Posted by
TOTA on Thursday, July 17, 2008 1:18:17 AM
At the moment, the GOP has a virtual monopoly on the energy issue. That won't last long; reports of Democrat lawmakers returning from weekends with constituents don't bode well for the GOP. Some Democrats are getting the message. The GOP must act now if they are going to see this issue save their hides in November. Talk of likely democrat pick-ups in both houses is grossly premature, the uber-issue has yet to be addressed to the satisfaction of voters, much less resolved. This is the GOP's big chance, if they have their wits about them they will seize it.
Specifically, an election contract should be drawn up, in short order. Everyone knows what we need to do, so let's codify it, and put it in front of the voters in a way that can't be ignored. Spend most of the GOP money in the bank advertising it, promote it on TV, radio, and the web. Have legislators and candidates, including McCain, sign it, so that voters know that the legislators who sign this contract are committed to actually doing something about energy prices, while those who have not are committed to dreaming. Properly framed and promoted, this could be the major question in the voting booth this fall: "Which one of these candidates supports the Free America Energy Plan?"
It seems only fair to allow Democrat politicians on board, but let's get on with it already, GOP, the longer you wait, the more of them will be standing in line to clamor about how they've been for drilling all along. Their idiots at the top are all off in lala land, so let's get on with this now while a crystal clear distinction can still be made. If not, we can count on this still being a significant issue in November outside of the looniest districts, but then, the general Democrat line will be, "I had some environmental concerns, but after visiting blah blah blah, I'm convinced that we can do this in an environmentally friendly way. Of course the only way to make sure the drilling we all want happens in a 'smart' and 'responsible' way is to elect more Democrats."
GOP, if you can't recognize a gift horse when it is served up on a silver platter, you are a precursor to something; your will is no longer sufficient to carry you for long in this brave new world. If roles were reversed, and the Democrats could make hay by advocating something the vast majority of Americans actually wants, we'd be wallowing in hay. GOP: Whatever else you are doing can WAIT. This is the most important thing on the itinerarty; it is the itinerary for all intents and purposes.
Is it possible that this simple idea has not occurred to the powers that be in the GOP? Not likely. So what explains the lack of action on it? Don't bother explaining, GOP, just act. Don't tell us about legislation being drawn up in the house and senate, do this first, then propose the legislation. Can't get everyone together in a big room for long enough to hammer this out? Then put your top guys on it and have them ride herd on the rest of the GOP, and make sure every GOP challenger signs on. It's go time; the light is green.
TOTA