Some have commented on the fact that the Republican Pledge to America did little more than tip the hat to what are called the “social issues.” I am less inclined than others to complain about that in itself — you can’t talk about everything all the time. But the omission nevertheless illustrates the true nature of our economic woes.
The problem was not that the Republicans addressed “the economy” instead of “moral issues.” The problem is that the Republicans do not yet see that our economic problems are a moral issue. We have the economic problems we do because of the corruption of our leadership, the Republicans included. The Democrats are in the swamp over their heads, while the Republicans are just in it up to their chins, making them, in their own minds, exemplars.
For example, this Pledge purported to tell us that the Republicans “get it,” and that they have heard the American people “loud and clear.” And yet, in this Pledge that promises to do something different, they do not promise to get rid of earmarks. So then, the thoughtful public muses, “Why the heck not?” The answer is that, in the words of Andrew McCarthy at NR, the Republicans are still “Big Government Lite.” No, they don’t get it.
To use a popular political word, the Tea Party people need to get ready to “pivot.” In November, the Democratic Party looks like it is going to get hosed. But as soon as the celebrations have died down, the Tea Party needs to pivot, and immediately demand the eradication of the Republican love of corruption. Freshly-minted congressmen as a result of this wave election need to face their own version of townhall buzzsaw meetings.
Don’t repeal Obamacare and replace it with something less noxious. Just repeal it. Don’t reroute the pork to your districts. Just stop it with the pork already. Don’t use earmarks to feather your nests. Outlaw earmarks. Don’t keep on trying to make big government work. Make big government go away. And while you’re at it, we want our light bulbs back.
This is not a focus on the economy over against moral issues. It is just one moral issue among many. As long as it is repentance, I don’t care where the repentance starts. If it really starts, it will keep going.