In recent weeks, billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump launched his Presidential campaign, and has subsequently rocketed to the top of many polls.
Trump’s charismatic, albeit egotistical brand of political rhetoric certainly has its appeal among some conservatives. Fueled by dissatisfaction with the Obama Administration and Republicans who can be as just as progressive as their Democrat counterparts, apparently many are flirting with the idea of a President Trump.
On the heels of his campaign announcement, Trump proceeded to ignite a media firestorm by labeling illegal immigrants from Mexico “rapists,” and making other sensationalized, inflammatory statements on the issue of immigration. Later, Trump even attacked Sen. John McCain’s military service. At an event in Iowa, Trump stated that “I like people who weren’t captured.” Trump was referring to McCain’s nearly six year imprisonment at the hands of the North Vietnamese. While this author disagrees on policy with Senator McCain, Trump’s comments about his military record are downright disgusting. Combined with his tactlessness on immigration, the electorate should disqualify Trump from any further attention as a Presidential candidate.
Conservatives are better than this. By entertaining Donald Trump as anything more than an accomplished businessman, Conservatives are shooting their own movement in the foot. To be frank, Trump’s place is on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice,” and not anywhere near a Presidential debate stage.
Additionally, Trump has proven time and time again that his political ideology can and will change as often as the wind changes direction. In 1999, he advocated for a 14.25% retroactive tax on existing wealth of the most successful Americans. In 2012, he criticized Mitt Romney’s immigration policy as being “mean-spirited” and “maniacal.” How ironic, considering Trump’s current stance on the issue of immigration. From 2001 to 2009, Trump was a even registered Democrat—and has donated generously to Democratic causes, including the ever-scrutinized Clinton Foundation. Does this sound like a principled Conservative leader to you? I think not.
To reiterate my earlier point, Conservatives are better than this. With the upcoming Presidential election on the horizon, Conservatives have to show America that fiscal responsibility, free-market economics and limited government are indeed the way forward for the United States. How can we effectively do this while simultaneously entertaining a carnival sideshow such as Trump? We are literally giving the Democratic National Committee material for attack-ads against conservative Republican candidates. In a time when Conservatives are vying for the hearts and minds of voters, having someone with the grace of a schoolyard bully dominating the news cycle is incredibly detrimental to the cause of liberty.
Between Rand Paul’s message of conservative libertarianism, Scott Walker’s tremendous record as Governor of Wisconsin, and Ted Cruz’s appeal to reignite the Republican base, Conservatives have some terrific choices in front of them. Let’s not squander these opportunities. We can do better than Donald Trump.
This article was originally published on RedMillennial.
26 comments
DeFazio should read this report from GAO: http://www.gao.gov/assets/320/316959.pdf
Criminal Alien Statistics: Information on Incarcerations, Arrests, and Costs
GAO-11-187: Published: Mar 24, 2011. Publicly Released: Apr 21, 2011.
The number of criminal aliens in federal prisons in fiscal year 2010 was
about 55,000, and the number of SCAAP criminal alien incarcerations in
state prison systems and local jails was about 296,000 in fiscal year
2009 (the most recent data available), and the majority were from
Mexico.
Based on our random sample, GAO estimates that the criminal aliens had
an average of 7 arrests, 65 percent were arrested at least once for an
immigration offense, and about 50 percent were arrested at least once
for a drug offense. Immigration, drugs, and traffic violations accounted
for about 50 percent of arrest offenses. About 90 percent of the
criminal aliens sentenced in federal court in fiscal year 2009 (the most
recently available data) were convicted of immigration and drug-related
offenses. About 40 percent of individuals convicted as a result of DOJ
terrorism-related investigations were aliens.
When the establishment Republicans start putting the people’s interests ahead of the special interests and reject cronyism, then maybe we’ll have something to talk about. Republicans are willing to ignore the base and court illegal immigration and the so-called Hispanic vote. Conservatives handed Republicans an enormous victory in the midterm elections, the likes of which have not been seen in the past fifty years. What do the Conservatives have to show for it? Obamacare, trade fast track, open borders, executive amnesty, fiscal suicide, a nuclear Iran, and Loretta Lynch as our Attorney General. Can we do better? The Republican establishment does not set the bar very high and Trump has no problem jumping over it by a country mile. Republicans are on their way to a disaster or a revolution and I’m enjoying the show.
Harry,
Healthy dialogue in the realm of politics is an increasingly rare thing. I would ask that we refrain from personal name-calling and mud-slinging. Allow me to offer a cursory response.
The definition of integrity is “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” Let’s examine how this definition applies to Trump.
1. Is Trump honest? Currently, Trump calls himself pro-life, yet just a short-time ago in this video, he says “I’m very pro-choice.” https://youtu.be/BXMNsvVYldI
2. Does Trump have strong moral principles? Currently, Trump states he’s for traditional marriage, but he has been married three times. This doesn’t sound traditional to me. At least not the traditions that promote a positive image, or more importantly, strong character. Principles are things that don’t change when inconvenient, and Mr. Trump appears to have none. He was a Democrat, now he’s not. He was pro-choice, now he’s not. Trump says he’s conservative, but has donated money to Hillary Clinton, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and others who are anything but conservative.
3. Does Trump have moral uprightness? I’d have to say “no”. When criticized in any way, he responds with nothing but mean-spirited insults.
In closing, I believe that Trump isn’t presidential material. The leader of the free world must be a person of strong character, morals and personal discipline. Trump has consistently demonstrated that he possesses none of these qualities.
Anthony
1. a short-time ago in this video (from 16 years ago. Really?) The tide has turned against abortion, it is clear from the outrage demonstrated since the Kermit Gosnell conviction.
2. Marriage between gays, heteros, and any combination thereof is a done deal. Why are you couching your premise on what is now a moot point? Please find something or relevance to the upcoming election.
3. Does Trump have moral uprightness? Oh please! Somebody hits you you hit back twice as hard. Mean spirited? The country is going to hell and you’re worried about hurting somebody’s feelings? We elected Republicans in the midterms to do only one thing: Stop President Obama. Since that time, they have exhibited nothing short of remarkable invertebrate mimicry. In today’s electoral corral, even the most simple vertebrates distinguish themselves.
Trump may not be perfect but he speaks with far more clarity than the rest of the candidates packed into the establishment clown car.
Just for kicks, if you think that the other candidates are doing such a stellar job, then why do you think that the message from Trump (vitriol and all) resonates so strongly with the base? Conservatives are tired of being crapped on by both parties.
Now sir, I am not throwing insults. I can back up each item I’ve mentioned and much much more. It is my opinion (and perfectly reasonable) to assert that anyone who writes such an an article as yours is sadly ignorant and out of touch with the base, misinformed or worse, part of the same problem that Conservatives have been fighting for over a decade.
More polls… More tears from the “We are just like Hill.” also rans.
An entire field of status quo clones. Running against a New York screamer.
Can the Clump
Stump for Trump
This is what the tea party has wanted for years. They actually can’t do better because Donald is the ideal candidate for him. He used to be a democrat, prochoice, and anti gun. Yet the Tea embraces him. All it goes to show is that the Tea will jump on any bandwagon that bases the “establishment” without doing their homework and of course, by finding the most racist hate filled person they can. The same people who back Trump are the ones who think Dick Black isnt conservative enough. Congratulations, you found your ideal man. Also, please get used to saying “President Clinton”, and I ain’t talking about Bill.
No Name (speaks volumes that you wish to remain anonymous) The TEA Party is not backing Donald Trump, though some in the movement might be. The TEA Party is made up of individuals who support their principles. INDIVIDUALS. That’s what the TEA Party is. Each person chooses who they want to support. Do your homework on the TEA party. And as far as I know, most TEA Partiers are leaning towards Rand Paul or Ted Cruz. Quit talking about things you do not know.
Welcome to the internet Anita, its 2015, get over it. Do a quick survey of your friends supporting Trump. Bet you 80% of them self identify as Tea drinkers. We have your kind to thank for loosing every statewide election since 2009.
… and you would know because you have a lot of first hand experience with members of the TEA party, I’m sure.
I agree, there’s no way the TEA party would ever get behind Trump. I don’t blame “No Name” for trying to push him into the TEA party camp though, or even believing it to be true, because Trump is what the Democrats envision the TEA party to be, what they’ve tried to convince the country that the TEA party is. It would be like if a populist tyrannical communist leader suddenly became hugely popular with Democrats and the Republican party tried to say that the candidate was a Progressive. News flash, if you want an honest opinion of whether someone is a Progressive or not, ask Progressives and listen with an open mind, and if you want an honest opinion of whether someone is in the TEA party or not, ask TEA party people and listen to them with an open mind.
Sadly, I don’t think you ARE doing better than Donald Trump. People are thrilled with his refreshing truth (at least, to himself). The media and the GOP establishment (barf) are desperate to extract bits of his statements to try to malign him. Many of us see through this fear-based tactic and it is not working. The GOP establishment should all be fired.
Thank God for Donald Trump. Our current politicians are weak and spineless. They are afraid to do the right thing, are always concerned about their next election, and are self-serving. Super big disappointments: Black, Minchew, LaRock, Comstock, and Greason.
Conservatives are better, perhaps? Squishy establishment type GOP leaders, certainly NOT! The fact that The Donald is having such an impact only proves one thing. The people are tired of the status quo. The GOP was given the House, and then the Senate, only to have them bend over for just about every one of the Anointed One’s decrees. If the thought of The Donald is so distasteful, the leadership of the GOP had better pull their collective heads out. Until that happens, all I can say is enjoy the ride, because The Donald is gonna bring in the boom!
Carlos Fernandes offers the following comments … Would welcome respectful and thoughtful responses from your readership.
DeFazio: Trump proceeded to ignite a media firestorm by labeling illegal immigrants from Mexico “rapists” and making other sensationalized, inflammatory statements on the issue of immigration.
Fernandes: With all due respect, if you go back and listen to and read the transcripts of what Mr. Trump actually said, instead of all the “spin” that has come from it, I think that you would find that much, if not all of what he said is true. He has and continues to say that he welcomes law abiding Mexicans to come to America but do it legally. I think that I am qualified to talk about this topic, mostly because my father came to America as a tourist and then stayed illegally. My family benefitted greatly from his illegal act but it doesn’t make it right. I am not endorsing Mr. Trump for President but I do appreciate the fact that he has the “balls” to take on this issue. Judging by the poll numbers, I’m not the only one who appreciates his political incorrectness … Bring on some real change, even if it offends some
people. You can’t please everybody all of the time!
DeFazio: Trump even attacked Sen. John McCain’s military service. At an event in Iowa, Trump
stated that “I like people who weren’t captured.” Trump was referring to McCain’s nearly six year imprisonment at the hands of the North Vietnamese.
Fernandes: Once again, if you go back and listen to and read the transcripts of what Mr. Trump actually said, instead of all the “spin” that has come from it, I think that you would find that much, if not all of what he said is true. As an Air Force veteran and patriot, I appreciate Sen. McCain’s service to our great country. He and I served to defend freedom for all Americans, including the freedom for him to call Mr. Trump’s supporters “Crazies” and the freedom for Mr. Trump to state that he likes people who weren’t captured just as much as he likes those that were captured. I personally think that, although
I appreciate Sen. McCain’s sacrifice during the Vietnam War, its time to move on.
DeFazio: While this author disagrees on policy with Senator McCain, Trump’s comments about his
military record are downright disgusting.
Fernandes: I personally also think that Sen. McCain’s word choice, calling Mr. Trump’s supporters “Crazies”, was inappropriate.
DeFazio: Combined with his tactlessness on immigration, the electorate should disqualify Trump
from any further attention as a presidential candidate.
Fernandes: With the unusually large number of Republican candidates running for President, the electorate will either qualify or disqualify Mr. Trump. Until then, let’s give the man the respect he deserves for having the guts to stand up for what he believes in. Given the outcome of the past two Presidential elections, I would not be surprised if Mr. Trump wins the nomination.
DeFazio: Conservatives are better than this. By entertaining Donald Trump as anything more than an
accomplished businessman, they are shooting their own movement in the foot. To be frank, Trump’s place is on NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice, not anywhere near a Presidential debate stage.
Fernandes: All things considered, I would much rather have an accomplished businessman that an accomplished politician running our great nation. I’m not sure I agree with your comment that “Conservatives are better than this.” Better than what? I have been horribly disappointed with the “Conservative Politicians” or whatever they call themselves. Last time we had a “Celebrity”
in the White House, things turned out really well.
DeFazio: In 2012 he criticized Mitt Romney’s immigration policy as being “mean-spirited” and “maniacal.” How ironic, considering Trump’s current stance on the issue of immigration.
Fernandes: I don’t recall his reasons for his stand on the Romney immigration policy. Who knows, he might have changed his mind. People sometimes change their perspective as they gain a greater understanding of issues. I know that I have.
DeFazio: From 2001 to 2009 Trump was a registered Democrat, and he has donated generously to
Democratic causes, including the ever-scrutinized Clinton Foundation. Does this sound like a principled conservative leader to you? I think not.
Fernandes: Since my fingers are starting to get tired of typing, let me simply say that I am glad that Mr. Trump is no longer a registered Democrat and hope that he is no longer donating generously to
Democratic causes.
DeFazio: To reiterate my earlier point, conservatives are better than this.
Fernandes: Not sure which “conservatives” you are referring to but in general terms, I respectfully disagree. We have had womanizers, child molesters, liars, cheaters and thieves just to name a few that come to mind … There is nothing new under the sun.
DeFazio: conservativeshave to show America that fiscal responsibility, free-market economics, and
limited government are indeed the way forward for the United States. How can we effectively do this while simultaneously entertaining a carnival sideshow such as Trump?
Fernandes: Now you are talking my language – “fiscal responsibility, free-market economics, and limited government are indeed the way forward for the United States”. I totally agree … If we limit our conversation to these three points, Mr. Trump is probably the most qualified candidate.
DeFazio: In a time when conservatives are vying for the hearts and minds of voters, having someone with the grace of a schoolyard bully dominating the news cycle is incredibly detrimental to the cause of liberty.
Fernandes: Not to get into details but if you knew what I know about one of the other Presidential candidates and how he/she behaves behind closed doors … I probably should just leave it there … A little political incorrectness may be what America needs.
DeFazio: Between Rand Paul’s message of conservative libertarianism, Scott Walker’s tremendous
record as Governor of Wisconsin, and Ted Cruz’s appeal to reignite the Republican base, conservatives have some terrific choices in front of them. Let’s not squander these opportunities.
Fernandes: I think it is time for some real change that we can believe in.
DeFazio: We can do better than Donald Trump.
Fernandes: That remains to be seen … Let the games begin!
One final note: Thanks for writing this piece and I would welcome continued dialogue. Great to see a young man actively involved in political conversation.
Carlos Fernandes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosfernandescissp
@CyberFernandes
Some have called Trump supporters clowns, some have called Trump a clown himself.
I stick with the latter , Trump is a clown.
Trump is a Rodeo Clown protecting the Cowboys from the bull in this case the BS.
If Republicans are sympathetic to illegal aliens where is the standing up for them being exploited for their labor in the Virginia Underground Labor Market.
Americans are in need of the meaning Liberty .
Liberty for one man is to do with the fruits of his labor as he wishes while another believes he is to do with the fruits of another mans labor as he wishes.
The latter is todays RPV .
A principled Conservative leader?
And who in the entire party might that be? Bush? Boner? The Turtle?
In short, the republicans have no principled Conservative leaders. Hell, they don’t even have any conservative leaders, principled or not.
The nation has Trump going around busting down doors with a sledgehammer. Where are all these ‘principled leaders? Which one of the Baker’s Dozen of losers has manned up and taken away Trump’s hammer? No, forget it. They are all hiding behind a curtain crying their eyes out because Trump has sucked the air out of the party. With leaders like these the damn party deserves to lose.
It’s a Big Apple election.
Stump for Trump
or the HillBilly unreality show.
For principled conservative leadership, I would look to Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and Scott Walker.
I see that you are a Virginian in the Construction Industry.
If illegal aliens and others in illegally employed in Virginia’s Construction Industry interest you I hope that you will give this a look.
http://watchdog.org/202012/subcontractorsshadow-economy/
In 2012 there were 200 state violations issued to unlicensed contractors in Lynchburg area alone , no referrals to DPOR , no prosecutions.
How come the Lynchburg VEC did not pick up on these illegal business in audits performed under the Virginia Employment Compensation Act . The charge for violating is 60.2-627.
There should be a percentage detected.
The VEC classifies illegal aliens / unlicensed contractors as ” bona-fide independent contractors ” , by proxy deregulating Statutes 54.1-1100 and the VECA.
Anthony — I guess you’re aware the Mitch is backing Rand Paul for President (right now), likely as a favor for Rand’s stumping for Mitch last year.
Likewise, I’m assuming you’re aware that Scott Walker has hired Brad Dayspring, who was Mitch’s hatchetman at NSRC, and who played a part in attacks on several conservatives last year.
Cheers,
Hi David,
Yes, I’m aware of those developments regarding Rand Paul and Scott Walker. My position is that–given their proven conservative records–the anomalies in question don’t warrant “writing off” those two candidates. Also, I noticed you didn’t have anything bad to say about Ted Cruz.
Anthony
I’ve donated thousands of dollars and man-hours helping Republican candidates who’ve lied to me and betrayed conservative principles, Anthony. After 15 years of it, I’m watching all candidates for signs of a willingness to compromise their principles.
I like Ted Cruz.
Cheers,
A completely understandable position, sir.
Thanks for your comments. Healthy dialogue in the realm of politics is an increasingly rare thing. Luckily, this issue will ultimately be settled by the voter—as it should be. I am eager to see how everything plays out.
Referring to the Republican candidates as “losers” is neither responsible nor accurate. Hardly the sort of encouraging and unifying theme that I was hoping our folks would embrace.
Bull Elephant, WTF??? We are out here loving Trump and all we get from you is hate? I am about THIS close to stop reading your site.
All views are welcome here.
You call it hate. I call it informed opinion.