B2R (Blue To Red)

Comment

Comment by Fletcher "Rocky" Johnson on February 15, 2009 at 1:14pm

All,

Although you will normally find me collecting information, analyzing the information, and then forming an opinion, I have to react to the latest article about Terry McAuliffe.

In Sunday’s Washington Post, 15 February 2009, Marc Fisher writes about how McAuliffe is “Brash and Loaded with Cash, McAuliffe skips past the experience issue.”

As I read the article, I became more and more infuriated that this used car salesman is a serious candidate to become our Governor. Please allow my outrage as I provide those of you who may not have read the article, some bits and pieces from it.

Here is a man who is a long time Clinton hired gun, stating in the article that if Hillary had won, he might already be the Secretary of Commerce. The arrogance of this statement reflects McAuliffe’s desire for titles and power, not what is good for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Hillary lost, and now the only position of power he sees available is the Governor of Virginia position.

The article states how McAuliffe has “ traded down…” from the national stage, and how McAuliffe describes himself in the statement, “I’m a pretty good salesman.” The article continues to state how, “Just a couple of months ago, what he (McAuliffe) knew about the state (it is a Commonwealth) consisted mainly of what he saw on his commute from McLean into the District.”

Another Terry McAuliffe quote that raised my blood pressure and are indicative of the man who wants to by our Governor, “If I don’t win, my life doesn’t change on iota.” When Washington Post reporter Marc Fisher attempts to continue his interview with the Democratic candidate, McAuliffe brushes him off with a “Money calls” and he is gone.

I am a strong supporter of Bob McDonnell and conservative values, as I assume most of you are, but we need to get out and make sure the people of Virginia understand what is going on and that an outsider is attempting to purchase the Governor’s mansion.

- Rocky Johnson -

Comment by Fletcher "Rocky" Johnson on January 27, 2009 at 2:49pm

I want to apologize to everyone in this group for not participating in the Monthly PWC RC meeting last night. I am still recovering from the flu and certainly did not want to infect anyone there by shaking hands and talking with all of you.

I am looking forward to helping in any way I can and joining a team that will bring back conservative principles back to the forefront of discussion.

Einstein defined insanity as: "doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results."

Politics as usual is not working for either side; it is a tired argument. We need to do something different. Blaming Democrats or even comparing Democrats with the GOP does not accomplish anything and I think people in general are tired of the childish, sophomoric arguments. Rather than continue to waste our time and money on blaming who is at fault, I suggest we divide up the issues into two groups, "Concrete" and "Belief" (I will explain below) and attack the issues not each other.

We all have beliefs. Beliefs are formed from within. Beliefs are core to our soul and will never be changed by legislation. Laws can be made to curb beliefs, but those who believe will just break the law. Challenging beliefs only stands to create strife. Nobody wins an argument among "beliefs"; they are simply polarizing and a waste of effort.

Taking a quick blurb from a statement made by Cletus “Clete” Shultz helps me define what I am trying to say, “Unfortunately, we sometimes become so passionate over individual secondary issues (and in defending our own "personal take" on those issues) that we "fight" over those and lose sight of the much broader issue, "will it be our party or their party"?” I certainly do not suggest that we make light of these “Belief” issues or indicate that they are less important, they are just issues that cannot be changed by discussion or legislation. By definition, they are beliefs, and therefore based an individual set of morals.

I suggest we start concentrating on what I call "Concrete" issues that can be argued on a level playing field and therefore changed; Economics, Immigration, Security, Education, Healthcare, Medicare, Taxes, Federal Budget, Energy, and Social Security to name a few. These are "concrete" issues that can be argued on a level playing field and therefore solvable, bipartisan. Like Tom Whitmore says, "reaching across the aisle" is a good thing, but not at the expense of the "Correct Thing".

In respect to what I call the "Belief" issues; Abortion, Affirmative Action, Animal Rights, Birth Control, Cloning, Death Penalty, Environmentalism, Global Warming, Gay Rights, and Religion it is difficult to get a broad consensus among our nation.

As conservatives, we should look for candidates that share similar "beliefs" and similar conservative plans for legislating the "Concrete" issues. This ought to be our agenda. Leadership with a positive plan to solve the "Concrete" issues; Leadership with similar beliefs that promote a more socially conservative agenda.

So let us form a Conservative plan to promote an agenda within the GOP that solves the “Concrete” issues. In my opinion, only when this agenda is formulated and focused on “Concrete” issues will we be able to reach out to our base, the middle and the conservative leaning left. We must stay on track and not get pulled into arguments based on beliefs. Focusing on issues that are “Belief” based will only serve to extend arguments that have no end and take up money and time.

I make no apology for such a long diatribe. Lets focus arguments for the “Concrete” issues and find future candidates who reflect this focus. We also need to find candidates who share conservative values on the “Belief” issues and will stand up and vote according to overall leadership and not personal benefit. This is how the GOP was formed and how it will again can lead.

Rocky Johnson
Gainesville District
Prince William County

Comment by Marta on January 8, 2009 at 11:38am

OK - peer pressure does work, and since it is not too late to contribute some more, I just did! I can skip that extra cup of Starbucks!! Every little bit does count, and the outcome of ALL these elections will have a great impact on us. I challenge everyone to skip that little extra expense and donate it to Joe Murray!

Comment by Jim Riley on January 7, 2009 at 12:55pm

Following posts on several conservative blogs throughout Virginia on Monday asking people to contribute to House of Delegates candidate Joe Murray via RedStorm PAC, the Murray campaign raised more than $2,000 online. To date, Murray has raised over $8,000 via RSPAC.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. But it isn’t too late. You can still help out. Joe is very near his goal and you can help push him over the top. Help Joe get his message out and turn this seat from Blue 2 Red!!!

Comment by O. P. Ditch on January 7, 2009 at 4:35am

Ok, Marta, thanks for the reminder. Done.

Comment by Marta on January 6, 2009 at 7:06pm

All: it looks like our donations are being put to very good use! I am happy to report I have seen several dozen "Pat Herrity for Chairman" signs on Telegraph road, route 1, etc. I would encourage everyone that has not contributed yet to do so. You can also request bumper stickers for your car; according to Pat's campaign, each sticker is equivalent to $250 worth of advertising. All you need to do is request one!!!

Comment by O. P. Ditch on January 2, 2009 at 2:42pm

And I put 50 in the pot for Murray earlier today when he joined RPVNetwork.

Comment by Marta on January 2, 2009 at 10:01am

Just contributed $50 to Pat Herrity!

Comment by Chris Winslow on December 8, 2008 at 1:23pm

Only after dedicating ourselves to running a Republican in every race did we take control of the state house in Virginia. We can't afford to let any D go unchallenged.

Comment by Tom Whitmore on December 8, 2008 at 11:55am

I would encourage all who have either time, money or both and want to help jump start the return of the Republican party in Virginia, to get involved in these races. Pat Herrity needs your help, right now! The election for Fairfax County Chairman is in Feb. 2009, just around the corner!