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Getting Back to Their Republican Roots
Alton E. Drew
Until the past few weeks, candidates for the Republican nomination
have been placing the economy on the backburner. Even in the face of
declining consumer confidence, a devalued American currency, and
shrinking job growth, the emphasis had been on national security. Mr.
Romney has consistently reminded us of his Wall Street skills while Mr.
Huckabee has been promoting his version of a fair tax. This is not
enough.
Mr. Giuliani appears to be taking the lead on offering more concrete,
albeit ineffective, policy proposals for spurring growth in the economy.
His proposals, unfortunately, do not provide the appropriate mix of
supply-side and demand-side economics to get the economy going.
I believe that what is contributing to the Republican party's lack of focus
on the economy is the distractions brought on by their alliance with
social conservatives. Energy that should be placed on pursuing
innovative economic growth policies are being shifted toward social
agendas that are best met within homes, schools, churches, and
possibly state legislatures. The rhetoric of social conservatism does not
address Michigan and Ohio's dire unemployment cisrcumstances.
California, Florida, and Nevada's high foreclosure rates won't be
resolved by any states' rights arguments either.
The downside to purging social conservatives from the party is that
while it may create a leaner, more focused party, it may also cost
Republicans seats in the Congress. Such a consequence may be
worse for America because it would represent a major political
imbalance. A good middle-of-the road approach may be to better fuse
the rhetoric of conservative values with the importance of emphasizing
economic growth. Until the Republican Party can better streamline its
message on the economy, it will continue to be perceived as a party out
of touch with America's perceived economic reality.
Copyright © 2008 Alton Drew LLC
Alton E. Drew
Until the past few weeks, candidates for the Republican nomination
have been placing the economy on the backburner. Even in the face of
declining consumer confidence, a devalued American currency, and
shrinking job growth, the emphasis had been on national security. Mr.
Romney has consistently reminded us of his Wall Street skills while Mr.
Huckabee has been promoting his version of a fair tax. This is not
enough.
Mr. Giuliani appears to be taking the lead on offering more concrete,
albeit ineffective, policy proposals for spurring growth in the economy.
His proposals, unfortunately, do not provide the appropriate mix of
supply-side and demand-side economics to get the economy going.
I believe that what is contributing to the Republican party's lack of focus
on the economy is the distractions brought on by their alliance with
social conservatives. Energy that should be placed on pursuing
innovative economic growth policies are being shifted toward social
agendas that are best met within homes, schools, churches, and
possibly state legislatures. The rhetoric of social conservatism does not
address Michigan and Ohio's dire unemployment cisrcumstances.
California, Florida, and Nevada's high foreclosure rates won't be
resolved by any states' rights arguments either.
The downside to purging social conservatives from the party is that
while it may create a leaner, more focused party, it may also cost
Republicans seats in the Congress. Such a consequence may be
worse for America because it would represent a major political
imbalance. A good middle-of-the road approach may be to better fuse
the rhetoric of conservative values with the importance of emphasizing
economic growth. Until the Republican Party can better streamline its
message on the economy, it will continue to be perceived as a party out
of touch with America's perceived economic reality.
Copyright © 2008 Alton Drew LLC