Lichtman: We are witnessing the end of the conservative era

[sampsonblk]

"There is a deep significance to these primary results; they signal the end of the conservative era that began with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. Conservatives have been so vitriolic in their assault on John McCain because they don’t have a viable candidate in the race and because they don’t believe that McCain will keep the conservative flame alive within the GOP. However, as we learned from the liberal collapse in the late 1970s, political movements usually succumb to contradictions within their own traditions. That is precisely what has happened to conservativism in the era of George W. Bush and the impending McCain nomination is but a symptom of a more serious malady. For example, conservatives have backed limited government, fiscal responsibility and states rights. Yet George W. Bush has arguably built the biggest, most expensive, and most intrusive federal government in the history of the United States. Similarly conservatives have vehemently opposed social engineering by government. Yet they have taken on history’s most ambitious and costly social engineering project: to pacify, rebuild, and democratize Iraq, a land with alien culture and traditions, no history of democratic practice, and deep sectarian divisions. In addition, conservatives are caught between their business allies who will expect billions in payback for the millions they invest in campaigns and the party’s religiously conservative base voters."


More:
http://news.google.com/news?btcid=f4b9273014990933


My view: We desperately need a candidate who understands and embraces this reality. As I look at this message board, the posts are laced with antiquated thinking. For decades, there has been a loud RW fringe wielding undue influence in America. Rather than fight back, many have advocated appeasement as a way to win power. Please, if you are one of those, let that go.

Now is the time to boldly fight for what's right. There is no need to appease these devils any longer. They are in total disarray, and they are having to confront the unfortunate reality that their political philosophy was utter nonsense, and that their own party "leaders" don't even believe in it. Rather than reach out to them, its time to go for the throat. Unless you want your children to have to fight this same battle years from now.

[OHdem10]

1. This is why we see Conservative Activists, Limbaugh Bec k ,

Radio Hate Talkers, Conservative Think Tankers making such strong
and vocifeous rants against MCCain. This is what happens when
people feel threatened. DemandinG Purity to the extreme.

Conservatism being attacked has driven them Manic. Actrivists
have the passion.

[sampsonblk]

2. Darn right

This should be fun to watch. Especially now that Romney's dropping out and its down to McCain and Huckabee.

[Unsane]

3. We're seeing a 1980-style realignment--except this time in our favor

GOBAMA