[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Taking Responsibility

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Taking Responsibility
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1191380252.shtml


   In my previous post [1]I took stock of the future of Minnesota and its
   Republican Party. As critical as I often am of the GOP, Minnesotaâs
   future is bleak if the Republicans continue to lose ground.
   Republicans could (and do) point to âexternalitiesâ like Iraq,
   increasing voter fraud, and the almost always hostile media. We are
   the ones that truly have trouble getting our message out. Fortunately,
   the DFL has its own problems like Mike Hatch and Larry Pogemiller or
   the GOP would be in still worse shape.
   Ultimately, though, only Republicans can fix this waning party,
   starting by taking full responsibility for the situation such as it
   is. These numerous little tirade press releases regarding the
   opposition aren't going to do it.
   Of course the GOP should take on the DFL just as surely as the DFL
   should take on the GOP. It's a two party system. But the "Party of
   Pawlenty" is shooting too low, lest a stray barb catch a "moderate" in
   an awkward vote. Instead of throwing itself roses for holding off the
   Hole in the Head Gang in the 2007 session, ask why state spending
   growth continues unabated. It will subsume the entire state economy
   well before the end of the century at this rate.
   "Oh, nobody understands what you're saying, however true." Well maybe
   it will take a few election cycles, but take responsibility. "When
   will you be working for the State?" might be one message. "Whose lives
   will you get to control when you do?"
   Personality politics and nuance are not GOP core competencies; quite
   the opposite. To the extent Republicans try to play these games only
   enables the Democrats who can. Look how they finagled Light Rail into
   the new I-35 bridge design while the Pawlenty administration gets the
   black eye for the runaway spending.
   Ultimately, taking responsibility means that the needs of the many
   (Minnesotans) outweigh the needs of the few (the Legislature) ... or
   the one (the Governor). More on that in the final installment, Taking
   Charge.

References

   1. http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1190776216.shtml