Readers Respond to McCain Question
ByHugh McInnish
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McInnish |
I have reproduced below the messages I have received, in unedited form. I think that you will agree with me that in some cases the form adds to the flavor of the communication.
With one exception, I have deleted the names of the writers, since I don’t have their explicit approval to disseminate their thoughts.
These responses are compelling, as they starkly reveal the divided mind of the Republican Party.
The responses cover the spectrum from “With a gun to my head, I will not vote for McInsane” (sic, spelling is correct), to “I intend to vote for John McCain and I will drag anybody I can get my hands on to the polls to vote for him.” Between these opposite poles most responders were thoughtful and apparently undecided (as I am).
What does this mean? Answers to this question will likely be as varied as the responses to the original question were.
Those who bothered to respond are obviously not average voters, but represent the upper end of Republican, politically-engaged, conservative citizens.
Does this suggest, then, that those less engaged will take even more offense at McCain’s liberal positions, since they are not as closely tied to party, and are not bound by the 11th Commandment?
Or does it mean the opposite? Does it mean that those who are less engaged are less offended by McCain’s transgressions than the average Republican (since they might not even know what they all are) and that the dissatisfaction with the man, therefore, doesn’t run as deep as these responses suggest?
Who knows? I don’t
Wow. Very well said..and thought out!
McInnish Watch it, my friend! If a liberal gets in this time there will be a revolution on the supreme court that will take many years, if ever, to correct. This could be a major disaster, and probably will be. McCain may not please you but, come on, we cant have these liberal idiots that are running in office.
Sir, I just read your newsletter entitled "Will Republicans Vote for McCain?" It was thoughtfully written, and I agree wholeheartedly with you about Senator Sessions' qualifications and that his choice as veep would help Republicans and conservative independents vote the Republican ticket in November.
However, I doubt that McCain has actually been down that road to Damascus or that he would choose Sessions as his running mate. Even if he did, I would find it almost impossible to vote for McCain because I just flat can't trust him. I am far more likely to write in the name of the only candidate of either of the two major parties who has a long unblemished record of supporting real Republican principles of a smaller less intrusive government, personal liberty for and personal responsibility by Americans, and returning to governing in accordance with the provisions of the US Constitution --- Congressman Ron Paul.
Former judge Mark Montiel here in Montgomery has been on "Don Markwell's Viewpoint" talk program (streamed live over the internet @ http://www.1170wacv.com/cms/) as a co-host every Friday lately and he keeps trying to tell everyone that they should vote for whoever the Republican nominee turns out to be. In other words, he seems to be saying that party comes before principles. I don't know if he receives your newsletter, but I wish you would contact him and ask him to read this latest one. His email address is mgmontielpc@aol.com.
Wow! You have given my feelings words.
Thanks so very much.
I will not be voting for McCain. With McCain being the apparent nominee, it is time to congratulate the Democrats on winning the white house. I don't think they will even need to run for it - just walk. The power brokers and king-makers within the GOP continue to alienate the real republicans and the real conservatives. They then take us for granted and ASSUME that we will be there for them when it comes time to vote. I, for one, am sick of it.
People ask me, "Well, isn't McCain better than Obama or Hillary?" NO!
Hugh thanks again for your take on americas great need of leadership on the consertative issues. Now first let me say there are thing about mccain that i dont like, and hopefully he will turn around. When i consider obama a muslim being elected to the white house it makes me shudder to think of all our intellegence, our defences being compromised. Then to think of him appointing muslims to the supreme court is frightning. When i look at hilary who wants more governmental control including health care, this is destructive. Now you and i have but one choice, not to vote is not one to be considered. We have but one alternative and that is to vote for mccain in order to keep barack and hilary out and we had better work and pray and try to persuade our kin and friends to vote for mccain to save the country for another election. blessings.
If the conservative republicans have messed around and not produced a good republican candidate, then they must live with what we have allowed to be OUR candidate. If a republican is going to vote for Hillary or Obama, then they should move to Canada, France, Russia or Iran!! Their public health systems are perfect for anyone who would HillaryObama. If the contract with America Republicans would have voted in term limits, perhaps Americans would trust Republican candidates and there would be Republican elected office HOLDERS. The V/P ? is most important, WHO? If the Republican movement dies, there will not be Phoniex, there will only be one good Socialist United Democratic Front. Republicans should unite behind "hand we deal ourselves".
The message below was written by Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks to a third party. It was apparently triggered by my newsletter to which the other writers are responding. I am reproducing Commissioner Brook’s comments with his permission.
I like your willingness to stand on principles. When people say they are going to vote for McCain (no matter how liberal) because they can't stand the idea of Obama or Clinton, I try to point out some history to them:
1. When was the last time Republicans captured the House or Senate with a Republican sitting president? I don't know but it was not in my lifetime. Elect McCain and you concede the House and Senate for another four years.
2. It took four years of Carter and a Democrat Congress to remind voters about what Democrats stand for (and that their "liberal" policies don't work, no matter how well-intentioned). The result? Ronald Reagan. A Republican U.S. Senate. The defeat of the USSR. A decade of economic prosperity. Renewed patriotism. Generally speaking: a lot of good times for America.
3. It took two years of Clinton and a Democrat Congress to again remind voters about what Democrats stand for (and that their "liberal" policies don't work, again however well-intentioned). The result? Newt Gingrich. A Republican House. A Republican U.S. Senate. A balanced budget. Another decade of economic prosperity. And, ultimately, in 2000, a Republican president.
The only problem with 2001-2006 is that our Republican U.S. President was an abject failure . . . because he wasn't a conservative on economic issues (no balanced budgets, no restrained spending, and a multi-trillion dollar debt that will be an anchor for America to carry for decades to come), or on law and order (supporting criminal conduct, to-wit: illegal aliens), or on many other issues. The result: We lost the Senate in 2006. We lost the House in 2006. And conservatives have lost the White House in 2008 regardless of which of the three remaining candidates gets elected.
While over the short term the election of Clinton or Obama is the worst thing that could happen to America (because their policies simply don't work), over the long haul it is the best thing that could happen to America (and the G.O.P.) because it educates the voting public on why Democrats are bad for America. We will ultimately prevail if conservative Republicans (who are the only public officials with policies that do work) will hang in there, retake our party, and fight for what is right.
Further, a McCain loss may help undermine the candidacy of the next Republican liberal who wants to run for the White House. Personally, I much prefer liberals run as Democrats rather than as Republicans. And I'd much prefer McCain disavow Republicans and switch to the Democrat Party (as he almost did when he considered running as a Demo V.P.).
When we elect RINOs, they dilute our party be convincing the voters that, as George Wallace once said, "there's not a dime worth of difference" between them. Further, inasmuch as "liberal" equates to "policy failure", we do much better if those inevitable failures result from liberal policies passed by Democrats, not by Republicans.
Similarly, the election of McCain is the worst thing that could happen to America and the G.O.P. over the long term (no chance to capture the House or Senate, no chance for law and order on illegal alien issue, no chance for balanced budget, and, in all likelihood, economic recession at best, economic disaster at worse).
I am such a fan of yours- but I must tell you the idea of a McCain vs whatever Democrat causes me no "pain" whatsoever.
You know yourself that the Lord is "not the author of confusion"- you know "who" is though.
If only we would just follow some simple concepts of "right and wrong"- it's not hard, and it is definitely not a "painful" choice.
Just vote your conscience or don't vote at all. There is no special "icing" we can put on John McCain- none whatsoever- no ultra conservative will "change" John McCain. You know in your heart what he stands for- he has never hidden his liberal agenda- never. So why, would any of us be confused as to what to do as conservatives?
We cannot, we must not abandon our conservative stance- if we do, then we do enter into that gray, murky place, called the "Middle of the Road", and remember...that's halfway to liberalism. Personally, I need my sleep at night, and if I were to cast a vote for someone who I am that uncomfortable with...well, that would require more sleeping pills than I can swallow.
No confusion here- I will NOT vote for him- no matter who the VP choice is- even if he chose someone that would be "pleasing" to us- he would only be using deception. No thanks- I've had quite enough of that thank you.
I stand firm in my admiration of you- and hope that you will find comfort in doing what is the easiest thing in the world- just say "no".
Thank you for all you do. You stand out!
Hugh, I will vote for McCain reluctantly. My reason is he promises to appoint conservative Justices to our U.S. Supreme Court. I know Obama and Clinton will appoint liberals. That is the only reason I have to hang my hat on. As for Sessions as VP, I do not want Jeff to go down with McCain if he loses. Jeff, unlike McCain, would lose his senate seat if they lost. (And the prospects look for an Obama win and my the good Lord have mercy on all of us if he does!)
You are a real treasure for this state -- I always enjoy and am edified by your columns- thank you ...keep up the great work.....I will offer a couple of thoughts in response...if he were to give that speech it would resolve everything...agreed....but if all he does is name a true conservative running mate -- I don't care--that VP will just be put on the shelf after serving his purpose of appeasing us in the General election...I have had to think about this because some have asked me what if Romney is veep....the answer is I really don't care.....I am not yet sure that I will not vote for McCain...but my dislike for McCain is deeper than it is for any of the demos ( I really mean that ) and when I think about it logically I really believe that a demo President would hasten true conservative governance ( via the almost certain backlash ) more the election of a non conservative Republican.....sounds like you and I are kind of close in the way we see this which makes me think I may be on the right track..... __ has already decided he won't vote for him and makes a very persuasive case.....see you soon
A think a more befitting speech from McCain would go as follows;
"I resign from the race and pledge all my support to Ron Paul. I ask all my supporters to do the same."
That would be good for him, maybe bad for Sessions because of the current Senate race. I actually hope that Texas and Ohio repudiate McCain next Tuesday and go for Huckabee. Can Huckabee win it, not likely, he's down 20 with 5 minutes to go. But, at some point, I'd just as soon lose to Carter in 76, to get 8 years of Reagan and another 12 of the Bushes. Sure, Reagan and Bush could've done better, but if Ford had won in 76, then had the economy tank, we'd had a bunch of liberal Democrat years and no new conservative movement in this country for a long time.
We do need to promote conservatism. I'm not sure who will emerge to lead it, but on everything from Right-To-Life, 2nd Amendment, Taxes, and solving immigration, at least Huckabee is dead on target with his message. He may well get 3-4 years to help campaign with people, gain more exposure and network, then come back like Reagan in 1980.
He's drawing big crowds in Texas, so some are still listening, even if the washed out, country club, blue haired establishment in DC doesn't care!
Hugh: To start, there's no way you're any more conservative than I am. But I intend to vote for John McCain and I will drag anybody I can get my hands on to the polls to vote for him. I know John McCain and there are things about him I don't like. I don't know Barak Obama nearly so well, but everything I know about him frightens me deeply. To start with, either Obama or Hellary would destroy the U.S. Armed Forces will to fight by blaming them for what they see as "the mess in Iraq" and would pull the troops out too quickly. Then when the Iraqi's get into a real civil war with millions of people killed and dislocated from their homes, they'll blame the U.S. military and George W. Bush for the fallout. In the meantime, bin Laden and his merry murderers will have a whole, huge country to vie for control of and from which to launch attacks and muck about with oil supply which, like it or not, the world has to have to sustain economic activity. Like you, I am a student of history. I recall a very eloquent speaker in Germany in the 1920s and 30s who was "spellbinding" and "mesmerizing" and all the other words the media attached to aspiring artist A. Hitler and now to U.S. Senator B. Obama. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not, per se, comparing Hitler to Obama. Yet, in the sense of their rise on rhetorical skills alone, they are quite a similar phenomenon. Hitler offered the German people "hope" and "change" and they got quite a large serving of both. Yet, if the Germans had studied Hitler's writings and the kinds of hateful things he had been saying, they could have plainly seen the disaster he posed for them. I believe Obama, at least potentially, poses the same kind of disaster for America. The U.S. Armed Services are all we have standing between us and an extremely hostile world bent on our destruction. How better to get us there than by electing somebody who's response to economic weakness will be to raise taxes and who would also respond to our military strength by cutting funding to the military. Conservatives are hard-headed and, on balance, that's a good trait. But they damn sure better think this one through or you are going to see the most inexperienced politician to ever seek the Presidency trying to rework the economic system and control the most powerful armed force in world history from the Oval Office. He is not qualified to do either. The Germans could not refuse Hitler. He sounded too good to be true and, as with most things, he was. I just hope the American people are not foolish enough to think that because somebody sounds good they are good. Nobody sounded better than Hitler did to the Germans and it cost the world 60 million corpses and unfathomable misery. To paraphrase an earlier saying: "Those who do not learn the lessons of history may live to see it repeated."
Excellent Idea Hugh! As usual you are right on!
I think we should look at 7 reasons to vote vote for Senator McCain in November:
1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
2. Anthony Kennedy
3. Antonin Scalia
4. David Souter
5. John Paul Stevens
6. Clarence Thomas
Yes some may believe Senator McCain will not pick the candidates for the Supreme Court that we would like but I'll tell you this...any that John McCain would pick would be better than any Obama or Clinton would pick. The fact is that two, three or maybe more of these Justices will leave the Supreme Court in the next four years(all of these Justices are over 70). At least we will have a voice with Senator McCain, something we will not have with Obama or Clinton.
As for #7...IRAQ.
Sure, Ann Coulter says vote for a dem and we can take it back in four years. That might be a fact but if we leave Iraq as Senator's Obama and Clinton want us to do we will be suffering for allot longer than those 4 years. We will be giving in to something generations beyond us will attempt to deal with when we in-fact under Senator McCain, a proven military leader, we can actually make progress and maybe finish the war.
Just a few things I thought you might want to consider. I do like the idea of Senator Sessions but doubt that would happen.
Hugh: RIGHT ON !!!!!!! Let's hope McCain and his handlers are listening.......
With a gun to my head, I will not vote for McInsane. It would be the equivalnet of pulling the trigger of suicide to my Republican Party.
Hugh, I cannot vote for McCain. I am hoping Obama can knock Hillary out and then I don't know what I will do, but I cannot see myself even starting to support McCain. He is a wild man-loose cannon. I love what you wrote below. I am not real happy with the GOP right now and know MANY who feel the same way. It is sad. Anyway, take care and thanks.
07 Mar 08