I just finished reading the twenty-one page "A Pledge to America". I have to say, the Republicans have out done themselves this time. They've found a way to use 7,853 words, 215 paragraphs, and 21 pages to say nothing of substance. It's a long-winded way to say absolutely nothing. I will give credit where credit is due. They are masters at being obtuse and blending fear with patriotism. It is NOT a different approach. It's not a new way forward. It's SSDD (same shit different day). Yes, I said it! This document, like all it's predecessors, is flagrant and irresponsible in it's claims and scope.
I will give you some quotes that seemed to stand out to me...
"The American people are speaking out, demanding that we realign our country’s compass with its founding principles and apply those principles to solve our common problems for the common good."
They speak of founding principles. What they aren't admitting is that times change. These Christian principles that Republicans are so fond of don't all make sense for the society we live in today. As with the Bible, there are vast differences between Old and New Testaments and even Christians will tell you that we don't live by Old Testament law these days. So, using "founding principles" would require us to restrict women from voting and enslave all minorities(including the President). Republicans invoke this term as a way to inspire their base, but you can't pick and chose which "founding principles" you want to use. Society changes. Times change. Understanding evolves. We know things now that our forefathers did not. We shouldn't do things a certain way just because it's the way it's always been done. That's not progress.
"Our plan offers a clear and clearly different approach, one in which the people have the most say and the best ideas trump the most entrenched interests." (No, in fact, the majority of this "pledge" is to simply revert to how things were before Obama.) (i.e.)...
"...we will roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels..."
"We offer a plan to repeal and replace the government takeover of health care..."
"Congress should move immediately to cancel unspent “stimulus” funds, and block any attempts to extend the timeline for spending “stimulus” funds." (which, by the way, will throw state and local budgets into instant havoc and chaos, resulting it program cut-backs, and lay-offs...which is the exact opposite of job creation)
The other thing I can't stand about this document is that once again, Republicans are trying to capitalize on fear and confusion to win elections. Just take a look at this ridiculous and illegible chart.
Even blown up to 139%, I am unable to read or make any sense of this chart. It has no value except providing the Republicans with a way to confuse the readers of this document and add to the fear of the unknown.
The document made statements about protecting our country and our troops, saying...
"When asked to provide our troops with the resources they need, we will do so without delay."
Would these "resources" also include the nearly 13,000 troops discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy? Not according to most Republicans. In 2000 and 2001, when our nation needed troops during and after September 11th, more than 2,500 gay and lesbian troops were discharged. Fast forward to Republicans blocking key votes to repeal the policy.
Additionally, they drone on about reducing red tape while indicating that they want to add more voting processes to an already bloated system of voting on legislation. (i.e.)...
"If a regulation is so “significant” and costly that it may harm job creation, Congress should vote on it first." - Red Tape
"Hold Weekly Votes on Spending Cuts" - More Red Tape
This "pledge" is PR BS. There are no concrete solutions for anything and the vast majority of its text is telling us what's wrong with Democrats. Please don't mistake this as a true way forward. This is just a different way of saying the same thing the Republicans have said since losing the Presidency. They continue to say... You should be afraid of change. You should be afraid of terrorism. You should be afraid of the economy. You should be afraid to admit that any major advances in this country take time. You should be afraid to understand that NOTHING happens over night. Do you see any trends here? Shame on the Republican Party for wasting the people's time with vague rhetoric that amounts to trickery, smoke, and mirrors. There is nothing different here. I can sum up this entire document it a few short words...
We are Republicans. We want control back. We are bitter about losing. We want you to be afraid. We don't like change. We don't think the American people are smart enough to see through BS. We want to create jobs for lawmakers. We want you to vote against yourself...your families...your friends...and your interests.
The Bottom Line: All the documents and press conferences and rallies and town hall meetings and Fox News appearances in the world will NEVER change the fact that it's time to put up or shut up!
