The GOP needs REAL change…

In the wake of sweeping national losses last week, the GOP finds itself in the unenviable position of having to “take stock” of who it is. There have been many proposals; but one thing seems to be sure—they do not want to abandon their social platform.  One talking head suggested that it’s not the platform itself that is a problem, but the in way in which it is presented. Really?  How do you find a “nice” way to promote taking away reproductive freedoms from women? Another person said that the GOP should simply not talk about their core beliefs, but instead focus on what is popular with the general public. But do they really think that gay families will “forget” to ask what their position is on gay marriage or gay couples adopting children?

If the GOP wishes to succeed in the future, they will have to do more than simply pay attention to women and minorities.  It’s not enough to put a token minority candidate on their ticket—especially if that candidate holds the same revolting views that their white counterparts hold. No, the GOP must undergo a real change—one that lives up to the smaller government they so readily champion.  A smaller government would let adults decide whom they want to marry, allow women to control their reproductive lives, and so on. The GOP must stop its campaign to make all Americans follow Judeo-Christian principles.  The America of today is not Judeo-Christian; yes, many folks are Christian, but many more are non-affiliated, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, or simply “spiritual”.  If the GOP wishes to capture these folks, they must understand that. The GOP must also let go of its cult-like Christian patriotism.  Just because one is not a Christian, is gay, or believes in protecting the planet does make them unpatriotic.

If they want to be relevant, they will have to abandon the core social beliefs that so many other Americans have already moved on from.  They can no longer deny climate change.  They must stop trying to turn the clock back on women’s rights and reproductive freedoms.  They cannot insist that only heterosexuals get to experience the union of marriage. They will have to stop blaming the poor for the disadvantaged circumstances they find themselves in.  They will have to really care about people—not just say it. And perhaps more than anything, they will have to understand that for many Americans, government is not the problem.  Corporations that have unlimited power to exploit their workers and the planet are the problem.  Education budgets that have been cut are the problem. Bad neighborhoods that lack enough police and community programs are the problem.  Laws that continue to diminish our freedoms are the problem (think Constitutional amendments banning gay marriage).  The GOP has much to consider, and their social agenda is a great place to begin.