CCRC Editorial Section

  To answer wake-up call, GOP needs to
be proactive

Published in the Union Leader  January 31, 2010             

There's been a lot of discussion in the UL recently about the way forward for the Republican party.  The Brown election certainly was a wakeup call for both parties.  But for the Republicans the answer to this  call requires a decision to be in favor of some things, opposition simply won't cut it.  I have some suggestions.

The first involves becoming proactive (e. g. Tea Parties??) rather than (our usual) reactive (e. g. Spending Summit??).  The second involves calling a spade a spade.  Frank Luntz's book “Words That Work” should be required reading for all Republicans.    Why do Republicans let the Spendocrats (an example??) choose the names for all important legislation?  And why do they let the Spendocrats pick grossly misleading names?  Let us pick misleading names of our own if that's how the Spendocrats want to play the game.  Or maybe just pick honest descriptions for the Spendocrats bills.  Luntz gives many examples, but the general idea is pretty simple.  Naming legislation properly is half the battle, choosing which legislation to fight about is the other half. 

While we're at it, how about a theme?  Government Of the People?  GOP?  Now where have I heard that before?

Fred Ward
386 Route 123 South
Stoddard 03464

446-2312

drfred@hughes.net