RSmitty of Delaware Politics has just announced he’s leaving the GOP and becoming an Independent. I am not here to gloat. This was obviously a difficult decision, and not one that should be taken lightly – by either side. I refuse to cheapen Smitty’s decision with offers of congratulations. Today is a day of mourning, because I believe this country is at its best with a viable opposition party. The other side not only lost another voice, it lost one of its finest ambassadors.
Below the fold I have posted Smitty’s words in their entirety. I am also including a link to Dave’s calling out of Rush. Given the political climate on the right, both deserve to be taken seriously… and without apology.
Not The GOP Anymore
Mar 3rd, 2009 by RSmitty
First…thanks to Dave for bringing us back to the delawarepolitics.net domain. I am no longer blocked! That said, this may be short-lived…maybe. Depends how this post is taken.
I twitted (sounds so wrong) via text this morning:
Has my GOP lost its identity and become Buckley’s (once) defunct Conservative Party? Rush thinks it’s so. Limbaugh, you do NOT speak for me!
What in the hell happened to the Republican Party? What in the hell happened to the more moderate of us that brought the balance and tempered the extremism that makes us the isolationists that we are becoming?
I am sorry, but I can’t argue against DelawareLiberal’s sentiment that our very own crowned-moderate has been acting somewhat of a sheep of Boehner. Moderates are either scared or have been assimilated into the Borg machine.
Congratulations, CPAC, you have finally done it in 2009. You have officially killed the Republican Party. Out of it’s ashes, the resurrection of the Conservative Party has risen. You have no right to the title of the party of Lincoln nor the party of (Theodore) Roosevelt. You are, 100% true, the party of Buckley and the party of Limbaugh. Lincoln and T Rooselvelt would puke at the sight of your faces.
Since the REAL Republican Party exists no more, that means my registration is now invalid. Given the soonest chance, I will become an Independent. I can NOT, EVER share the same party registration as Rush Limbaugh nor ANY other person who feels the need to apologize to him for engaging in political discourse. You apologized for participating in one of the most cherished rights of being an American! You apologized to an ultra-Conservative RADIO personality. You are weak, have no conviction, and do not deserve my sweat.
The only person of the Republican Party that I will openly support at this date with my free labor and sweat (note that it can change for those brave souls who have proper ideals, but remain with the party – this also does not apply to those I have no direct work with, such as Rep Lavelle who is a strong and good character) is Representative Richard Cathcart. A great man who does put people over party and does great constituent work and is never afraid to stand up against a daunting challenge.
RIP – Republican Party, March 2009. Cause of death: CPAC Attack.