Against The Grain

Friday, August 27, 2004

Mark Shea has referred to the Republican Party as "the Stupid Party" (as compared to the Democrats, who constitute "The Evil Party"), and I have to agree, certain members of the GOP are capable of saying or doing some pretty ridiculous things. Case in point: Earl E. Appleby targets Vice President Cheney's complete abandonment of moral principle in a move that undercut the position of President Bush.

I would cite as another example President Bush's refusal to stand up for the right of the Swift Boat Veterans to voice their discontent with John Kerry -- their right to do so eloquently made by Michael Novak in a recent editorial for the National Review.

Likewise, much as I appreciate Alan Keyes for his ability to foster substantial intellectual discussion in politics and bring traditional Catholic morality to the table -- as noted by my brother, Jamie -- his recent support of reparations for slavery (a 180^o turnaround) strikes me as disingenuous pandering.

Coupled with the GOP's efforts to remake their image and "broaden the tent" by granting prime-time addresses to pro-choice RINO's Sen. John McCain, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger during the convention has prompted me to wonder whether the Democratic Underground isn't spiking the water cooler at RNC headquarters.