[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Clear Objectives for 2010

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Clear Objectives for 2010
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1231696980.shtml


   Via True North, Chief at [1]Freedom Dogs says that we Republicans need
   a [2]simple consistent message going forward. His three are "Cut
   Taxes, Cut Spending, and Education Choice." Quoting the Big Dog:

     I will cede that some may have a different 3 points they feel are
     better. Fine, let's hash them out, dress them up. Please put them
     in the comments. But once agreed, and it needs to be damn soon, all
     of these should be hammered every minute. None of them are losers
     with any constituency except for Ed. union employees and lefties
     who will never consider us anyway."

   As he says, we may each have a different three, as do I, which I
   dutifully left as comments.
     * Honest Elections
       Regardless of how the U. S. Senate race turns out, this issue
       should be in play for the 2010 cycle, starting with photo ID.
     * Responsible Spending
       The word "cut" is loaded and means different things to different
       people. Instead, I combine Chief's related calls to cut taxes and
       cut spending into this single point. It doesn't matter is
       something is cut or expanded. What matters is if a given spending
       program is responsible, addressing a truly public sector need, and
       crafted to effectively address that need in a reasonable
       efficient, fair way.
     * Educational Choice for All
       The time has come for a counter-offensive against Minnesota
       Miracle IV. Don't just let the deficit turn this aside, as it
       must. Show that the previous three attempts failed, simply led to
       flat test costs despite skyrocketing costs. What else is there to
       try but choice?.

   Notice my choice of words, designed to put the opposition on defense
   from the start.

     "So you oppose Honest Elections, letting the same day registration
     voter fraud continue? And you have no problem with tallying more
     ballots than voters in selected precincts?"
     "We could wish that transit was in private hands like it was 50
     years ago. But it isn't and we can accept some subsidy for the
     current Metro Transit operations. We'll meet you halfway and call
     that Responsible Spending. But given what we both now know about
     Light Rail, to expand it further, especially now, can only be
     labeled as irresponsible."
     "Some already have choice, the wealthy and connected, able to use
     private or charter school alternatives with little impact on their
     lifestyle. What we want is Educational Choice for All Minnesotans.
     You're for equal access in Health Care, but not Education? Tell me
     why."

   I'll admit we'll have a little trouble here and there within the fold.
   Some rural legislators may just not be able to oppose further Ethanol
   subsidies and mandates. Some urban legislators may feel they cannot
   now withdraw support for Light Rail. Some governors may still need
   some education on "green" economics.
   But the broad agreement on a few core issues should be possible.
   That's the essence of a viable political party.

References

   1. http://freedomdogs.com/
   2. http://www.freedomdogs.com/news-archive-mainmenu-2/121-republican-party-business-a-conventions/3460-notes-that-may-be-obvious-on-the-mngop.html