Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2006 > November > 20
Monday, November 20, 2006
It’s morning in Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After two weeks in the interior of Brazil, it’s great to be back home — though I must say this will be the last time I go away and leave getalife, Political Fore and other blog contributors of their persuasion in charge of elections. I left town prepared to concede the House, though even there my reading was much too optimistic. Such is the fate of the cheerful, morning-in-America conservative.
The election results nationally did send a ringing message to Republicans in Georgia to get their governing act together. Politically, the GOP has never been stronger, nor the Democrats weaker here. So clear is the field of ready Democratic contenders statewide that DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones, who is forced out of office by term limits in 2008, has hinted that he may run for the U.S. Senate. When Jimmy Carter announced for President three decades ago, the morning newspaper ran an editorial — which the writers later had to eat — with the headline, as I recall it, “He’s running for WHAT!” Thinking Right, having lived through that era and having seen the impropable realized, won’t repeat the mistake. But I will observe that Georgians don’t knowingly elect liberals and, except for disappearing pockets, DeKalb Countians don’t knowingly elect conservatives.
The purpose here really, though, is to say that Republicans under the Gold Dome should use their advantage to explain, promote and enact conservative principles. Stand for something or go home. Contain the growth of government. Cut taxes and don’t play hide-the-tax-increase games. Turn as much of government as possible over to the private sector, but write strong and clear laws governing performace; build walls that guarantee accountability between government and the private sector; and make it all open from the first day so that we’re not simply governmentizing the private sector and putting the potential abuses beyond elections. Cost-benefit analysis of programs, spending and proposed regulations, always. Bring competition to education, too. Be bold. Try new things. But explain, keeping in mind that Georgians are suspicious of government and want clear and forthright explanations of what elected officials are doing and why.
Time is of the essence. Conservatives don’t have 40 years to change government. The GOP nationally had a dozen years. In the state, the GOP can do essentially nothing and survive a decade. If they want more time, they’ll have to do something constructive that actually makes a difference.
On a personal note, it’s good to be back home. Thanks to all who offered contributions of substance and relevance in my absence. My fear was that the trolls would sink the ship, but the regulars here did a superb job, as usual, of declining to engage them. You have my appreciation.
