The 2012 Republican primary in Texas is a dream come true for writers and those objective folks in our society – constantly providing food for thought and material for posts such as this. They, however, are also a nightmare for folks of goodwill with the desire to engage a collaborative approach to any issue. Here in Texas, the Republican rant is- My way or the highway. It has been difficult at times but for the public good and for its entertainment value we have made the ultimate sacrifice – watched some of their political ads. Yikes!
Taking a page from the recent visceral Republican Presidential Primaries, Texas Republican candidates across the board took the opportunity early on raising themselves up the Conservative flagpole predictably attacking not their opponents rather President Obama for a myriad of sins - some deserved, mostly not. Their initial main thrusts were not to address real, substantive issues but to proclaim just how conservative they really are. We think that term relative but in a state that is seemingly dominated by an ultra-right wing, fundamentalist, tea party philosophy and agenda, it came as no surprise.
We have even seen one incumbent candidate for Texas Judge hawking his wares as a conservative who would continue to stand up for those issues embraced by a conservative, mostly fundamentalist citizenry. He has even cited cases where he has rendered judgments that cater to that demographic. Mind you, I embrace some of the same issues and while common practice I do not think that judicial activists with an agenda should be seated on the bench. Our judges, whatever their persuasion, should not allow their personal feelings on issues to cloud their judgment and ability to impartially interpret the law – not rewrite or attempt to overturn it. Hopefully, that is not the case here.
Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Gov. Rick Perry and Rick Santorum (losers all) are even involved in the races endorsing candidates by attesting to their conservatism. Laughingly, one candidate has lashed out at his opponent accusing him of really being, gads, a Moderate! I guess that’s the kiss of death in this group though most folks of goodwill I know are conservative, moderate, progressive and even liberal – depending on the issue. While I agree with some of their platform, it’s now conservatism for the sake of conservatism – no matter the issue. They have backed themselves into a corner without an exit strategy.
Anticipating that some of these ultra conservatives will be elected not only statewide but to the federal level, please accept the apologies of some of us in Texas who feel that the best interests of The Country or Texas may not be well served. The impasse will continue in Washington and the status quo will be assured.
We do see a bright side to all of this. At least it will be easier to keep track of these folks given that so many reside in Texas. We do keep an even keener eye on Governor Perry now given his recent gaffes on the campaign trail.
Mark Twain opined, “I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man's reasoning powers are not above the monkey's.” Now Samuel Clemens would have had a ball with this year’s political shenanigans.
Aye,
Ned Buxton
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