AT LONG LAST, SOME OUTRAGE

   During the Bush administration I was furious about the level of attacks, not just on his polices, but on him personally. I knew that this was part of a plan hatched by the left early in the Bush presidency to win back power by increasing his negatives. Every time I heard any of their outrageous remarks or saw the degree to which they fought everything on his agenda, including judicial nominees, I commented to anyone within earshot, “If the Democrats ever regain the presidency I hope our side returns in kind.” (Side note: I never dreamed it would happen so quickly and with such a radical leftist!)

   So I felt very frustrated with the “kid gloves” treatment Obama got from so many conservatives and Republicans during the first six weeks or so of his presidency. Some may say “Well, what about Hannity and Limbaugh?” While they certainly opposed his policies from the very beginning, I frankly was a little surprised at how mild I considered their comments to be. In fact, for six to eight weeks I would have said that Rush was harder on Clinton during his first few weeks than on Obama. Of course, keep in mind that I was comparing his remarks to the likes of Keith Olberman, Michael Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, Chuck Schumer, and Maxine Waters (or insert your favorite loud-mouth Hollywood leftist, almost any other Democratic senator or almost any other member of the Congressional Black Caucus).

   So I must say that I’ve been pleasantly surprised to finally see some outrage developing over Obama’s leftist lurch. Oddly, the first signs didn’t even come from the sources one might have expected. My first shout of agreement came when Rick Santelli went into a rant over the taxes and stimulus plan. That was followed by some grassroots outrage (a la the team parties that occurred yesterday). Of course Rush and Hannity were not far behind. It was about three weeks ago when I first felt that Rush began hitting his stride in commenting on Obama (actually around the time of his CPAC speech). Gradually the drumbeats have grown, not just from the talking heads but from acquaintances I talk with. 

   Normally I’m a “peace loving” kind of guy, so I feel a bit out of uncomfortable crying out for outrage. But unfortunately it worked for the Dems. They were “outraged” at the outcome of the 2000 election, but they became particularly so after the 2004 election. The result? The growth of leftist websites, the ability to raise huge amounts of cash, and pushing their party further to the left than most old-time Democrats could ever have imagined. So okay, I want our side to rally in the same fashion. 

   After Election night in November I immediately began getting e-mails and pleas for money from various conservative groups ready to take on Obama and the Congress. But most were wrapped in fairly conciliatory tones, and some were even calling for a new direction, one that would lead us closer to the opposition. I’m not wealthy, so I knew what little I might be able to give would hardly be noticed, but I determined that if I made any contributions over the next couple of years it would be to the group that appeared most willing to take the fight to the other side. (I’m still watching closely, but so far it looks like the National Republican Trust might be that group). I recall that, when the brouhaha was going on regarding Rush and Michael Steele, I had entirely different concerns. I very much like Michael Steele and felt his comments about Rush were taken somewhat out of context. But my issue is this: Michael Steele seems like a really nice guy. And I’m not sure a “nice guy” can beat this bunch. Bring back Karl Rove, Tom DeLay (although he’s been sounding rather lame lately), or someone in the spirit of Lee Atwater. Which of our websites displays the venom of Moveon.org or the Huffington Post? The other side set the terms of the debate. Now they’re throwing parties. Let’s hope  our “tea parties” will be the first of many celebratory parties, brought on by a little more outrage!