What’s Behind That Whole “RINO” Thing?

This post is for outside observers of the RINO-bashing phenomenon.  I’ve occasionally noted a commenter or poster ask during election time why we have so much trouble with them.  If you don’t already know, the general conservative rancor about them would probably strike you as irrational.

Even as an independent conservative, they annoy me.  The RINO gold standard and inspiration for this blog, John McCain, is the reason I’m now an independent conservative now instead of a Republican one.  But for those that think it’s about counting seats, and those others that keep making excuses as to why we need them, it just doesn’t seem the least bit sensible.

So, I’ll put you on track with a short summary.  How are RINOs the problem?  Let me count the ways…

1. They believe a fair amount of what the Democrats believe.  Furthermore, they don’t have much of a problem voting for it when a bill addressing those issues arises.  The end result is that with enough of them, a Democrat minority is a majority, and a Democrat majority is unstoppable.  Not good if you want conservatism to prevail so you can put the country back on track.
2. They are easily bought off.  Throw some money at their districts, and they’ll switch sides.  Mark Kirk is a big example of this one.  He had the gall to say he would not vote for cap and trade as a Senator after voting for it as a Congressman, the excuse being he was representing his district.  I hope you’ll pardon my skepticism.
3. They are easily swayed by the mainstream media.  Offer them some puff press and “approval”, and they’ll do anything for you.  McCain’s “maverick” behavior is the biggest example of this I know, and pretty much defines the reason for everything he’s done since his 2000 presidential primary hissy fit.  His latest loud pretentions to conservatism are just that, and not worth considering in this assessment of him.
4. Sometimes, they just think it’s fun to slap the conservatives across the face and show them who’s boss.  This goes back to the need for mainstream media approval too, but there’s also that fact they just don’t like it when we win.  So, you get things like the “gangs of fail” they form at the 11th hour without telling anyone until the press conferences they call.  Since this undermines something good we were trying to do, like beat Democrat judge filibusters or restore America’s energy production, this is not acceptable.
5. They’re easily duped.  Democrats can manipulate them with false appeals to “bipartisanship” and “reach across the aisle”, which they readily accept.  This gives the Democrats cover for their damage, but accomplishes nothing good for America.  Furthermore, the Democrats never return the favor, but continue to bleed the RINOs for what they’re worth because they can continue to fool them.
6. Unlike in the past, they are no longer willing to work with us.  From around 1994-1998, we could hammer out center-right legislation with them, but that came to an end under that jackass Bush.  Now, we’re tearing each other apart again because their first instinct in any disagreement is always “come to an agreement with the Democrats”.

So, if you’re a conservative and you want to return the country to the conservative principles which made it strong, prosperous, and free, the RINOs are an impediment, and for no good reason.  Not only that, but they undermine us in the most infuriating ways possible, thus causing much of the distress.  There’s no reason to replace Democrats with them, because the only difference is the path each takes to the same end result.  And the only concern in this is the bottom line, which is the legislation that is the end result.

It is about principle and country first for us.  Bean counting seats held by politicians wearing the “R” jersey is meaningless unless the “R” means something.  We’re not playing a sport, we’re trying to keep America from falling apart and put it back on track, and they’re in the way.

Filed under: Commentary and Opinion on December 12th, 2009 No Comments