When I first began my quest in politics we referred to the opposing view as the loyal opposition. According to most experts the loyal opposition refers to the opposing party, usually the one not in power, in a two or more party system. This term originates in the parliamentary system in Great Britain but has evolved to include other systems of government where power is shared or routinely transferred between parties. Now it’s used to refer to the opposing party and how they can oppose the parties ideas and policy, but remain loyal to the government and country. It’s usually an endearing term used to describe a political adversary. When I think of loyal opposition as in the history of our country, I think of the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist. These were people who were loyal to the government and the country in which the represented, but disagreed on the course it should take. Although each vehemently disagreed with the other, each new that the other had the best intentions for the country. There are many other examples throughout the history of our country, but I think you get the idea.
What I’m wondering as I write this, does the “loyal opposition even exist anymore”? I’m not sure it exist at all and if it does it is very small. There was once a time in my life where I believed the majority of the left could be considered the loyal opposition, while only a select few on the left did not have honest intentions whether they were right or wrong. Believe it or not, I would defend the left and refused to admit to anyone, or myself, that the Democrats and the left did not have the best intentions. Over the last 20 years it has become mor and more difficult to defend the vitriol, the actions, and even political platforms in which the left put forth. I guess the first time I noticed the left and their sadistic method in which they try to destroy not only the politics of anyone opposing them, but the person was the confirmation of Clarence Thomas. The manner in which Clarence Thomas was personally attacked was unconscionable. They didn’t attack Justice Thomas’ politics, they attacked his character and integrity in an attempted to smear him so bad that he would never be confirmed. Fortunately it didn’t work, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. The people who attacked Justice Thomas was not part of the loyal opposition. Unfortunately it has gotten progressively worse over the years and there are no signs of easing.
The reason I bring this up now is the State Of The Union is scheduled for tonight and therefore Marco Rubio has been chosen to give the response. Instead of using allowing the President’s address to speak for itself, the DNC has chosen in on organized fashion to discredit Marco Rubio before the SOTU, and before the response. The only reason you would want to do this is to attack Rubio personally and discredit any platform in which Rubio is putting forth. I think this is a tactic that would not be used by the “loyal opposition”. If the DNC and the left believed that the President address was what was best for the country, and was genuine, why would they feel the need to discredit Rubio before he ever speaks? Because to the left it’s not about laying your ideas out there for the country to decide.
Yep, the loyal opposition to conservative ideas is a thing of the past, and it’s because I have come to the realization that the left is honest and genuine with their ideas anymore. They are putting their own self-interest above that of the country. The DNC and the left have “shown their cards” and it’s not the best interest of the country. They have two goals using entitlement programs to “buy” votes and discrediting anything the right has to say, and this prebuttal of the SOTU rebuttal is a perfect example. It is not about the exchange of ideas anymore, it’s about doing anything and everything possible to stay in power. I have said for years that the defining difference between the left and right is that the Right believes in country first and everything else second while the left believes in party above all else. The perfect example of this is the way minorities are treated who are conservative or right leaning. Two quick examples that come to mind are Clarence Thomas and Herman Cain. Because they don’t fall in line like the left thinks they should, the have been torn apart by the left. Instead of respectfully disagreeing with their politics and praising their achievements, the left has done everything to destroy these two individuals. That is why I believe, without a doubt, the left hasn’t been the loyal opposition for some time. Therefore its time to treat them like the enemy they are.
Have a different Opinion? I’ll debate anytime – anyplace.
I’m the Modern Day Machiavelli.
Modern Day Machiavelli 