A House Divided

Do you remember about four months ago, when Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were at each other's throat clawing to gain the Democratic Party nomination for president? Do you remember how the Republican Party reveled in the loud splintering of the Democratic party? Do you remember how the pundits waxed poetic about how the Democratic party would have to heal and become reunited after such treacherous campaigning, the greatest fear being that the Hillary supporters would jump ship and swim to John McCain's sturdy ship? Do you remember for a moment the air was sucked out of the atmosphere when John McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate and many Democrats thought their fears were being realized? Do you remember all this?

I do. And what I find amazing is that the house that is, and was, truly divided is the Republican house. Do not get me wrong, I am not happy about this but by the same token I am not surprised. I also think that the Republican party, while on shaky ground, would have survived a loss of the Presidency (they saw it coming) had it not been for Sarah Palin. One could say John McCain for picking Sarah Palin, but I would not and will not.

I think the Republican party should view this turbulent time as an opportunity to remake itself. The Republican party has splintered into not just two branches, the Bushes and the Palins, but many branches. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as no one loses sight of the roots. I have ideologically flirted with the Republican party but have always been turned off by the fact I do not see myself represented among the party. As a disenfranchised conservative Democrat, or right of center Independent (I'll accept both, but I lean Independent), the one quality that I feel is lacking in the Republican party is tolerance! As diverse/splintered as the Republican party is, one would think that there would be an appreciation, even celebration, of the differences that could prove to be the strength of the party. Maybe that is why certain minority groups who have traditionally voted Republican found themselves voting for a Democrat. Perhaps many left-leaning disenfranchised Republicans found a place to voice a difference, be heard and be appreciated for an opposing view.

Perhaps the party of Lincoln can take a cue from the President-elect and openly create a party of opposition where challenging views are met with curiosity and common sense to unite for a common good and solve more problems than are created. After all a house divided cannot stand.

Thoughts?