United we win, divided we lose

If you are a conservative who also happens to be a Republican
you may often feel you are wearing an ill fitting suit when
in the company of not-so-conservative members of the party.

Dare you challenge your local elected officials who support
expansive development and you will find yourself on the
"wrong side" of Republican power brokers.

For a while I thought it was just me when I received sneers
at club meetings when asking "too many" challenging questions
to elected officials. "How dare I!"  

But, when speaking with other conservatives I learned I am not
alone, they too are wearing ill-fitting suits at club meetings.

We also find the party leaders "know best", suggesting we do
our part, making phone calls, knocking on doors and contributing
to campaigns. This is the role for us, leave the leadership to
the "professionals".

The problem with this approach is the divide it creates between
many members and party leadership.

While both parties have not grown in membership, Democrats get
the promise of its platform, Conservative Republicans do not.

While this is the environment we conservatives find ourselves
in, our responses differ. Many change their registration to
"unaffiliated", deciding they no longer feel welcome.

I never considered doing this, I remain a Republican!

I know, even with the flaws, our two party system has served
our nation well. So why would I, or anyone, not want to be
part of our governing process.

And the only way to productively contribute is to remain in
the party of our choice.

I attend meetings, engage on issues, ask the tough questions,
promote views which otherwise might be entertained, support
candidates who do what they promise, and "remind" others when
elected politicians fail to keep their promises.

No, I don't make calls or knock on doors, the 20th century
solution to a 21st century challenge, strengthening the party.

We also hear a lot about the Washington establishment, the
governing power comprised of elected officials, federal
regulators and public and private interests.

We may shun the establishment, but they are with us and only
a cataclysmic occurrence will destroy it.
 
So, why not work with the establishment, engage with them, let
them know we are not going away, demand to be respected and
become allies to achieve party success!

We need to convince the Republican leadership and establishment
in whatever form it takes is guided by conservative principles
and when either veer off course, correct them.

This can only be done by remaining in the party.


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