New Year's Resolutions for the Republican Party

After maintaining power for over a decade, one would think that the Republican Party would have a handle on its place in the overall scheme of things. Apparently they still do not. The November election presented the party with a staggering defeat. It wasn't so much an endorsement of democrats as it was a general discontent with republicans. So what can the Republican Party do to get itself back in the good graces of its constituency? The answer is quite simple. Republicans must begin by reviewing where they have gone wrong and then determine how they will proceed in 2007 and beyond. With that in mind, here is my recommendation for Ten New Years' Resolutions for the Republican Party.

10. We will scoop the donkey poop until it is our turn to play the game again. Much as the Democratic
Party had to do when the republicans took over, it is time for the elephant party to take a back seat.
True, it's not a good place to be but it is a consequence of actions that led them out of the hearts of the
American people. Eating crow is unpleasant but each party has to do from time to time.

9. We will identify who and what the Republican Party is and stick to that definition instead of swaying the way of current opinion. Republicans made a huge mistake in swaying from their conservative views to a more moderate approach in an attempt to gain a broader base of the voting population. Instead, they lost a portion of the base they had originally pledged to serve. It is time to get back to the basics and determine where the party should be and stay there!

8. We will remember why this country was founded and that disagreement and discord is a part of a healthy democracy. Calling democrats unpatriotic because they didn't believe in the Iraq war proved to be another poor strategy. Surprise! A lot of their republican constituency had also stopped believing in the war as well. It's okay to disagree and argue. It is how we build a better America.

7. We will not attempt to hide shady actions or dealings behind the words "I didn't know anything about it!" Both democrats and republicans have had their share of scandals recently and both parties have done a poor job in dealing with them. However, the republicans pride themselves on their morals. If they want to hang their hat on that, then they have to take the hits when they are owed. The "I didn't know" method of response is tired and trite.

6. We will not throw rocks while inside glass houses. Calling democrats names when their actions weren't faultless was hypocritical and unworthy of the "grand old party."

5. We will learn how to play well with others. Actually, both parties could use a good dose of this New Years' resolution. Neither party knows how to share well.

4. We will not turn on our leader (even if he is wrong). A number of republicans chosen to distance themselves from President Bush during the election. A Florida republican chose not to attend an event where the President was speaking on his behalf. This tactic left a bad taste in the mouths of a lot of long term elephants. Whether he is right or wrong - - and no one is always right - - the President of the United States deserves a certain amount of respect. That doesn't mean you have to agree with him all, or for that matter, any of the time. However, slaps in the face like those shown this year are not in good taste.

3. We will recognize the value of our entire constituency including women, Hispanics, African Americans, and Muslims. I truly believe that a large number of republicans believe in this concept. However, for some reason, it doesn't come across or it isn't observed 100 percent of the time. Women tend to take a back seat in the Republican Party and African American and Hispanic republicans are never show cased as they deserve.

2. We will not "stay the course." Even the most dedicated republicans were sick of hearing these words. While many understood what the President meant, that true meaning was not coming across to the American people. Sometimes you just have to explain yourself better.

1. We will listen to the American people we serve and respond to their wants and needs. I, for one, am tired of the politicians I helped elect totally ignoring my point of view. Republicans and democrats alike tend to be so arrogant as to believe they have all the right answers. Guess what? They don't! It is time to stop treating the American people like children. We elected you and we have the power to make sure you are not re-elected - - like this year - - so listen to what we have to say.