And what we get.
Once in a while - the two match up quite closely. The rest of the time? If we achieve some of our goals, we should be happy.
How about in our votes? Recently, I put up a few different posts about where I thought the future lies - or does not - for the Republican party. My friend, Professor Keith Burgess-Jackson, linked to one of my posts, with this expression of his own:
I'm a conservative, but not a Republican. I won't vote for anyone, Republican or Democrat, who supports abortion rights, homosexual "marriage," or amnesty for illegal aliens.
Although Keith knows that I do not share his views on these topics, I certainly believe that he is entitled to hold them - and argue as best he can in their favor. For those who share Keith's views, though - how should they vote?
For now, many have been voting for Republicans, as the party overall takes a stance that mirrors Keith's beliefs. But - let's say that John Hinderaker and I am correct, and that to have a broader appeal (and gain more votes), the Republican party should take the position that their party is for freedom in all parts of our lives. Ergo - essentially, the Republican party leaves issues of abortion and gay rights to individual choice.
For whom should social conservatives vote - if at all? Surely they won't vote for Democrats; they advocate in favor of liberal social laws. Yet, if they do not vote for Republicans, should they accept a more "agnostic" position - then what is more likely to happen? Yes, the more votes that go to Democrats rather than Republicans, the more likely we are to have liberal social positions enshrined in our laws, rather than leaving these issues up to personal choice.
I must admit, I do not understand this for social conservatives. I would think that they would prefer to have politicians that are "agnostic" than against their positions.
Perhaps friends of mine like Keith think that I am simply wrong about future elections. That is, they do believe that Republicans can win elections holding staunch conservative social views.
As the saying goes.... time will tell.
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