Republicanism is broken

As evidenced by the last two elections, Republicanism is broken. It should come as no surprise that the conservative elements of the American public did not rally around the elephant these last two election cycles. They have nothing to offer independents and moderates other than, "We're not as crazy as the Democrats," and they have completely let down their base by setting back the conservative agenda of smaller government by several decades. Many conservatives, including myself, have been asking the question, "Are they really interested in the kind of radical reform this country needs?" I don't think so. The problem with the Republican Party from the perspective of the base is that they aren't willing to do anything more than tinker with the system, whereas the base is looking for a complete overhaul. Considering the increase in the total dollars spent by the government, the increase in the percentage of GDP that government spending represents, and the increases in legislation that are passed every year, tinkering is not a solution to the rampant increase in the government's drain on society (in terms of economics, culture, and freedom).

Obviously, those in favor of an increase in the role of the government in our daily lives will find nothing attractive about the GOP, other than the fact that they don't really live up to their stated values. Of course, when the GOP does pass measures that would generally be considered "liberal", the Democratic base takes no notice because, like most people, they are prone to ignore the faults of their own and the strengths of their opponents.

The GOP is like luke warm water these days, and it is a forgone conclusion that the American voter will spit them out. So, what can they do?

Next post I'll talk about why the GOP should return to some of its Goldwater roots. I'll also explain why I think this will win some independents, some Democrats, and how this will resonate, in some respects, with many evangelicals. I will also explain how the GOP can spin this to the evangelical base in order to retain it, and why the evangelical base should embrace the move as more in keeping with their commissions as followers of Christ.