Who Are You

Had dinner earier this week with some local Young Republican toughs and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Lots of topics were on the table, but the big one was what's eating the GOP?

The Delegate's answer was interesting: It's the case of a party that wants to be loved for something it isn't, and afraid of being loved for who they are.

Which brings the obvious question, posed so long ago by Pete Townshend:

Who Are You?

I really want to know.

Are Republicans the folks who believe in their creed -- the one they print on their membership cards --  or in the parentheses?

That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice (except when it comes to smart growth...we kinda like that)

That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society (but school choice still gives us the willies)

That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government (except when there's a surplus, then it's Katie bar the door!)

That the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing constitutional limitations (but REAL ID isn't all that bad, is it?)

That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense (and maybe a sales tax holiday, because without duct tape, the terrorists win!)

That faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers, is essential to the moral fibre of the Nation (except for that hippie Jefferson with his Deism and science and weird ideas about freedom of conscience).

Which is it? I dunno...but they had better decide soon.