Cause and Effect World

Confessions of a Repentant Republican

Why are Republican conservatives calling for an end to One Party GOP Rule?  Why are many now discussing the virtues of divided government? On what basis do they believe One Party Rule has dishonored conservative values?

William Frey, M.D., founder of Republicans for Humility and self-described Repentant Republican, answers these questions, saying that the Republican party has betrayed the conservative ideals of individual freedom, fiscal responsibility, constitutional constraints on unchecked executive power, and prudent and principled foreign policy.

He believes that today’s GOP now poses a fundamental threat to America:

“Principled conservatives recognize that authoritarian, big government ‘conservatism’, even when irreverently wrapped in our flag and mimicking the language of faith, is alien to America and subversive to our values. For generations, America has stood as a beacon of liberty, and our constitution a monument to the Rule of Law.

But we now witness a governing Republican Party which has adopted a theory of presidential power - the ‘unitary executive’ theory - that nullifies Congressional, judicial and constitutional checks on presidential power.  Almost beyond belief, Republicans historically committed to due process and to constitutional restraints on federal and presidential power,

• refuse to confront an administration which has claimed the right to hold an American citizen, apprehended domestically
• malign defenders of habeas corpus as terrorist sympathizers
• reject the historical American commitment to promote the acceptance by all nations of basic standards of humane treatment of detainees
• oppose the unequivocal renunciation of torture rendition, and secret prisons”

Frey goes on:

“But the principles that are most dear to principled conservatives -  individual liberty protected by the rule of law - transcend partisanship. While principled liberals and conservatives have substantial differences regarding the interpretation and implementation of these principles, the tragic reality is that a power-drunk big government GOP establishment now threatens the very constitutional restraints that protect our liberties, our democracy, and our free and open society.”

Frey closes by saying,

“Unlike today’s win-at-all-costs GOP, many true conservatives believe that only a Democratic congressional victory will restore the balanced, divided, and representative government through which America has long maintained our values.”

It is heartening to see these ‘principled conservatives’ demonstrating loyalty to our country that transcends normal party politics, recognizing that America is strong enough to hold on to our principles even while we are defending ourselves.