A Public Autopsy

The Republican National Committee recently published its autopsy report for the Republican Party following the 2012 elections. Party leaders met and developed ideas for several outreach programs hoping to make the party more acceptable to certain segments of the community.

Over the last few weeks people have been asking my opinion of the Republican National Committee autopsy. Actually, it has always been my policy not to give autopsies on living things.

One major area of concern is Hispanic outreach. As I write this, a group of eight U.S. Senators are reaching an agreement to provide a path to citizenship for more than 20 million people who entered this country illegally. Basically, the Republican members of this group are walking away from a core belief of the Republican Party espousing equal protection under the law. In order to win elections, these Republicans would walk away from the people who have filed their papers, and waited in line to become citizens. I find this disgusting. A better way is to admit our immigration system is broken and fix it. The system should be changed to benefit the American people by making it possible for people to have an equal chance to immigrate.

The autopsy suggested Republicans should to reach out to gays. This would lead me to believe we are not a party of principle, but a party of compliant transitory beliefs which change when challenged. The argument is not about gay rights, especially here in California, where laws protect gay citizens from discrimination. This is really about gay marriage. The gay community is demanding Americans change how they define themselves to meet the gay community requirements. Republicans should continue demanding equal rights for all citizens. Republicans should support laws which protect gay partnerships in any manner that guarantees their equal protection. Marriage is between a man and a woman and is not open to redefinition. You can define a lion as a duck if you wish, but be careful feeding that particular duck. You don’t lead by pandering; you lead by taking action to fix problems.

Another outreach group identified was young voters. It makes sense young voters would initially favor the Democratic Party. It was Churchill who said young people are liberal because they lack experience and success. As these young people struggle for jobs and careers during a poor economy; the argument that Government is the answer can be enticing. When the Republican Party supports candidates for election, these candidates must show the comparison between Capitalism and the Soft Socialism of today’s Democratic Party. Until Republicans put real Conservatives on the ballot and strongly define an alternate path to high unemployment, high taxes and over-regulation, they will lose.

What should the Republicans do to win elections? First, stand on principle. Smaller government does mean more freedom. Lower taxes do mean more opportunity. A strong family life does lead to happiness, longer life and better health. Republicans must trade in the currency of reality.

Second, be proud to point out the successes possible in this country. Tell the stories of those who came to this country, legally, with a couple dollars in their pocket and became successful. Talk about people like Dr. Ben Carson, who became a world famous surgeon by outworking everyone else. Highlight Republican women—women who became successful against all odds. Talk about the role of functional education, hard work and careers where each day brings joy.

Finally, embrace the history of the Republican Party. Talk about the politics involved in freeing the slaves, talk about leadership in women's suffrage, brag about the Republican role in civil rights. The Republican Party is the Party of Possibility. Print materials showing the economic difference it makes when Republicans control the Congress and the White House. Compare the difference in the economic recoveries led by Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Ours is a proud history of economic and social growth.

I ran for Congress, against a member of my own party because I felt the Republicans were not representing the values associated with this party. The current establishment has the money and the power to maintain control for now. This same establishment also owns the poor performance of our party in the last two presidential elections.

The Republicans don’t need an outreach program; they need an injection of courage in their backbone. Republicans have a history of standing with the American People and we would do well to remind people ... our principles are timeless.