Mike Der Manouel Jr. “retired” from official volunteer Republican service in February, 2001, after serving in various capacities for the Republican Party for close to 10 years. He served for six years on the Board of Directors for the California Republican Party, the first four as Vice Chairman over all Central Valley and Central Coast operations and the last two, up until 2001, as State Party Treasurer. Currently he is Chairman of the Lincoln Club of Fresno County. Recognized as one of the clearest voices in local republican politics, he is an occasional guest host on KMJ Radio and is a frequent contributor to the editorial pages of the Fresno Bee and the John Fleischman's FlashReport.

April 24, 2007

Is Conservatism Dead?

Michael Der Manouel, Jr.

Over the past twelve years, conservatism for me has become hollow words, empty promises, and abandoned principles.  I know that most of you agree.

How many times do we have to bear the unbearable – the sight of a Republican candidate or elected official talking about “less government, lower taxes, school choice, less regulation, energy independence, reforming Medicare and Social Security” – knowing full well that these issues will not ever see solutions?  In fact, the vast majority of our elected officials have continued to cast votes making these problems worse, not better.  Do Medicare Part D and federal deficits come to mind?  This is precisely why Republicans lost the Congress in 2006 and have really no hope of regaining the majority in 2008.  The fact is, we had full control over the federal government for six years and made little, if any progress, on implementation of conservative principles.  Further, we failed to defend these ideas, and even forgot how, at times.

I cannot count the number of occasions I have sat back stunned, watching the talking heads, and  looking at a “conservative leader” unable to articulate the great conservative principles that are the GOP’s heritage.  When you consider that winning an argument with a liberal is as easy as debating a six year old child, it should come as no surprise why conservatives are frustrated with their “leaders”. When you combine this with legislative and executive inaction and neglect, the word “conservative” no longer has any meaning, and becomes dead in the minds of the Republican base voter.  So yes, today, as you read this, conservatism is dead, and has no champion.  What now?

First, with regard to any candidate or elected official, be very, very suspicious of conservative rhetoric.  Ask the tough questions:  What have you DONE?  How have you VOTED?  Will you FIGHT the Democrat left?  How will you deal with recalcitrant Republican liberals?  Will you STAND and DELIVER less!?  Will you DEFEND conservatism, and just how are you going to do this, SPECIFICALLY?

These are starting points in the analysis of all candidates and incumbents.  They have long since worn out the automatic trust and respect we have given them.  Its time for all of them to PROVE the connection between their rhetoric and their actions.

Second, just say no to all RNC, NRCC, NRSC and other Party fundraising appeals.  Send them back empty, and politely explain to the telemarketers why you are not opening your wallet.  Trust me, they hear it every single night from lapsed donors, and privately, the telemarketers agree with our disappointment.  It’s time to let the GOP establishment know that until we stand for conservative principles, the Party isn’t worth our support.  We cannot sit back and subsidize the “saving” of the Arlen Spectors and Jim Jeffords of this world.  They aren’t worth the trouble or the money.

Last, but not least, look for the candidate with a track record, who understands that above all, the true conservative is the unafraid reformer, the intellectual able to defend our ideas against the emotional ranting of the left, and will stand tall through the inevitable media / union / academia driven onslaught that looks to destroy conservative success stories and ideas.  Your candidate must be a doer – not a talker.  You may not agree with that candidate on all the issues but has the candidate acted on conservative principles?  Have they reformed governmental or business institutions?  These are the great litmus tests of our day.

Yes, conservatism is presently dead.  But we can revive it by setting our standards high for all that come to us for money and votes, and by instinctively being suspicious of empty rhetoric.  It’s time for so called “conservatives” to shut up and do something.  If we don’t demand it now – we may never see the next great conservative comeback. 

Click Here For Print Friendly Version

To read previous commentary's from Mike Der Manouel Jr. click on a link below

Lincoln Club of Fresno County, PO Box 28906, Fresno, CA 93729-8906. FPPC# 1251995. Lee Brand, Treasurer

Comments, questions?  E-mail Webmaster