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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010

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8 hours, 59 minutes ago
Mystery Bush
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Sign shows up in Minnesota with no sign of buyer

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Feb 7, 10 4:45 PM CST
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Late Democrat slammed for corruption, stance on Iraq

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The real Populists were anti-Wall Street and for big government

Feb 8, 10 10:45 AM CST

|NEXT STORY »

KATHLEEN PARKER

GOP Purity Test Is a 'Suicide Pact'

Republicans are saying that 'thinking people need not apply'

By John Johnson| Posted Nov 28, 09 12:24 PM CST|

(Newser) – Just when things start going in Republicans' favor, along comes the idiotic idea of forcing candidates to take a purity test, complains Kathleen Parker. This is no test—it's a "suicide pact." The idea is to withhold party support from candidates who fail to sign on to 10 so-called principles. It's going to do nothing but scare away independents and moderates who were just beginning to sniff around the party again.

"The problem is that many conservatives have lost faith in the ability of Republican leaders to think," writes Parker in the Washington Post. "The resolutions aren't so much statements of principle as dogmatic responses to complex issues that may, occasionally, require more than a Sharpie check in a little square."

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

Republican National Chairman Michael Steele. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Whatever the intent of the authors, the message is clear: Thinking people need not apply. The formerly elite party of nuanced conservatism might do well to revisit its nonideological roots. - Kathleen Parker

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50 comments

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vendetta
Nov 28, 09 12:26 PM CST

" Just when things start going in Republicans' favor ". What are you talking about? Did you bother to research anything before you type an article? What is going well for the republicans, please enlighten me.Newser writers = morons. Reply

-7

IN RESPONSE:

kokuaguy
Nov 28, 09 12:31 PM CST

The newser writers are just summarizing Parker's piece -- did you read it, ven?

+17

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Nov 28, 09 7:36 PM CST

You're both right! The Newser staff is just paraphrasing Kathleen Parker, whoever she may be that her word is newsworthy, but it's also true that there's absolutely no proof that anything is going in the Republicans favor, nor should there be.

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou
Nov 28, 09 7:54 PM CST

Some people prefer to have two liberal parties.

-15

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou.
Nov 28, 09 11:21 PM CST

We know though that most Americans want the conservative. That is why we got a conservative in as the Republican Pres and VP nominee, and that is why we won! The American people have spoken. Go suck on int libs.

-8

IN RESPONSE:

ronimaca
Nov 29, 09 8:54 AM CST

The issue is the GOP members are pledging allegiance to the party not the United States of America. I don't care what any one says there is something wrong with that. They are putting the party before country, their elected office before the people they were elected to serve. Does any one wonder why they are losing membership. GOP sunk their own ship.

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Supercilious
Nov 29, 09 11:09 AM CST

Circular firing squad?

IN RESPONSE:

ende
Nov 29, 09 8:04 PM CST

The low quality of newser's writers is exceeded only by its commentors.

| 0 minutes ago

geneparmesan
Nov 28, 09 12:49 PM CST

'Dogmatic responses to critical issues' I thought that was the Republican norm. Reply

+11

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou.
Nov 28, 09 11:22 PM CST

You see Sarah's open mouth in the photo? I shouldn't say this, but you know what I'd like to do? I mean I am an American boy. And my boyfriend's mustaches hurt and make me itchy.

-9

| 0 minutes ago

gonzo1390
Nov 28, 09 1:03 PM CST

keep on going repubs, you're making it sooo easy for us!! Reply

+10

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou.
Nov 28, 09 11:23 PM CST

I shave my lips real close. You know why!

-8

| 0 minutes ago

Observer
Nov 28, 09 1:14 PM CST

I have 10 principles I would like to share. 1) Free Love 2) Defend Civil Liberties 3) Cut the Defense budget 70% in 2010 4) Dismantle all nuclear weapons 5) Improve education 6) Universal healthcare 7) Indict Bush Junta war crimanals 8) English Only 9) Repeal the Patriot Act 10) Question Authority Reply

IN RESPONSE:

kokuaguy
Nov 28, 09 1:54 PM CST

English only? I knew you were a liberal fascist.

-2

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Nov 28, 09 7:38 PM CST

Turn on, tune in and drop out!

| 0 minutes ago

Reader64481089
Nov 28, 09 1:19 PM CST

"The problem is that many conservatives have lost faith in the ability of Republican leaders to think,".... What ability? The ability to destroy the country as well as their own party? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

nick
Nov 28, 09 1:29 PM CST

With my apology to Pogo: The Republicans have seen the enemy, and it is them. Reply

+12

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Nov 28, 09 7:39 PM CST

"...it is they."

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou
Nov 28, 09 7:56 PM CST

It is socialism

-12

| 0 minutes ago

Derni
Nov 28, 09 1:48 PM CST

This is good..who woulda thought...now the republicans self-destruct before our eyes..this type of oath was used by churches...RC church was going to make cathloic univesirites do this and changed their mind...schools habve sometimes considered this with teachers..Ha Ha Ha-not Ho ,,Ho,,Ho,,now..which republican think tank camne up with this crass idea..??? Reply

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou.
Nov 28, 09 11:24 PM CST

You think that is alk they can fdo-becvuase you are a lib with a mential - deisease-,, why dont you go back to my moam's house and eat more of your hash brownies, you lib mental dfisease heliter skelter.

-12

| 0 minutes ago

SilenceDogood
Nov 28, 09 2:06 PM CST

Give it a break people, both parties have sought unity pledges over the years to help bring cohesion to a party, this is nothing new. The Republicans are fighting the good fight to hold the line. Their hope lies with the nation waking from its liberal slumber and seeking more conservative legislation and leadership. Time will tell, if the Republicans can find their core beliefs again, they may stem the tide. If not the Carter Redux aka Obama may prevail for the next term, all in all it should be interesting. I do not believe the economy, the fickle little bitch that she is, will be any help to Obama. Any attempts at throwing the blame of our economic woes at GWB are neutered automatically because everyone is asking the same question. “OK, if we blame deficit spending on GWB for getting us into this economic mess, then how do we praise Obama for deficit spending to get us out of this economic mess?” It does not add up, one cannot blame the Republicans for doing the same thing the Democrats are doing; it’s the pot calling the kettle black, both parties totally screwed up over the last 20 years by overspending. From a conservative point of view, I hope the Republican Party has learned its lessons and will emerge the Party of Conservatism, less spending and less government. Reply

-12

IN RESPONSE:

Shannonals
Nov 28, 09 4:14 PM CST

Uh, exactly what, liberal slumber" are you referring to SilenceDogood? Last I looked, Republicans held the highest office in the country for eight years.

IN RESPONSE:

freethemall
Nov 28, 09 4:56 PM CST

How does one blame GWB for deficit spending that got us into this mess, and still not blame Obama for adding to the deficit to get us out? It does seem like a paradox, doesn't it? The answer is that Bush, through unfunded wars and tax cuts disproportionately favoring the wealthy, continued deficit spending when the economy was booming, This would have been the time to balance the budget, as was done during the economic boom times during the Clinton administration. You don't try to balance the budget when the economy is in the tank. It would just make matters worse. You do what is necessary to revive the economy, and then you take steps to reduce or eliminate the deficit.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

RockyPneumonia
Nov 28, 09 5:46 PM CST

Except, Silence, that what wackos like you consider to be the Republicans' "core beliefs" are considered by SANE conservatives to be extremism. In 1968, Barry Goldwater was considered to be dangerously right-wing; if he were alive today, he wouldn't even get nominated; he'd be too "liberal" for you and your fellow foamers at the mouth.

+11

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Nov 28, 09 7:42 PM CST

I stopped reading your comment after your first sentence. Both parties have NOT sought unity pledges -- ever! It's a Goppy thing.

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou.
Nov 28, 09 11:25 PM CST

I'm tired of people repeating that sh*t. And don't listen to my imposters, I have a period after my name to show certainty and finality. rwad more here http://www.newser.com/story/74947/leno-ends-ratings-freefall.html?commentid=251449#comment_251449

-4

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou.
Nov 29, 09 1:06 AM CST

We need to conserve this company. That is what conservatism is all about . It's in the name. Liberals want to give America away to the illegals of the world. It is because of there mental disease. You know I'm right. Why don't you just admit it?

-4

IN RESPONSE:

SilenceDogood
Nov 29, 09 12:31 PM CST

Freethemall, GWB did not favor the rich, that is the ridiculous manure the left wing shovels out. The top 1% of the wage earners pays 90% of the taxes in America and 43% of Americans pay no income tax at all; this is a very lopsided, one-way taxation system that is simply broken. To shout the Democratic chant to “Tax the Rich” is meaningless. If anyone wishes to say America is not becoming a Socialist country and that we are not a welfare state should read the following CBS article. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/15/politics/otherpeoplesmoney/main4945874.shtml Freethemall I agree that is what GWB should have done, and I agree he broke the faith with the conservative value system, hopefully the Republicans have learned their lesson.

IN RESPONSE:

SilenceDogood
Nov 29, 09 12:43 PM CST

Cat-Lover, I think you got you panties in a twist. Clinton pledged party unity; http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2008-05-07-voa15-66648347.html?moddate=2008-05-07, then of course there was the Democratic Party Unity Pledge; http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x912407. Cat-Lover I think you need to clean your litter box.

IN RESPONSE:

SilenceDogood
Nov 29, 09 12:52 PM CST

Rocky you are correct. On the other hand JFK would be a Republican today, my God what a staunch conservative he was. Here, read excerpts from his inaugural address to learn what JFK was about; “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago…. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty…. Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction… We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.” JFK would be embarrassed with the current values held by the Democratic Party.

IN RESPONSE:

thejoint00
Nov 29, 09 5:54 PM CST

@ freethe mall- what do you mean "you don't try to balance the budget when the economy is in the tank"? I agree that the economy is in the tank due to an unbalanced budget, but I think that NOW is always the best time to start doing the right thing. and that means financial planning based on current assets, then replaning based on changes as they occur.

IN RESPONSE:

SilenceDogood
Nov 29, 09 8:22 PM CST

Thejoint00, I had lunch to day with friends, and I believe what you mentioned will be THE topic that consumes us for quite a while. America is bankrupt, we cannot afford the entitlement programs we have doled out money for, we cannot continue along this path, and soon, even the naive will understand they have been sold out by socialist.

| 0 minutes ago

inky
Nov 28, 09 2:19 PM CST

Go ahead, GOP, JUMP! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

biggeorge2k
Nov 28, 09 2:34 PM CST

Observer, with your principles we would have to add 11) Buy Vaseline 12) Bend over But I do like number 8. Reply

-7

IN RESPONSE:

RockyPneumonia
Nov 28, 09 6:20 PM CST

...But you don't like #2?

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Nov 28, 09 7:44 PM CST

How do you mean that? Number 2 in "Observers" post above or #2 as my grandkids know it.

IN RESPONSE:

DontLikeYou.
Nov 28, 09 11:29 PM CST

Libs can't handle it when you speak the truth. When is youre programmer coming, Lib? Time to get a mental tune up so you can keep destroying America? You have a mental disease. Choke it off at the source.

-6

IN RESPONSE:

Reader64481089
Nov 29, 09 7:05 AM CST

@DLY, your spelling sucks as badly as your wife, quit spamming and go burn a cross after you sign your pledge. Welcome to extinction... Evolve or die, you and the GOP choose the 2nd option so go dig your hole and jump in, dead, finished, and good ridance

IN RESPONSE:

ronimaca
Nov 29, 09 9:03 AM CST

don't you just love it when DLY points his finger at the libs and accuse us of his problems

| 0 minutes ago

WallyEFunk
Nov 28, 09 7:53 PM CST

Just lost some faith in some of the American PPL with most of these comments..This was one persons OPTION. and @ observer. half of what should happen , seems anti GOP political view? Reply

-2

| 0 minutes ago

Paulette
Nov 28, 09 8:22 PM CST

I have been a Republican since I turned 21 and was able to register to vote (a long time ago!) Before that I was a 'GoldwaterGirl' and carried Phyllis Schlaffly's "A Choice Not An Echo" dogeared and underlined (this was pre-Hghlighter days). As a child of the Cold War, I remember all the 'Duck and Cover' exercises. But now my party brings new meaning to "RED SCARE" and many are again saying "Better Dead than Red!" When will we remember that the GOP had the 1st party platform that endorsed equal rights for women--that it was early on a leader in Civil Rights? That yes, there was a Progressive Wing to help balance the Right Wing? That a Big Tent had room for everyone, including Log Cabin Republicans (Gay) and PRO-Choice Republicans. That the Rush's and the Hannity's do NOT speak for all Republicans. I only hope someday SOON, we will wake up from this Neo-Con nightmare! Reply

IN RESPONSE:

ronimaca
Nov 29, 09 9:07 AM CST

if you held office now, you just painted a target on your back

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Nov 29, 09 6:25 PM CST

I, too, was a Republican in those days, but that was then and this is now. The Republican party has been taken over by the anti-Christian ultra-right. It no longer cares about people only about incredible religious doctrines and their own selfish financial benefits.

| 0 minutes ago

rkossik
Nov 28, 09 9:03 PM CST

The GOP Purity Test itself is a joke. The first item is small government, then many of the subsequent items call for bigger or more intrusive government. LOL! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

riffran
Nov 29, 09 12:51 AM CST

they could always start by voting "present" Reply

IN RESPONSE:

thejoint00
Nov 29, 09 5:57 PM CST

just like obama.

-1

| 0 minutes ago

RockyPneumonia
Nov 29, 09 3:52 AM CST

{{"Libs can't handle it when you speak the truth"}} How would you know? You've certainly never put that theory to the test. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

RockyPneumonia
Nov 29, 09 4:17 AM CST

{{"whoever she may be"}} She's a very well respected moderate Republican columnist. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Cat-Lover
Nov 29, 09 6:28 PM CST

Never read what THEY think. It doesn't interest me and they don't have the votes.

| 0 minutes ago

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GOP Purity Test Is a 'Suicide Pact'

Republicans are saying that 'thinking people need not apply'

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

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GOP Purity Test Is a 'Suicide Pact'

Republicans are saying that 'thinking people need not apply'

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Obama Calls GOP's Bluff With Health Care Summit

President thinks Republican ideas will look worse in the spotlight

Obama Calls GOP's Bluff With Health Care Summit

President thinks Republican ideas will look worse in the spotlight

Obama Will Host Bipartisan Health Care Talks—on TV

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Patrick Kennedy Slams Scott Brown

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Obama Calls
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Patrick Kennedy
Slams Scott Brown