sturdy little craft is being carried along by the swift current called the daily news cycles.   And the fact that millions more are now tuning in to his talk show hasn’t hurt his Arbitron rating, either. Rush is being touted by friend and foe alike as the leader or de facto leader of either the Conservative Movement, the Republican Party or both.   Limbaugh’s “First National Address” at CPAC 2009 certainly had its desired effect.   A gutsy counter attack that rallied the troops, turned the retreating Conservative Movement 180 degrees and put it back on the offensive. Even recapturing a bit of lost ground.   Only to have it, the Movement, run out of steam and stall again shortly thereafter.

Another big payoff of the Limbaugh/CPAC speech, though, is that it drew out into the open some of the pseudo-conservative element within the Republican Party or those outside the actual party that are influencing it. Rino’s that are part of the problem rather than the solution but have somehow managed to stay concealed in the shadows.     There are legions of these “sleeper agents” that have been responsible for “compromising” the party leftward toward the center. So at least as a result of Rush’s line in the sand, a handful of these “isle crossers” now have the spotlight shining strong on them.     Most notably David “chuck me in the shallow water” Frum.   Frum and his ultra-moderate ilk must be allowed no influence whatsoever in the GOP steering process.   And there’s Cong. Eric Cantor, supposedly a rising star in the GOP! But, we find, Cantor doesn’t want Pres. Obama’s socialist agenda to fail! He’s young. Maybe he can be turned and taught to acquire some backbone. And then we have our newly hired RNC Chair Michael Steele, calling Limbaugh “ugly” and “incendiary”    ?? Poor Michael. In way over his head. Someone please throw him a life preserver! 

Ugly & Incendiary? Rush Limbaugh? No.   In the thinking of most authentic conservatives Rush is a force for moderation, rationality and reason within the Conservative Movement. Yes, that’s right. I’m calling Rush a moderate. In the conservative sphere, that is.    And most of “us” believe that while there is room for our elected Rep’s to maneuver on Limbaugh’s right flank, we have no patience and will no longer tolerate having our elected Republicans wandering even 1 degree to the left of where Rush Limbaugh resides on the issues. We are all out of patience and good will regarding those who continue to pander and wander leftward. Evidenced by the absolute firestorm resulting from the comments by Frum, Cantor, Steele and others.   If the Republican Party learns nothing else from this little skirmish, they should learn that it (the GOP) and the Conservative Movement are 1) two separate entities and 2) For the present Rush Limbaugh may not be the Movements Leader but, more importantly, he is our Benchmark. A message to you Republican politicians and officials; venture off to the left of where Limbaugh is positioned politically - at your own peril.   We hold this loveable little fuzz ball up before you with a sign around his neck, “Do Not Travel Leftward Beyond This Point”. You’d best heed that warning. Clear? Don’t take 2010 for granted. Make no mistake, the Stay-at-Home Conservatives punished/spanked you hard on 11/7/06 and 11/4/08. Will you learn your lesson?   Turn and begin your migration rightward!

As to those, such as myself, who would occasionally travel to Limbaugh’s right flank? Well there is plenty of room to maneuver safely and freely.   There’s even room for an occasional (and sometimes justified) jab at the Great El-Rushbo himself.   After all he’s only correct some 98.8% of the time, or something like that. But as one wanders in the far reaches of the rightosphere, far from the Benchmark, there are very real dangers. Some outer region travelers have become disoriented and confused, pointing an accusing and critical finger at one of our Nation’s only remaining and dearest friends in this world; Israel.   Brilliant intellects have fallen into this confusion. Pat Buchanan, Ron Paul,  Lou Dobbs to name a few. We can only hope to turn these fallen comrades one day and give them a helping hand out of the pit they’ve descended into. At times like this we need them desperately.   And there are "others"  who’ve crossed over the far right boundary line. They fret over something called “the Browning of America”.   As if skin pigment/color can prevent love and devotion for our Constitution. The modern Conservative Movement must be an inclusive Civic Conservatism rather than some dark form of ethnic conservatism. And after all, as Limbaugh pointed out in the CPAC speech, there is enough racism on the democratic left.   We can’t tolerate any form of that contamination within our Movement. 

One more little reminder for the GOP Hierarchy regarding the effectiveness of our rotund Benchmark [with one hand tied behind his back].   If you’ll go back with me in time to May/June 2007. The McCain/Kennedy Amnesty Bill. We had Hannity, Ingraham, Beck, Gallagher, O’Reilly and a host of others valiantly pushing this monstrous piece of legislation towards the edge of a cliff. To its destruction.   Just as they get it teetering on the very edge, well they run out of steam. Can go no farther. Cigar in hand, El-Rushbo saunters up to the teetering mass and re-names it the “Comprehensive Destroy the Republican Party Act” and with his pinky sends the hideous mass crashing down into the ravine below.   Not to diminish what the others did but it required Limbaugh’s gentle nudge. His endorsement. Unfortunately the arrogant, dim witted Republican Party did not learn from this.   Because look who their ’08 nominee was? And furthermore, the GOP remains populated by armies of these unteachable sorts. For these rino’s winning is simply not a priority. There are other far more important things, in their arrogant view. But for those who understand that a GOP win in 2010 is the only option, they’d best walk into this realization with eyes wide open, focused and guided by our Conservative Benchmark.      Darvin Dowdy

 I wanted to reach through the TV screen and pull Rush back onto the stage at CPAC ‘09, “you haven’t finished Rush! You haven’t given them any specific direction or strategy. Only generalizations.   Certainly you provided no shortage of profound truth, to be sure, but you must get back up there and tell them what they did wrong resulting in 11/7/06 and 11/4/08. Give them some specifics El Rushbo! Give them a direction.” But then, if he did that he’d probably have to give a series of lectures over the next week or do an all-nighter.   And I think that would have been fine with the raucous crowd but, quite frankly, that is not Rush’s job. I felt , close to the end of the speech, that Rush really wanted to break it off as if he was getting pulled into something he didn’t really want to be saddled with. Just my take.   Rush is a pundit/commentator/reporter extraordinaire. America’s Anchorman. But he is not a strategist and has never pretended to be. In all my years of listening to Rush, I’ve always sensed that he tended to shy away from offering up solid, definite strategies or advice. He’ll dabble in it mildly - the basics - and then pull back. His wise counsel is, however, there and available, be it ever so subtle.   Unfortunately, because of its subtlety most politicians [like the boisterous crowd at CPAC 09] never get it. It just doesn’t sink in. To get through these thick skulls will require a more “in-your-face” sort of personality, like this. And, of course, a messenger of that sort would not be welcome at CPAC 09. Might upset the frat party atmosphere that CPAC has morphed into.  It seems to have degenerated into an opportunity to have fun & party. Not solve problems. No sense of urgency.   Even with Rush saying:

“We are in for a real battle. We’re talking about the United States of America . . . remaining the country we were all born into and reared into it. And it’s under assault . . . but it’s never been under assault like this before, from within.”

That obviously didn’t penetrate. Conservatives do not have their war paint on.   No, they just want to keep having fun and continue to protect their own little patch of turf. 

One of the “subtleties” Rush brought up:

“Obama can’t appeal to the American people without appealing to Reagan voters and we’ve got people on our side who want to throw them out. We’ve got to stamp this out or it will destroy us.”

And I watched this go right over the heads of the party animals in the gallery. These out-of-touch boneheads haven’t got a clue as to what Rush was talking about here. Who are these “Reagan Voters” Rush was speaking of?   Lets go back in time for a “sampling”. Ronald Reagan aggressively sought and acquired the Teamsters Union endorsement both in ’80 and ’84. Ronald Reagan would not have allowed that aspect of Nafta that allows Mexican and Canadian truckers to drive freely on U.S. taxpayer highways without proper work visa’s/permits. Pushing U.S. truckers out of their jobs.   As we speak the Teamsters Union (1.5 million members) and OOIDA (160K members) are battling to keep jobs for their members.   And to prevent 75% of the U.S. trucking industry from, in the next 5 years, disappearing and reappearing in Northern Mexico. Unfortunately the GOP under Bush 43 would not lift a finger to help the union rank and file. In the eyes of the Mom/Pop working American voter, the GOP has turned its back on them. The McCain EADS/Boeing tanker fiasco didn’t help much either. 

And these are the Wal-Mart voters that Rush spoke of:

 “That we have to figure out how to get the Wal-Mart voters, we’ve got most of the Wal-Mart voters already. . . .

He is partially right. We “did” already have them – prior to 11/7/06. These are the same class of people that have elected mostly conservative, pro-business Presidents since the early 50’s. These are the same hard working folks that stood up and cheered when Reagan refused to back down before Patco. These are the same who, over the decades have rejected unions in their work place. So how does the GOP Hierarchy reward them?   They team up with the seditious U.S. Chamber of Commerce and cover their eyes while 12-20 million illegal immigrants pour in and steal the jobs that are the birthright of U.S. citizens.   And I’ll wager you that many in that CPAC audience are among this group of blackhearts. At least a sprinkling of them. Certainly the GOP Hierarchy remains controlled by them. Which is why we will continue to lose come 2010 if these transnationalists aren’t purged from influential positions. 

I love Rush like a brother but I think he left many things unsaid.   Issues that need to be discussed openly that, instead are being hushed. There remains a “great gulf fixed” between the conservative voting Base and the GOP Hierarchy and , sadly, leaders of the Conservative Movement.   And if the mutual admiration society called CPAC ’09 is any indication, little progress is being made to close that gap and reconnect with the former, estranged conservative Base. Darvin Dowdy