David Frum - Wake up GOP: Smashing system doesn't fix it

[ubiquitous_a]

(CNN) -- I'm a Republican. Always have been. I believe in free markets, low taxes, reasonable regulation and limited government. But as I look back at the weeks of rancor leading up to Sunday night's last-minute budget deal, I see some things I don't believe in:

Forcing the United States to the verge of default.

Shrugging off the needs and concerns

Comments

[intrikate88]

THANK YOU SIR. These are the sort of Republicans I wish we could discuss things with. NOT a bunch of frothing loudmouths who are controlling the conversation. Please to be spreading your brand of reasoning to your fellow party members.

[hammersxstrings]

i was going to say...i actually have always thought of myself as more moderate/right leaning, but it the past year, the repubs have gone so far right, its scary. i pretty much agree with all of this and if more people in the repub party were like this guy, the country would be much better for it

[thecityofdis]

Co-signed.

[bathstone]

Another co-signed. This article was a breath of fresh air, and I wish more Republicans thought this way. I hate that the extreme right members of the party get the most media coverage (thanks Fox News) and votes.

[blackflamerose]

Normally, I cannot stand this columnist. This time? Sir,I applaud you for speaking the truth, but though you mean well, those that sincerely need to hear this message are not going to heed it.

[papilio_luna]

MTE. Usually I'm like "GTFO David Frum" but this time? The man is talking sense. There's always been people in the Republican party who actually think intellectually about stuff and understand how economics works, but those people get pushed out as "pointy-headed elitists" by the many anti-intellectual religious whack-jobs in the party.

[amyura]

Sad but true.

[silmaril]

those that sincerely need to hear this message are not going to heed it.

That is what has been depressing me about political discourse for so many years now. It's a hydra-like problem. Also an octopus-like problem. Sigh.

[brewsternorth]

6) Passion does not substitute for judgment.

So much this. It's a great campaigning tool, but a shoddy way to make policy. Unfortunately it looks rather as though the campaign mindset has taken over from the policy mindset, and the country is suffering as a consequence.

OP, I think Frum is referring to healthcare administrative bloat, but I see he takes care not to mention the terrible s-p word, even though it's probably the best sword with which to cut that Gordian knot.

[militsa]

[c_yo_yus]

Why are they listening to the 1/3 and 1/4 of the party? They may be the loudest, but does it make any damn sense from a "I'd like to get re-elected by pandering to the smallest group of people" perspective.

[ubiquitous_a]

I think the short answer is that this small sub-section of people is getting the lion's share of coverage and media buzz by Fox News. It's basically like they have their own media buy for free.

[moropus]

Yes.

[chasingkerouac]

Unfortunately, those 1/3 and 1/4 of the party are the members who come out and vote in primaries. So it's not even getting re-elected in the general election, it's 'I feel like I have to pander to them to even get the nomination'.