[Speed Gibson,
Tuesday October 2, 2007 at 9:57pm]
Taking Responsibility
In my previous post I took stock of the future of Minnesota and its Republican Party. As critical as I often am of the GOP, Minnesota’s future is bleak if the Republicans continue to lose ground.
Republicans could (and do) point to “externalities” like Iraq, increasing voter fraud, and the almost always hostile media. We are the ones that truly have trouble getting our message out. Fortunately, the DFL has its own problems like Mike Hatch and Larry Pogemiller or the GOP would be in still worse shape.
Ultimately, though, only Republicans can fix this waning party, starting by taking full responsibility for the situation such as it is. These numerous little tirade press releases regarding the opposition aren't going to do it.
Of course the GOP should take on the DFL just as surely as the DFL should take on the GOP. It's a two party system. But the "Party of Pawlenty" is shooting too low, lest a stray barb catch a "moderate" in an awkward vote. Instead of throwing itself roses for holding off the Hole in the Head Gang in the 2007 session, ask why state spending growth continues unabated. It will subsume the entire state economy well before the end of the century at this rate.
"Oh, nobody understands what you're saying, however true." Well maybe it will take a few election cycles, but take responsibility. "When will you be working for the State?" might be one message. "Whose lives will you get to control when you do?"
Personality politics and nuance are not GOP core competencies; quite the opposite. To the extent Republicans try to play these games only enables the Democrats who can. Look how they finagled Light Rail into the new I-35 bridge design while the Pawlenty administration gets the black eye for the runaway spending.
Ultimately, taking responsibility means that the needs of the many (Minnesotans) outweigh the needs of the few (the Legislature) ... or the one (the Governor). More on that in the final installment, Taking Charge.
Republicans could (and do) point to “externalities” like Iraq, increasing voter fraud, and the almost always hostile media. We are the ones that truly have trouble getting our message out. Fortunately, the DFL has its own problems like Mike Hatch and Larry Pogemiller or the GOP would be in still worse shape.
Ultimately, though, only Republicans can fix this waning party, starting by taking full responsibility for the situation such as it is. These numerous little tirade press releases regarding the opposition aren't going to do it.
Of course the GOP should take on the DFL just as surely as the DFL should take on the GOP. It's a two party system. But the "Party of Pawlenty" is shooting too low, lest a stray barb catch a "moderate" in an awkward vote. Instead of throwing itself roses for holding off the Hole in the Head Gang in the 2007 session, ask why state spending growth continues unabated. It will subsume the entire state economy well before the end of the century at this rate.
"Oh, nobody understands what you're saying, however true." Well maybe it will take a few election cycles, but take responsibility. "When will you be working for the State?" might be one message. "Whose lives will you get to control when you do?"
Personality politics and nuance are not GOP core competencies; quite the opposite. To the extent Republicans try to play these games only enables the Democrats who can. Look how they finagled Light Rail into the new I-35 bridge design while the Pawlenty administration gets the black eye for the runaway spending.
Ultimately, taking responsibility means that the needs of the many (Minnesotans) outweigh the needs of the few (the Legislature) ... or the one (the Governor). More on that in the final installment, Taking Charge.