Yesterday I resigned my position in the York Township Republican Committeemen’s Organization. Below is the letter I sent to the chairman explaining my decision.
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Chairman Cuzzone:
We come together in political parties to magnify our influence. An organized representative institution can give weight to our will in ways we could not accomplish on our own. Working with others gives us power, but at the cost of constant, calculated compromise. No two people will agree on everything. There is no moral purity in politics.
If compromise is the key to healthy politics, how does one respond when compromise descends into complicity? To preserve a sense of our personal moral accountability we must each define boundaries. For those boundaries to have meaning we must have the courage to protect them, even when the cost is high.
Almost thirty years ago as a teenager in Texas, I attended my first county Republican convention. As a college student I met a young Rick Perry, fresh from his conversion to the GOP, as he was launching his first campaign for statewide office. Through Associated Republicans of Texas I contributed and volunteered for business-friendly Republican state and local candidates.
Here in DuPage County I’ve been a precinct committeeman since 2006. Door to door I’ve canvased my precinct in support of our candidates. Trudging through snow, using a drill to break the frozen ground, I posted signs for candidates on whom I pinned my hopes for better government. Among Illinois Republicans I found an organization that seemed to embody my hopes for the party nationally. Pragmatic, sensible, and focused on solid government, it seemed like a GOP Jurassic Park, where the sensible, reliable Republicans of old still roamed the landscape.
At the national level, the delusions necessary to sustain our Cold War coalition were becoming dangerous long before Donald Trump arrived. From tax policy to climate change, we have found ourselves less at odds with philosophical rivals than with the fundamentals of math, science and objective reality.
The Iraq War, the financial meltdown, the utter failure of supply-side theory, climate denial, and our strange pursuit of theocratic legislation have all been troubling. Yet it seemed that America’s party of commerce, trade, and pragmatism might still have time to sober up. Remaining engaged in the party implied a contribution to that renaissance, an investment in hope. Donald Trump has put an end to that hope.
From his fairy-tale wall to his schoolyard bullying and his flirtation with violent racists, Donald Trump offers America a singular narrative – a tale of cowards. Fearful people, convinced of our inadequacy, trembling before a world alight with imaginary threats, crave a demagogue. Neither party has ever elevated to this level a more toxic figure, one that calls forth the darkest elements of our national character.
With three decades invested in the Republican Party, there is a powerful temptation to shrug and soldier on. Despite the bold rhetoric, we all know Trump will lose. Why throw away a great personal investment over one bad nominee? Trump is not merely a poor candidate, but an indictment of our character. Preserving a party is not a morally defensible goal if that party has lost its legitimacy.
Watching Ronald Reagan as a boy, I recall how bold it was for him to declare ‘morning again’ in America. In a country menaced by Communism and burdened by a struggling economy, the audacity of Reagan’s optimism inspired a generation.
Fast-forward to our present leadership and the nature of our dilemma is clear. I watched Paul Ryan speak at Donald Trump’s convention the way a young child watches his father march off to prison. Thousands of Republican figures that loathe Donald Trump, understand the danger he represents, and privately hope he loses, are publicly declaring their support for him. In Illinois our local and state GOP organizations, faced with a choice, have decided on complicity.
Our leaders’ compromise preserves their personal capital at our collective cost. Their refusal to dissent robs all Republicans of moral cover. Evasion and cowardice has prevailed over conscience. We are now, and shall indefinitely remain, the Party of Donald Trump.
I will not contribute my name, my work, or my character to an utterly indefensible cause. No sensible adult demands moral purity from a political party, but conscience is meaningless without constraints. A party willing to lend its collective capital to Donald Trump has entered a compromise beyond any credible threshold of legitimacy. There is no redemption in being one of the “good Nazis.”
I hereby resign my position as a York Township Republican committeeman. My thirty-year tenure as a Republican is over.
Sincerely,
Chris Ladd
Postscript – Needless to say, the response to the letter has been stunning and overwhelming. I want to express my gratitude to the people who have shared so many kind thoughts. It was my intention to reply to each of the emails I’ve received, but I was snowed under by late last night and they keep piling up.
Some of the warmest regards have come from right here in suburban Chicago. When I posted this letter I was prepared to face some anger here at home from fellow Republicans. Nothing of the kind has materialized. The only official response from the local GOP so far has been support, for which I am immensely grateful. It gives me hope. We may all come out of this debacle in better condition.
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Chris Ladd is a Texan living in the Chicago area. He has been involved in grassroots Republican politics for most of his life. He was a Republican precinct committeeman in suburban Chicago until he resigned from the party and his position after the 2016 Republican Convention. He can be reached at gopliferchicago at gmail dot com.
GOPLifer 
I just joined and find that things are far worse than I could have imagined.. I am not a member of any party.. But unfortunately (I am not sure this is everywhere) in my state you have to decide on a party be it Rep or Dem.. I have always voted for who I felt would be the best candidate.. I do all my own research and read everything I can get my hands on.. I keep telling everyone there are more choices.. You don’t have to vote Trump or Hillary.. There are a total of three others to choose from Sanders being among them..
I swear I watched a public debate where someone asked Trump a couple of questions and his answers scared the pea-tards out of me.. He was first asked about his knowledge of foreign affairs to which he responded (and I can give him a pass on this) I will learn about it once in office.. Here is the one I can’t give him a pass one.. He was asked what he knew about the constitution (to which he replied) I don’t know anything about it but IO will learn it once in office..
Is anyone else scared?
Very. Even though I live in TX, I will volunteer to help GOTV.
^
At last; a republican with a conscience and the courage and intellectual ability to express the horror we all feel at the rise of the Trump freak show. God bless you, sir. Steve Doane, registered Democrat.
Chris,
Daily KOS wrote you up re: your resignation letter .. lots of supportive comments for you from the readers of the KOS site, and after they read your wonderful post, you will also be getting some new subscribers, so you DO need to figure out your next blog 😉
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/7/22/1551039/-An-extraordinary-GOP-resignation-letter?detail=email&link_id=1&can_id=159b0aca78e686dfe69195ff0ad65321&source=email-an-extraordinary-gop-resignation-letter&email_referrer=an-extraordinary-gop-resignation-letter&email_subject=an-extraordinary-gop-resignation-letter
Just so you know my position – Trump was not my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or even 6th choice – but the people in the Republican party (not the party leadership) have spoken through frustration with the entire political system, they want a new direction – so Trump is the candidate. By the way, what came out this week in the news is that Debbie Wasserman Schultz – head of the Democratic Party has pushed hard for the Clinton candidacy, rather than being neutral – which has her now being in hot water by the press and Bernie Sanders supporters (even issuing anti-Semitic comments about Bernie’s faith). While concerned about certain of his stands, I will vote for Trump, as much against Hillary Clinton and a continuation of the last 8 years of Obama, which has placed the future of my children and grandchildren in jeopardy. She has already been admonished by the FBI for placing the nation at risk with the email scandal and although will not be prosecuted – this decision to not prosecute was a result of politics, not facts. Her incompetence has been evident in so many different decisions – such as the overthrow of Gaddafi in Libya, which has destabilized that nation leading to chaos. The role and respect of the U.S. across the globe during her time as Secretary of State has been greatly diminished, placing us at risk with the likes of ISIS, never mind caused the deaths of Americans – several who worked directly for her. From Hillary (and Bill’s) earliest days in Arkansas, they have felt themselves above the law. While they attempt to attack the wealthy, they continue to collect money from primarily speeches for domestic and foreign sources generating well over $100 million in net worth – placing them in the Top 1%. Then we have the sources of funds for the Clinton Foundation, which has yet to be fully vetted by the press. If one abdicates their responsibility to vote for Trump, it is a vote for Clinton and the continuation of our nation’s decline in power and morals.
So, you’re volunteering to be one of the “Good Nazis”.
Please go do a study what heinous acts Nazis did; labeling without facts are not valid arguments.
Trump can’t be bothered to keep up with world events, he promises torture, he doesn’t think before he speaks, and he can’t grok that our involvement in NATO isn’t charity- a peaceful and secure Europe is vital to American peace and security. The errors Clinton has made are very small potatoes next to the damage Trump’s laziness and ignorance and thin skin would do. All that yelling and alpha male posturing is a pathetic illusion of strength.
Are you equating Clinton’s irresponsible and criminal actions with what you think Trump may do?
No, I’m saying that Trump has already telegraphed to anyone paying attention that he will be far, far worse than even the things you IMAGINE Hillary is guilty of.
Also please tell us Steve, are you equally indignant at Gen. Pertaeus, who not only lied to the FBI, but actually gave classified material to an unauthorized person (his mistress). If you’re so concerned about Hillary’s e-mail practices placing the nation at risk (despite no evidence that it did), where’s the outrage over thousands of missing e-mails from the Bush administration? Where’s the blame for who started all this chaos in the ME, for the Bush-Cheney war of choice in Iraq? Seems to me if you’re looking at who has the most national security screwups in the past couple decades, the GOP is leading by a lot there.
Since you are focused by bad behavior pointing to bad behavior going back to Bush, it is clear your sympathies cloud the issue.
The recent decisions by the FBI and Justice Department not to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her emails reminded us of a miscarriage of justice and a double standard: the prosecution and plea-bargain conviction of General David Petraeus. While the two offenses are equivalent, General Petraeus’ actions, while improper, were much more contained and forgivable. Once again Clintons are deemed above the law.
The general kept a diary, and it included information that was classified. He then shared that diary with his biographer—his mistress—who was an Army Reserve major with a security clearance.
General Petraeus admitted his mistakes, took responsibility and resigned from his position as CIA director. It was an honorable course from an honorable man.
The compromised emails Clinton had on an unauthorized server put our troops, and other U.S. citizens at great risk.
“Since you are focused by bad behavior pointing to bad behavior going back to Bush, it is clear your sympathies cloud the issue.”
And yours don’t?
What laws did Hillary break? What secrets got compromised? I think her choice of server was a bad idea, but your silence on Powell’s e-mails speaks volumes. I can reasonably believe that Hillary can learn from mistakes. But what does Trump do when he is called out on a bald-faced lie? He doubles and quadruples down. That is a huge red flag. Overlook it all you want, but I won’t.
“If one abdicates their responsibility to vote for Trump, it is a vote for Clinton and the continuation of our nation’s decline in power and morals.”
Given Trump’s very sordid personal history, how exactly would voting for him halt moral decline? Are fraud and infidelity now virtues?
You asked for a response to what laws did Hillary Rodham Clinton break – Federal law says letters and emails written and received by federal officials are government records that must be retained, including personal emails. She decided to conduct, for four years, the office of Secretary of State using her own private email server. Because these emails were not transacted and recorded through the official State Department servers, Mrs. Clinton “willfully concealed and removed” these critical documents from the records and archives of the United States Government. You can further argue that by electing to not have these records placed onto government servers – which are secure, routinely backed up, and most importantly subject to Freedom Of Information Act requests, that she has, by any reasonable interpretation, “mutilated, obliterated and destroyed” these essential records, which belong not to Hillary Rodham Clinton but rather to the Secretary of State of the United States of America, and her employers, the people of that nation.
The penalty for this is a fine or up to three years imprisonment, or both. That’s paragraph (a) of the law.
I am an old progressive, a psychiatrist, and a teacher at Harvard Medical School.
I am deeply impressed by the sentiment so eloquently expressed by Chris Ladd.
While I have rarely voted for a Republican since 1964 when I voted for the first time, I believe that our country needs voices of opposition to the current dominant center-left Democratic party, both on the Left and on the Right. Edmund Burke, the eighteenth century philosopher who articulated conservative principles, made a great deal of sense. There is a role for an informed, unbiased opposition in any dialogue of such magnitude as is facing our country now.
We are a nation divided by race, by a widening gap between rich and poor, and a diminishing opportunity for anyone to bridge that gap.
I am 76. Both my parents grew up in the ghetto of Chicago in the period around WW I. They both received excellent educations in the Chicago public schools and went on to become physicians. My father became a nationally recognized academic physician. His father was a carpenter, his mother illiterate. Is that possible today?
Chris Ladd correctly (and I repeat most eloquently) identified the diminution of his Republican Party from that of Rockefeller, John Lindsay, Edmund Brooke, and many other knowledgeable concerned men who understood the priorities and realities of their times. Republicans have become a party of bigoted, delusional Luddites who long to return to a time (which never existed) when women stayed at home, got their abortions in an alley, and people of color had no “place at the table.” They even deny the scientifically verified and now manifestly apparent reality of global warming as “a hoax” Many deny the theory of evolution. They believe in a hermeneutic theory of knowledge based on scripture. How can this position exist in a world facing genuine threats of massive social dislocation from the now-observed consequences of global warming social upheaval which goes back to the unfortunate political decisions made at the end of WW I, and a world population now informed by the internet which allows everyone to know everything? Add to this Donald Trump who operates at the developmental level of a prepubescent school yard bully and seems incapable of speaking in compound sentences (according to David Brooks of the NYT). But I digress
My hat if off to Chris Ladd, an obviously thoughtful, intelligent man who has seen the light. We need millions of citizens like him now and forever.
Wonderful comment. Thanks.
I find it quit interesting that more people voted for Trump ever & yet you loyal politicans don’t get it, we are sick & tired of the lies, the only for myself politician to hell with the rest of you. Now let’s discuss Hillary, a murderer, liar, thief, who both Clintons think are far above the law, in bed with the middle eastern countries as well as Obama. Our country is almost flushed down the pot right now, how sorry I feel for the future generations who will never know what it’s like to live in a free country when the class of people vote in the likes of Obama, & god forbid Hillary. I love the button Life’s a bitch don’t vote for one, the problem she’s worse than a bitch.
13 Million people voted for Trump in the primaries. 15.8 million voted for Clinton. 12 million for Bernie. 7.6 million for Cruz.
Now interestingly both McCain & Romney got roughly 10 million votes in their respective primaries while Obama got 17 million in 2008 and 7 million running unopposed in 2012. Clinton got 17 million in 2008 as well.
But the short answer is no, not more people. More Republicans voted for Trump than anyone else.
Myself I’d be curious how much of that 3 million comes from open primaries where Democrats & Independents could get ballots.
You got that so right about Killary!
That was the excuse for voting for Hitler. He did change things and he did make “Germany great again.” He also creates a regime that will live in History as one of the most barbaric.
Trump’s by far the biggest liar of all the candidates this cycle. Anyone cites any of Hillary’s lies as a reason to vote for Trump is astoundingly ignorant. Sharon is a prime example of why all of us who are actual aware of what us going on must vote. Cancel out the ignorance.
Sharon, you had better learn to fact check your statements before you post them out. You are appearing to be one of Trumps trumpets, the uneducated that he loves so much
Best reply! I read your post a couple of times thinking what you might have left out that I could contribute. I came up with nothing. Well said! Wow, two females that won’t be voting for Hilary. This may be shocking to some, but trust me there are many many more women that don’t align with her at all. She is a complete disgrace. It’ll be fun to see who speaks on her behalf at the DNC. Military? Probably not. Police officers? Doubt it. Hmmm…
Tell me Mary, are you proud of the way Trump heaped scorn on John McCain’s heroism? Do you approve of him running businesses into the ground while enriching himself, or putting small businesses out of business by refusing to pay what they were owned for contract work? Do you approve of the way Trump has respected the sanctity of marriage? Are you happy that can’t be bothered to keep informed about current evens, and doubles down on bad-faced lies? Does xenophobia and misogyny turn you on?
Bravo Dr. Roger! So wonderful to read such a strong, wise meta informed (thats probably poor grammar), well rounded argument, a real opinion! I’m sure Chris will appreciate your words. After being tortured by the images of the TRUMP Show in Cleveland all week (with a little comic relief from Monsieur Colbert), it is so refreshing to find myself in a pod of true insight and intelligence, if only for a fleeting moment. thank you for your effort! Marjorie, from across the Charles
hello Doctor,i gave a reply to your remarks, but it seems to have appeared elsewhere in the sequence and not below your comment, just to let you know. (don’t worry, it is a “thank you note” not a slander!
And, more intelligent commentary from people such as yourself, sir. Nicely phrased.
Not trying to be facetious, I feel your pain. I really do and I will not send money to the Republican Party or ever be a member again, however, a failure to vote in this election against Hillary will be guaranteeing that the next few generations will lose many freedoms that everyone who reads this has taken for granted until recently. The thing at stake is our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
The placing of Mike Pence on the ballot helps me feel good about the vote I will cast. This is not the time to give Hillary the election. I wondered if that was the plan when this Trump candidacy started. Whatever it was, we are better off with him than with her! I have a high ranking military friend who explained to me why we should go with an unknown, but possible, threat rather than accepting a known threat. We KNOW who and what Hillary Clinton!
“a failure to vote in this election against Hillary will be guaranteeing that the next few generations will lose many freedoms that everyone who reads this has taken for granted until recently. ”
Ok, expand on this. What, specifically, are you talking about?
I can say, for example, that the Trump/Pence ticket will cause future generations to lose freedoms too. Specifically , I’m referring to a women’s right to make their own health and reproductive choices. I am also very, very worried about the loss of freedom of speech. Trumpbsays he’s going to “loosen up the libel laws” to make it easier for him to sue ppl. He’s basically saying he wants to prevent ppl from criticizing him, and using state power to do so.
So, I’ve explained my fears of freedoms and rights that stand in danger. Your turn. And please, only use facts or statements from HRC herself, NOT what someone SAYS she is going to do.
An example, Hillary does not want to “repeal the 2nd amendment”. If that’s one one of the freedoms you’re talking about, save it. Hilary supports common sense restrictions supported by the vast majority of Americans.
I await with bated breath.
Alone, unless she disregards the law completely, will not have the power, but she can appoint Supreme Court justices who can, and we have seen many will, legislate! She has shown she has no regard for our laws.
As for a woman’s right to her body, God gave us the ability to make choices. We need to make wise ones. Occasionally we lose our choice because sin exists but we still have one choice. The only person who has zero choice is the baby.
is Sarah Palin posting here? The above sounds like her sort of word salad.
The lesser of two evils is Trump!
The fact you are missing is that Donald Trump is temperamentally incapable of governing. But more importantly, he’s: dangerous, a sociopath, narcissist and has a short attention span. He will lose, and I can only hope more people like you will change their minds so that some legislation gets passed and some work done in Washington. For starters a spending bill, for repair of our infrastructure, which would create millions of jobs to put the nation back to work.
I understand that he gives that appearance when campaigning. Those who have known him for years say he is just the opposite. He has been successful in his private life. While he isn’t so tally conservative, he doesn’t promote brutally murdering a child mins before birth. His opponent has no problem with that.
Let us assume that your “high ranking military friend” is expecting a “high position” in a Trump administration…..Bad advice….Do your homework….compare Pence to Kaine….Wiki them both. I don’t know what to say to people like you…
He doesn’t know Trump. He is also retired for many years. No need to say anything. I have been watching, reading, & listening. My only choice was will I vote or stay home. Staying home helps Hillary. After what she has and hasn’t done and her support of partial birth abortion, it is pretty clear to me..
Even though I disagree with your decision, at least you’ve given it some thought. I assume you support “no exceptions” within the abortion issue?
This is something I have given a lot of thought. Should there be exceptions in the case of rape, incest, or if the mother’s life is endangered. Here are my conclusions, since you asked. There have always been exceptions in the case of the mother. My own mother almost died when my oldest sister was born. This was before C-sections were readily available. The doctor saved my mother, but my sister died. When faced with such a choice, the Dr. always chooses the mother, but I understand that is almost unheard of today. I think the mother should discuss it with her physician, privately. I do not believe in abortion mills or abortion on demand. As for rape or incest, I believe that the baby has the same right to life that I have. Both the child and the mother are innocent and both should live. The mother may decide she loves the baby, but if she doesn’t, she can always opt for adoption.
I am pro-choice with the caveat that abortion should be safe and rare. For me, the decision about forcing a woman (or a child which happens in incestuous or criminal situations) to carry a baby to term when she has undergone the horror of the attack itself is cruel. IF she wishes to do so, by all means that is her right if she can care for herself and the unborn child. This is so off topic that I really don’t want to open up a new thread on the subject, but did want to respond to your comment. Please do not extend this line of discussion out of respect for Lifer’s blog.
Respect for ‘lifers’? I prefer to respect life, even those who disagree or who have no voice. I think I will prefer to let you shelter in your safe place, so I won’t return at all.
Sounds like a good call for you, jlue.
Don’t worry you will not be alone.
More will follow even if it means they will vote for Hillary in secret just to make sure trump don’t win. Trump will still have his supporters because they are unhappy in their own lives and they have to blame someone. So they blame miniorites,the poor, immigrants.any group of people trump tell them to hate. He wants to see people at each other throats because this is like a tv show for him. If he loses,he goes back to playing golf and blame people for losing. But his supporters think he put blacks back in chains to obey whites. He wants to take women and all miniorites rights to vote. Those who hate illegals asked yourself who started it and why. People like trump paid people to bring them here to work in their homes and businesses for below wages. Some worked in fields doing work that many of you won’t do. But a funny thing happened because these people weren’t slaves they learn to read and they either went to school for a better job or sent their children. So they refused to continue to work for low wages and no benefit. Now you know why they hate illegals. They have ran out of people who they can control. Now they are sick because they will no longer be the majority of races but part of the most beautiful group, the groups of miniorites. Yes. The white is turning dark and darker every day
Hilary’s America tells the truth. Go see it!
Here is one Republican who is an American first and a Republican (now ex) 2nd. May the force be with you…
Beautifully written. I hope the Republican Party finds its “better voice” after this election. We are a stronger America when our two parties can fight for the kind of government they want and then, in the end, compromise for the good of the people.
Welcome to the bright side.
Thank you for doing what you feel in your heart is right. It turns my stomach to see those who defiled Trump now lauding him. What you did takes true courage.
Morgan St James, I reply to you as I am seemingly unable to reply directly to Mr. Chris Ladd. I want applaud Mr. Ladd with my whole heart and mind. What he has done takes extreme courage and I am sure much soul searching. These are things totally lacking in today’s Republican Party. The rank and file has sold it’s soul, and that of our country to a dangerous buffoon. In exchange for everything our country, and the party has stood for in the past, they received not even thirty pieces of silver. Thank you Mr. Ladd, for standing up, as a Man, and as an American for what is right and true.
Democrats actually had a LOT to do with Trump winning the primary. Every informed American knows many Democrats crossed over to vote Republican in the primary. I suspect some did that in order to avoid voting for Hillary. Others may have wanted to be spoilers. True conservatives voted for Carson, Rubio, or Cruz. Maybe 30% of the Republican voters, voted for Trump. Our vote was split.The result of that split, along with the tremendous no. of independents and Democrats who voted for Trump, has been a Trump candidacy. Now we have to make the best of what has happened in the only party that once stood for life and smaller government. Do we hang it up and allow progressive liberalism to run amuk? History tells us what will be in store if something isn’t done about the out-of-control spending and the clamp down on speech and human rights for everyone. All lives matter! We will see in November what America decides. Of course all of that depends upon whether or not this is a true election.
OH, Jlue!!!!
“Out of control spending?” Really??? Have you watched the budget process these last 8 years? Have you observed the painstaking effort and discipline the O administration has pursued to not only bring our nation back from the brink of the Republican-created financial disaster of ’08, but to actually half the federal debt. America’s federal deficit is too high but it reflects an accumulation of many years and many administrations and events.
A couple of areas of documentation about the budget process (we do our homework on Lifer’s blog) and where we are now:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2017/assets/hist.pdf (depending upon how much you want to learn, you could simply skip just past p. 24 to:
Table 1.2—SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS, OUTLAYS, AND SURPLUSES OR DEFICITS (–) AS PERCENTAGES OF GDP: 1930–2021.
I honestly would need more detail on how you think speech and human rights have been diminished during O’s term. Spell it out, please. This is what we do on this site.
Maybe, since that is what you so, you should do it. And while you are at it, tell us again how you have been a “lifelong” Republican. 😉 I don’t think I will waste my time, but you could check with the families of policeman across America. Maybe you could check with small business owners who have been forced out one way or another. There weren’t that many at Benghazi. So I don’t suppose they matter either at “life”! What a joke!
Sorry to break the news to you jlue, but I am a life-long Democrat. I thought that came through pretty clearly, but evidently not. However, I am also a great believer in the necessity of a strong two-party political system. I notice you didn’t make an effort to study the link I sent you or refute the statement I made about the progress O’s administration on deficit reduction. IN SPITE of total obstruction. AS for police families, Pres. Obama has been as supportive as he could in that regard while not ignoring very real problems with policing especially as it relates to Black and Hispanic people. Before you address that subject, you’d better come prepared because I know this subject quite well. Not sure what you mean about “small businesses being forced out…” by whom? How?
That’s how we roll here jlue. You don’t just get to throw some paint at the door and hope it sticks, you got to do the prep work – scrape, sand, sand again, paint, paint again, seal. Apply this to your research and your opinions will be buttressed more effectively.
I have studied many credible sites, but I thought I was talking to a thinker, instead. Sorry, I don’t want to waste my time or yours.
jlue, I’m sorry you feel that way, but one of the attributes of Lifer’s blog is that people are able to have different viewpoints (even on issues like this one) and discuss them without personal rancor…most of the time. This subject is perhaps the most difficult. One of the points to consider is that just because someone has a different opinion than you do does not mean that they are not “thinkers”. They may have thought deeply and come to a different conclusion. I can respect your position on life without denigrating the process by which you arrived at that decision or the position itself. The problem with this issue is that the opposing view is not accorded the same respect.
We’ll simply agree to disagree. This site is probably not one where you would find the solace you seek in your views.
I’m glad you are kind to those with opposing views and realize that those who believe the unborn have a right to life have not declared “war on women. ”
I respect your personal beliefs, unequivocally. I simply ask for the same respect in kind. That is usually where people collide.
I think it is very deceptive to use a picture of Willy Nelson to promote your own opinions.
BFD
I am sad we will likely never get the chance to meet. I am a lifelong liberal always in search of intelligent political discourse from either side, but rarely finding it. I am not out to prove that I am right or to convert the throngs of conservatives that surround me daily. Rather, I hope to encourage rational thought and thoughtful approaches to the myriad problems the country and world face. It seems as though you would be one with whom I would joyfully interact. No, we would likely never agree, but I feel that through the process of interaction, we would both grow and learn. Sadly, I find too few people like you from either side of the divided political spectrum to achieve what I think should be a universal goal. Keep up the good fight, though, the country needs it.
I feel for you. It takes a lot of soul searching and backbone to make such a life-changing choice. Unfortunately for all of us we have no good choice for potus. Be well, stay strong
When I was a young man, decades ago, the Republican Party recognized and understood the diverse needs and priblems of the people. They just had different methods for solving problems than the Democrats. Watching the past 6 years of a Republican House of Representatives and 2 years of a Republican Senate and finally the run-up to and the RNC it is very obvious the Republican Party has changed in very major ways. What socio-economic-ideologic forces have brought these changes. Some extremely deep and penetrating thought needs to be brought to bear. Perhaps Ladd and others of like mind might carry this task.
I applaud Mr. Ladd for his courage and wisdom. I cry for there are no others like him. Mr. Ladd you are a champion and I wish you were running for President. Wish you peace and happiness.
Thank you. I know that a leader with your character will be greatly missed, but Thank You.
Thank you Chris Ladd for not compromising your integrity and moral principles. Thank you for standing against those who will support a Candidate of hate, misogyny, fear, and a wish to divide this great nation. Thank you.
I love the idea of a Jurassic Park of the GOP when they were sensible. I’m a lifelong Democrat, however, I have always respected rational, thoughtful, considered disagreement.
Watching the GOP self-destruct since HW Bush left office, selling out its soul to corporations, the NRA, and the extreme religious right to the point of a complete absence of actual conservatism … has made me profoundly sadder each election.
Reagan has become simply a deific figure rather than a model for action based on what he ACTUALLY did. Just as Jesus has become to the extremists, Reagan is quoted, glorified, and completely ignored.
Reagan raised taxes when it was necessary. He compromised with the Democrats. He worked WITH business, not slavishly FOR business and the wealthy exclusively at the cost of anything else.
It has truly become a white nationalist party.
I never thought I’d miss Nixon or Reagan, or even HWB. But with every election, I do more and more, to the point that Trump had become the obvious endpoint for the GOP trend.
I’m so glad to see someone like you actually stand up for principles. Thank you.
The Dems need to be careful, last we fail similarly. (See: DNC conspires to sideline Sanders emails).
All the best.
Great insight.
Bravo Zulu Slice ! As an X Rep myself I can tell you you did well , now take a long shower
( you’ll feel better ) and keep speaking up ! Besides the LITTLE WEENIE took 4 deferments but now seems to be a bad !#% , another arm chair tough guy.
Good for you! I applaud your courage.
Thank you for your courage in aligning with your beliefs and humanity and taking a stand. Hopefully people like you will revive the party and return it to an organizational force for good in the future. Thank you
Bravo
[…] Source: Resignation letter […]
I’m so glad that there is at least one republican, or rather former republican, that has seen the light. I hope your message is spread like wildfire. Thank you.
Thank you for your leadership and service to the Republican party and your community. I appreciate, respect, and agree with your convictions and values. As someone from the Reagan, Jack Kemp wing of the party; I also have grave concerns about the state of the Republican party and our future direction. We have lost our way and turned toward “nationalism” and isolationist as our standard. I may be joining you shortly.
When the doody hits the fan some people run and some people stay. Clearly you are a runner. The kind of guy that would have taken a seat on a Titanic lifeboat in spite of the order “women and children first.” As Henry Ford said, “character is not forged under adversity only exhibited.” “You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille.” I could go on and on as will the Republican Party. We will emerge stronger and greater having flung off the chaff of you and others of your ilk.
Good Bye!! U will not be missed! And for the record Trump will win! The people President!! Barbara J Morrone!
Nothing says the common touch like a billionaire (allegedly) born rich, who has his name in big gold letters everywhere he can put it, and sits on a throne like chair for enterviews. Are you one of the people who believe his scam, or one who knows it’s a scam but you just want to watch the world burn?
Or one who can’t tell a scam from the truth if it hit them between the eyes.
Obviously you believe the lies Trump has told; he is not the peoples President – the only person he has ever cared about is himself. He does not give a damn about this country – only what he can gain financially from it. His promises are empty – never to be fulfilled. A border wall will never be built, and certainly Mexico shouldn’t be expected to pay for it. He claims to love the veterans of this country – promised them some funds from the so-called fundraiser he held instead of participating in a debate – those funds have not been sent to this point in time, and never will be paid – oh, except to himself. What about the students of Trump University. He stole their money!! “Let’s make America great again” – If elected he will destroy this country and likely the world. You are a woman – but Trump actually can’t stand women – he uses them to prove he is a man, which he is not. If he should win, which I doubt, our only hope left will be his quick, and hopefully painful, demise.
You are one of those who obviously have bought the con man’s stuff. His former ghostwriter has figured out that Trump is a sociopath. A very effective one too. I know what they are because I’ve seen two up close in my career. Before you do, it’s hard to believe you can be fooled. Hopefully enough other honest people like Chris Ladd will see Trump for what he is. Otherwise, we’ll have America’s Hitler. God help us all if that happens.
Is your last name pronounced “moron”?
The people’s President? You need to see a shrink. He is nothing, I repeat nothing but a con man. By the way, he will NOT win because at the ballot the citizens of this great country vote the correct way. G W Bush won because of a coup by the spaghetti eaters in the Supreme Court, otherwise, Gore will have won handily in FL. Obama won handily with McCain and Romney had ONLY an acceptance speech written and got trashed. I hope you get the meaning of my message! It is Hillary in 2016.
It would be interesting to see if Ms. Marrone could articulate what Trump’s platform is. Any bets about that possibility?
I agree with you 100%. “Bye Felicia!” You won’t be missed. Just out of curiosity to those that hold Trump in such contempt for his financial accomplishments, have you taken a look at Hilary’s “humble” life style? Really?! Yes, Trump’s dad was a financial success and Trump has followed in his footsteps and has gone further. If you’re looking to vote for someone that comes from humble beginnings and has settled for that (fyi,that represents 0 of the candidates), then that’s an interesting choice.
You, just like Sharon have just blathered out non truths passed from computer to computer.. Her husband could not get away with having a blow job. How the hell do you small minded people think they could actually get away with murder. You complain about HRC’s lies. Go to public television online and they have fact checked all of his lies from just his acceptance speech. You won’t even have to think so hard about how to do it yourself
It took courage for this man to speak.
Please. I suggest you re-read the letter and then read the Charge of the Light Brigade.
I used to joke I wouldn’t vote Republican because everytime there was a Republican I could support (John Anderson, McCain in 2000) the Republicans made sure he lost in the primaries. But I have never doubted that there were Republicans who loved their country and whose voices should be heard. I understood why you would vote for Ford and Bush Sr. and Bob Dole and John McCain. Heck, I even understood why you’d vote for Romney. This year you could have run Lindsay Graham.
You chose Trump.
The Republican party started driving sensible Republicans out years ago. People I know who were Republican in college- proud conservatives in a Ivy league school – left you when the social issues became paramount.
This guy is who you wanted to keep – and now you refer to him as chaff? You doubt his character when making this letter public took great courage?
Paul Ryan should have 1/10th this guy’s character.
Very well said!
Good points Bridget.
Thirty years of Republican service is hardly “running when the doody hits the fan.” It hit the fan 16 years ago when Bush Jr became President. He toughed it out. With Trump the nominee, the Republican party has no moral high ground, no strength of character. It’s the Titanic – praised by everyone on the right for being the Grand Old Party, but doomed to fail and sink forever, due to the iceberg that is Trump. He’s already gouged the bottom of the ship – and come November, the party will be lost for good.
A stronger person knows when to say when. Bravo, Mr. Ladd, too bad your not running…
Spoken like a Trump true believer: Someone who has devoted 30 years to the party, who has stuck with it through some dark days indeed, writes a well-reasoned resignation letter and instead of pausing to consider whether he might be right, you weigh in with insults.
The GOP’s collective IQ has been plummeting recently as lifelong Republicans conclude that they cannot be part of a party that nominates Trump. When Nov. 9 dawns, you may find there is nothing left in the Republican Party except chaff.
No, sir, you’re just going down with the Titanic along with your misplaced sense of duty, heroism and fellow lemmings. I hope you recover and have the sense to rope together a few loose deck chairs to save yourself and a few others such that in your survival, you’ve seen the light. In tendering his resignation to the GOP, Mr. Ladd watched the Titanic sail from Southhampton, with profound regret. He made the better choice. Yours involves ropes and deck chairs. Good luck with that.
Thank for your comment!
I wasn’t sailing on the Titanic, and Mr. Ladd is now sitting on the shore counting his toes. I took the S.S. United States, and we (the Republicans) sailed into Washington D.C. through the storm and won the blue riband with all rope and deck chairs accounted for. How was your crossing?
Do you remember what the captain of the Titanic said to the passenger?
“Madam, only God himself could sink this ship.”
Talk to us when you’ve landed it in 4 years not now when you haven’t even left the dock.
You just don’t get it do you junior? It is in fact the weak willed bigots and psychopaths such such as your self and your icon Trump who lack the moral fiber to see reality. Instead, you learn to exist on lies and half truths. Feeding your warped spirit bike hatred while patting you fragile ego on the back to try to feel meaningful.
Indeed, It is you and your fascist leader who would be at the front of the line elbowing your way onto the lifeboats as you toss women and children into the cold slime of poverty. And as you sail off you convince yourselves it is right because you must preserve your foolish and dead end beliefs.
In fact, it is the writer of this piece who is at the back of the line helping to direct flow as the Tipublican goes down as you and your bloated pumpkin scramble to save your worthless hides.
He displayed his character by his public refusal to follow a transparently unfit “leader”.
He is no doubt enduring the opprobrium from people like you who might love to quote aphorisms but are woefully uninformed as to the consequences of following a candidate who blindly models his campaign on Hugo Chavez.
When the message is fear and panic and the solutions are “trust me”, no sane person should be following this person.
Here, here!
He displayed no character. Character would have been to write his resignation and move on. He chose to make a big media deal out of it. Publish it. He is just sore that the party isn’t revolving around his arrogant ass any longer. He can go get the attention he seeks somewhere else. I’ll be just fine with that.
Will m junior US wars have been supposedly fought so others could have freedom of speech. Clearly you don’t want any dissent to what the gop has become, you don’t want any in depth thought on where the party is going, and to what length it will go to compromise any principles in order to theoretically win. My relative has voted gop for 50+ years; not this year any longer.
You couldn’t be more incorrect. Disagreement I don’t mind. Dissent I don’t mind. A quitter when the going gets a little rough is intolerable.
wilmjunior, you are the chaff and the ilk. He just chaffed you off.
Not by a long shot Charlie.
So far I’d say the grand old party has been filling the lifeboats and kicking out the women and children just fine on their own. Good luck with that sentiment, Wilm. Go down with the ship.
Wrong!
I’m pretty sure Trump would’ve pushed women & children to get a seat on the lifeboat.
Anyone is better than Killary!
I’m right there with you. Check out my experience and resignation from the Santa Fe County Republican Party https://jointheblockparty.com/2016/07/19/just-how-grand-is-the-old-party/
Good Bye!! U will not be missed! And for the record Trump will win! The people President!! Barbara J Morrone!
i FEEL SO SAD FOR YOUR IGNORANCE. IT’S LIKE SUPPORTING ADOLF HITLER WHO PERSECUTED RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES AND WAS HIS OWN BEST SUPPORTER. SO SAD, SAD. PLEASE EDUCATE YOURSELF AS A HUMAN BEING WHO IS PART OF THE HUMAN RACE NOT TRUMPS RACE. WE ARE ALL ONE AND AS THE GREAT PROPHET AND HEALER TAUGHT, WHAT YOU DO UNTO THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN, YOU DO TO ME.
Evidently your faith is important to you, yet you support a man who has had 3 wives, icheated on at least two of them, and is known to enjoy crushing people in business deals. What kind of religion is it that would make you feel good about supporting a man like this?
Morrone rhyme with phony?
People such as yourself are worse than sheep – you seem to have no morals, you seem someone you perceive as the leader, the winner, willing to follow no matter what comes out of their mouth which issues from their innermost thinking. Trump has done nothing to hide what he really thinks of various groups of people, and you ignore it. Shame on you.
Is it Morrone or Moron?
Good for you. We need people to set the example that Ryan, McCain, McConnell, etc. won’t.
Like your icon. thanks for your input.
Bravo Mr Ladd. A beautifully cogent argument for relying on your conscience and not politics as usual. I too am horrified by the direction the Republican Party has been heading for many years; starting with Nixon, followed by GWB and now leading us up to Trump. My Country before any Party. When a party becomes known as the obstructionist party… the party of “no”… I am appalled that it has any members. What kind of legacy is that? Trump represents our weaknesses, all of our least admirable qualities….xenophobia, racism, isolationism… Hate. I am ashamed that he is even considered a viable candidate and it reflects badly on our Nation. If he wins he will seriously take us down a road we may never find our way back from…
Very nicely put, Mr. Ladd.
Bravo.
I have known and liked some Republicans, even while not at all liking their ideologies on American society and government. I have never more liked a Republican I have never known as much as do now.
As a lifelong Democrat, I have always known Republicans with whom I could talk issues, be friends, even (ever more rarely) vote. Not anymore. As I watched the m at the RNC, I kept wondering where the voices of conscience were hiding. Thank you for stepping up.
Hmmm. It’s little late in the game for your remorse having set this table of poisoned food Chris.
I someone who has been participating here for years, I can tell you that you have jumped to the wrong conclusions. Chris has been calling out the bigots and the science deniers and the troglodytes for a long time. Go read some of the archives.
He may have spoken out in the past… but as a black liberal, what I’d like to know is that given what appears extremely clear to me and other liberals, there are just too many social positions (that cause very real harm to others) that the GOP is simply on the wrong side on….what is sooooooo much more important about the GOP’s position that makes people like Chris continue to support the party all those years? I have never met anyone that truly understood economic issues deeply enough to use that as justification. What I see in Trump that has Chris concerned HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE!
I think there is absolutely another underlying cause for such cognitive dissonance. When nearly all blacks are against your party, amd have been dor decades now…. you guys, if you were intellectual honest would admit something is wrong.
Finally, Libertarians is no different than any other conservative, except that the conscience is a wee bit more bothersome to them, but not enough to fully break free of the underlying problem with conservatism. Imo
I’m going to have to develop a “cut and paste” response to these kinds of posts. READ through Chris’ archives. You will find that he not only understands Black needs, but that he actively participates with a Black foundation that is working to expand opportunity and understanding of Black needs.
Sometimes, not always, you can do more good and help a cause by working from within the system. Chris tried that for years. It didn’t work, but he never abdicated his convictions or principles especially on equal rights.
It is never too late to make a move for sweeping change that will benefit everyone.
Never.
Mac, do yourself a favor. Read Lifer’s archives…Go all the way back to his Houston Chronicle days. Become infomred before you make presumptions like “he set this table”. Lifer embodies the best values of what used to be a fine Republican Party (disclaimer – I am a life-long Democrat but I value a strong two-party system that has integrity).
Do your homework. Those of us who have been following Lifer for even a short time know better. Treat yourself to his archives. Then, see if you feel differently about his resignation.
Chris, Thank you for your thoughtful and eloquent words. I too have been a lifelong republican. I am afraid to speak against Trump even now, in my community. If he’s elected, I cannot become a good nazi. I encourage everyone to not only vote your conscience but speak up, now.
I don’t know if the Republican Party will survive this election. Perhaps we need a fiscally conservative, socially liberal alternative to both parties.
Lucky for you, there is exactly already on the 2016 ballot in the Libertarian Parry ticket of Johnson/Weld.
Or at least, that’s how they define themselves. I don’t consider eliminating capital gains/inheritance tax, eliminating income tax, and implementing an extremely regressive 24% sales tax to be “fiscally responsible” at all.
Compared to Trump/Pence though, these guys are Lincoln/Kennedy
Don’t you wonder, Rob, how many of those who say they’re going to vote for the Libertarian candidates have even read the platform? I doubt so.
I agree with you. The issue is twofold: 1) How can we change our system (it really needs to change) with all of the blocks that exist in the Constitution and 2) How can we get the money out of politics. All the networks give visible coverage to Trump. I am sure there is big money being pass under the table. Money, money and more money is the order of the day.
We can start with winning the Presidency and retaking the Senate and appointing a SC justice who will look at cases fairly. Then we can repeal Citizens United and launch a search for the best models in other successful democracies. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just be humble enough and agreeable enough to embrace one that will work.
For those of you who don’t like Donald Trump – so your answer to the world problems is voting for Hillary Clinton?????
Voting for a third party is a waste of time and just making you feel like your doing something – when you clearly are wasting your time and electing Hollary Clinton. I understand that you may not approve of Donals Trump, however, to vote in Hillary hardly seems like an acceptable or wise option.
“For those of you who don’t like Donald Trump – so your answer to the world problems is voting for Hillary Clinton?????”
Um, yes. Those of us with the critical thought required to see that 90% of HRC negatives are right wing propoganda (I.e. the majority of commenters on this blog) hold this truth to be self evident.
What?! You were clearly never a conservative to begin with. Anyone who makes such a statement has been in the tank for Hillary all along, Trump or no Trump.
Newsflash for you, there’s people here from all over the political spectrum. I’m center-left. I’m happy to talk issues with anyone who is intelligent and civil.
I’m quite Progressive, yes. I haven’t been anything close to believing in conservative “values” since I was about 18 and learned to think for myself.
Despite the blog title, the commwnting community here is not at all conservative, or majority Republican. It’s not necessarily Progressive or Democratic either (although most commebters lean that way). It’s primarily a fact based, empirical message board. That that tends to attract a generally Progressive crowd is not really surprising, but rest assured, if you can back up your statements here, they will be considered seriously and respectfully. If you just parrot the same tired old right wing talking points though that have been already discredited though, you won’t get very far here.
You think HRC is a horrible pick for Prez? You think shes worse then Trump? That’s fine. Explain why. Using verified facts, and reliable sources, and we can debate. But if it includes things like “EMAILS!!!” or “BENGHAZIIII!!” then jsut don’t bother, no need to waste everyone’s time.
You do not know more about the emails then FBI director Comey and his team that read literally every single one. That this Republican civil servant chose not to prosecute is incontrovertible evidence that HRC did not commit crminal acts. If she did, he would have been thrilled to recommend prosecution.
Likewise, you do not know more about Benghazi then the Benghaiz Congressional Committee that spent years and millions to turn over every leaf. The fact that their investigation turned up absolutely nothing is incontrovertible evidence that there is no there there.
If you have another critique, by all means, make your case. Just be sure to show your work.
(-;
Would you care to elaborate exactly why you think HRC would be such a disaster? We have standards here- you have to back up the things you say.
Fly, let me speak for our new friend:
1. Emails!!!!
2. BENGHAZZZZZZZZZI!!!!!!!!
Im open to be proven wrong here, and i woukd take seriously any actual critique using documented facts, but my guess is that’s pretty much it.
You forgot that she “enabled” Willy on his sexual capers….It really was all Hillary’s fault, you see.
Let’s not underestimate the degree to which people just feel genuinely uncomfortable about a woman asking for the highest position of power in the world. Not saying or insinuating that that’s Dannie, but a lot of people do feel that way. Sad.
Where we have women running government and business, generally (not always) they are doing a damn fine job.
That is your choice and THE WORLD WILL NOT ACCEPT “DONNIE TRUMP”
“LOVE ” always trumps HATE ! You have to watch them Only “I CAN FIX IT “dudes.
SO SAYS WHO????
Absolutely. There is no way for one woman to accomplish all she is supposed to have done and not end up in prison. DC is a fish tank with everyone wanting to get the goods on the other. HRC is so hated by the right wing and lucky for her there have been so many investigations ,inquiries and inquisitions all paid for by the taxpayers. The light has been shining on her for years. If there is something there and the repub investigations did not find it then the Repubs are incompetent as hell. The repubs have spent so much taxpayer money investigating her repeatedly the should have to pay it back. After all even Kevin McCarthy ( a Repub) spoke loudly and clearly into the reporters microphone that the Benghazi hearing was to derail HRC’s political chances
While I may disagree with some of your politics, I respect your integrity!
Mr. Ladd,
I wish you would explain to those of who support Mr. Trump wholeheartedly WHY we shouldn’t treat your screed as simply more whining from a RINO who long ago lost his way.
The FACT is, the election of Ronald Reagan and his cheerfully optimistic conservatism wasn’t an end unto itself. It wasn’t any kind of crowning achievement. Rather, it was the BEGINNING of a long-term battle to repudiate all the horrible things progressivism has forced down this country’s throat since the beginning of the Civil War. Because progressivism truly is a cancer that has rotted America’s soul from the inside out.
After the freeing of the slaves came women’s suffrage. And after that came the creation of the FDA (which was the first in a series of federal regulatory agencies that comprise the nanny state). Then there was the rise of the labor movement, which is rooted in communism, and the 40-hour-work week, and then children lost the freedom to work with the advent of federal child labor laws. And then came Social Security, racial integration in the schools, desegregation of public accommodations, the end of poll taxes/tests, the minimum wage and the unconstitutional overturning of state anti-miscegenation laws by the U.S. Supreme Court. All of those were directly contrary to the principles that this country was founded upon, and all of those movements were led by progressives.
And by the time all of that was over, in the late 1960s, a white restaurant owner couldn’t legally bar a mixed-race couple from his establishment, his PRIVATE PROPERTY, because the Supreme Court had decided the 10th Amendment was just a bunch of hooey. Instead, he HAD to let them chase away all his other customers, which meant he would go out of business.
Of course, the progressives did not stop there. Next they waged the battle for the Equal Rights Amendment (which Thank GOD was never ratified). And to kick the Holy Bible out of public schools. And then for forced busing to achieve school desegregation. And so on and so on, until last year, when the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in all the states.
It is never ending with these progressive traitors.
The BEST thing Reagan did was to cancel the Fairness Doctrine. Its demise has allowed the popular rise of great thinkers like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin.
THEY know that the work of conservatives is never ending, that one-by-one we must dismantle ALL the tenets of progressivism; even the ones that today we take for granted.
That WILL happen, though I may not live long enough to see it. But one day, TRUE CONSERVATIVES will lead this country back to the peaceful and genteel days of the 1840s, when women and blacks knew their place; when workers dared not go on strike for fear of being beaten and/or shot; when black and white students alike could concentrate on their studies, free from the distractions caused by sitting next to students of other skin colors; and when onerous government regulation didn’t stymie the economy and so on and so on and so on.
By that time, hopefully, all the progressives will be rotting in labor camps or otherwise incarcerated, where they can’t foment trouble in society.
Mr. Trump is leading our movement now, but others will rise to carry his torch of FREEDOM onward.
Good riddance to you, Mr. Ladd. But watch out — you may end up in one of those re-education camps one day!
Great satire. You should write for TV.
My sentiments exactly… Great satire 🙂
Arthur is the king of satire. If you haven’t read him before Google him and enjoy. I lmao at his letter to Sen. Tom Cotton.
“Arthur” is so far down the list of GOP posts today that I don’t know if I can find it. Can you help with a link to his work Right On?
You are exactly the dinosaur he wrote about, blacks and women knowing their place? Those days are gone, no matter how you long for them. Like any living thing you will need to adapt or be left in the dustbin of history, and good riddance.
I’m pretty sure that this is satire. Most people who really feel that way and comment on the Internet don’t write that well.
Let us hope……..
Read it again with an open mind and then delete your comment. It is satire of the highest brilliance.
I am just a concerned American who grew up in a multi-cultural community that sees a lot of other Americans taking sides for one party or another. Where has all the common sense gone? My 84 year old Mother who is 1st generation Mexican-American said that when she was in elementary school asked her teacher, am I a democrat or a republican? The teacher replied, your last name is Carrillo, you’re a democrat. I am a believer of in the God of Isaac, Jacob & Abraham, The God of the Bible first, a proud American 2nd that just wants the best for her country. Putting all politics aside, what makes sense?! This is not a popularity contest but at this pivotal moment in our history, I either don’t vote because I don’t love either candidate option, or I bite the bullet and vote for the only common sense option available, which is Donald Trump. Hilary Clinton simply is not an option for me, I know you that Donald Trump thinks very highly of himself but he is the only one that is talking about the real issues. Let’s be very honest! He is not promoting fear, he’s stating the facts about all of the violence in our land. Don’t pretend these are random acts of violence. We are considered infidels to our enemy and they do want us and Israel annihilated. Donal Trump & Mike Pence will not be in charge all by themselves. They both have the sense to call on experts in the various fields that they will need to counsel with for important decision making. There is a saying in the Military; there are no atheists in fox holes. What we all need to do is to go back to the basics that our country was founded on. We need to get down on our knees (a position of humility and submission) and pray to The Almighty God, and ask for forgiveness, ask Him for His direction and beseech Him to heal our land. There comes a point where admission is needed that we are powerless without Him. In Him we live and move and have our being. Thank God for free speech!
Well, IF Donald Trump is elected, you are going to really, really need HIM. If this amoral man is your idea of a common sense choice for POTUS, all the prayer in the world won’t be enough for the damage he will do.
That’s why we need to pray and ask for wisdom and guidance at this pivotal time in our country.
Prayer is fine, but the good Lord gave each of us a brain. Use it. Do your homework. Then make a decision. I doubt we’ll have a winged messenger from above bring down instructions. Be responsible by reading up on all the candidates.
“Let’s be very honest! He is not promoting fear, he’s stating the facts about all of the violence in our land. ”
Ok, that kind of proves my point exactly that I was saying above, about facts.
You seem to believe that crime is very high. It isn’t. It’s in fact at multi decade lows. It’s safer in America rigt now then it ever has been in your life.
From the FBI
It is understandable you think this way. The media knows violence sells, and they push the narrative that crime is on the rise, especially right wing media. I’m willing to bet you get the majority of your news from right wing media, so that makes you especially susceptible to this lie. Your vote is far too important to throw away because of your own ignorance.
Remember: democracy only works if we have an INFORMED population. The media shares some blame but at the end of the day, it’s your job to inform yourself. Check your biases and insist on credible sources. Note that Fox News and Rush Limbaugh (and CNN for that matter) are not necessarily “credible sources”.
Also Pauline, as a believer in the “God of Abraham” first, I would’ve thought you would be horrified with Trump, specifically his anti Muslim rhetoric and policies, considering that they too, worship the God of Abraham. I would have thought you would be more interested in standing up for them.
You know Abraham had a son Isaac, right, and Isaac went on to found Israel? He also had another son, Ishamail with his wife Sarah’s handmaiden (Hagar). Isaac went on to found the nation of Israel (of which Christianity is a direct descendant) and Ishmail (according to the Qu’ran) went on to found the lineage that led to Islam..
Both religions worship the same God. The God of Abraham. The difference is, in English, the name for this being is “God”. In Arabic, it is ” Allah”. Even Arabic Cheistians, who believe in Jesus was the son of God, call God ‘Allah’.
So I would expect someone who believes in the God of Abraham to show solidarity with ALL of the adherents to their God, not just the white ones.
Hi Rob, thank you for taking the time to respond. Don’t blow a gasket, we are two concerned citizens that care about our country having dialogue about the things we care about. Regarding Donald Trumps fears about terrorism, he’s just stating facts. I don’t watch any other station for news except local news channels and C-span. Don’t put me in your stereotypical box and I won’t do the same for you. I never said anything negative about Muslims by you seem to want to bring something negative out. You sound like a pessimist. I don’t give much adherence to the published FBI graphs because that is their published information to those that might need that misinformation in order to feel safer and stay il-informed. Was there a known terrorist recently that just bulldozed in a large heavy truck that senselessly killed 84 human beings while injuring many more? And in Florida, recently, there was another attack on a known gay club that killed many other human beings? I don’t have the time to go on and on. I have to clean my house now. I hope that you are not defending or looking for permission to vote for HRC. My point in saying what I first commented on that you responded to was just to say,…let’s be real and use the common sense that Hashem gave us. God be gracious to you, may He make His face to shine upon you and grant you His shalom! Have a peaceful weekend.
Arthur,
A while back there was a radio show on a paid for radio station here in Florida, it was a Libertarian show. and oddly, a lot of what you say above, facetiously, they in all seriousness, called for. i remember once the guest complained the medical doctors needed a license to practice medicine. No one should have to go through the indignity of getting a license for anything, plumbers or neurosurgeons! Let the market place sort of the bad apples.
As someone who has had brain surgery, let me tell you, i personally am very glad for all the left wing progressive communist rules about licenses!!
Most of all this can be rectified. The consequences of budget deficits and polluting, various discrimination and wars, to some extent can and will be reversed. BUT climate change, that’s another story! Like cancer, there is a day after which both are irreversible and fatal. I have read that we are past the day when global warming can be changed. And the Republican House, all forward looking people as we know, just passed a bill demanding the military not study the effects of global warming on our defense! No bills to thwart man made global warming will come out of the House in the near future. Possibly not in my lifetime (I am 71!).
Sadly our grandchildren, i have none so I do not have to worry about them, will ask why we did nothing about such an obvious problem! I do not think responding “Ask your Republican friends!” will console them!
We do live in interesting times. We just have to try to survive them
I have yet to hear any of the deniers who push the consripacy theory that it’s all a liberal wealth redistribution/ power seizing scam why some decidedly non-liberal organizations such as the Pentagon or Lloyds of London or Royal Dutch Shell take climate change deadly seriously. My challenge remains- explain exactly how they are part of the plot.
I’m glad I continued reading after the “I support Trump” sentence. Brilliantly put! I am going to repost this, I hope you don’t mind?
Your entire garbage can be summed up with the statement, “Children lost the freedom to work.” Wow.
Come on bro. The “kids lost the ability to work” thing was clearly the tell.
I was unsure if this was a serious piece or sharp satire until that point, which of course was why they put it in there.
That’s the problem with a lot of online comments and “news” sites. If it doesn’t make it obvious that it’s satire through its over-the-top writing and wit, then it doesn’t have the intended effect. Unfortunately, every single thing out of Trump’s mouth sounds like it should have been posted on a satirical newstainment blog, but then it turns out that he means it.
Trump means it…..at the moment he utters it, until he changes his mind…..
Oh…and it’s “sis.”
Satire… Satire!
I actually started to get mad reading this, then realized it was satire, and relaxed and enjoyed every word, until I started realizing again that this is the way a lot of people think, and then I started getting mad again.
Exactly… scary isn’t it!
OK, this is just a spectacular “indictment” of progressive values. I would very much like to use this on my blog. May I have your permission to quote you?
Do you not read this piece as satire Ms. Thomas?
Indeed. While the conservative movement has never been nearly this bad, and there have been some very honorable and respectable individual conservatives, the entirety of American society can be basically summed up as progressives making thisbnarion a better country with conservatives doing their best to stop or slow that progress.
The parties themselves are fluid. The progressive Abe Lincoln was a Republican , just like the progressive Barack Obama is a Democrat. The labels change. What remains true is that conservatism is, in general, a pox.
Exactly!
Nope, conservatism is not in and of itself a pox. Conservatism helps keep us from become a flavor of the month political beliefs.
Both parties, both ideologies must go to evidence based thinking. I was not a big believer in no child left behind – but the metrics it required pointed out serious problems. And that’s the kind of data we need.
That’s solid thinking, Bridget. You go to the head of the class!
You are quite insane, and the reason responsible republicans, like the author, are abstaining from voting- or leaving the party altogether. Your list of “great thinkers” literally made me laugh out loud- I would make a joke about a comparatively ludicrous list of narcissistic nut jobs on the left, but there truely is no comparison. Best of luck in establishing your racist, sexist, homophobic, fossil fuel guzzling, colonial country of your dreams- I hear Antarctica has lots of room, so maybe gather all the likeminded “republicans” and head down there? No other country has a serious movement to reverse 200+ years of growth and progress. I think if we want to make America great, we’d have to start with shipping your lot off to a country that better matches your misguided social policy preferences- Saudi Arabia perhaps?
People actually believe that shit?
You are SO WRONG on so many levels that a rational person knows you are way beyond any type of dialogue or discussion.
We may need to ask Mr. mooffalata (pun pleaz) to ‘fess up. Satire or diatribe?
You truly are delusional ,a racist and a perfect Trump supporter ,it’s called progressing ,you want to regress to the good old time of slavery and child labor .You are truly a pathetic individual .
“Mr. Ladd,
I wish you would explain to those of who support Mr. Trump wholeheartedly WHY we shouldn’t treat your screed as simply more whining from a RINO who long ago lost his way”
As a godless, Progressive LIBRUL, (as many commenters here are. Or at least, the progressive liberal part) we’ve had many debates over the years with Chris as to why he stuck to his guns in the GOP, rather then come to the Dems, which seems like a more natural fit with his political values and policies.
To answer your question specifically, asking Chris to explain how he is not just a sore losing RINO, he already has, in hundreds of blog posts going back years. It’s incumbent on you to now go back and read them if you actually want answers to your question.
Might I suggest starting here?
Then go here
You sir espouse an excellent reason to not vote Republican…re read your post….why are you so full of hate??? Please do not tell me that you are a Christian…why does the color of ones skin make anyone either superior or inferior ??? Why is it the right of some to have a quality education and not others??? Why do you feel that progressives are the problem because they believe in equality, fairness for all, the right to vote, real freedom for All, education, an end to discrimination, everyone deserves to be treated equally and enjoy the freedoms that this great country affords us, etc??? As far as ending up in a “re education” camp…maybe you need to re think your own thinking and opinions…what would make one so full of hate for others???? Wow.. Peace…and believe me I am saying a lot of prayers for you.
It was Satire. Did you not read all the comments after it? It’s been said half a dozen times.
Lots of first time readers here, Lifer. I so hope they will take the time to access your archives and learn how long and how deeply you’ve been fighting this dragon. Come on, people! Before you put your opinions out there, do.your.homework!
I personally hope none of us live to see the horrible days that you speak of!!!! You are an absolute idiot! Based on your own words, you are in No Way, Shape or Form a Christian!!! Please don’t insult the true Christians by trying to pretend to be one. Anyone with a faith in God wouldn’t talk about others like that or deem others as being less than. You make me sick to my stomach!
Satire. It was satire.
THAT is superb, provocative prose. Unfortunately, it’s transparency is its fault, it was a great attempt at baiting a reaction.
Wow you slithering slime wack jobs just seem to pop up all the wrong times.
My, my, my. The very image of Trump speaks…..for the world to see just what lies ahead if Trump wins. Thank you sir for illustrating so clearly exactly what a Trump presidency will do in this land called America.
Mr. Mofo. is a congenital idiot!
Scary Gary
Mr Mofo is a brilliant satirist. Maybe you should re-read after looking up the word “satire”
Listen not to the Jeremiads of the whacko-birds. Remember that they were convinced in 2008 that we would today be bereft of our guns, forced to marry horses and gathered into FEMA camps at the hands of a socialist, Muslim president from Kenya (can’t you see he’s BLACK?!?). Remember that the Affordable Care Act is a copy and paste version of a Republican plan (can’t you see he’s BLACK!?!?!?).
Excellent blog, terrific posts and congrats on bringing much-needed critical thinking to a party that seems to vilify such pursuits. Don’t quit; press conservative thinkers to reconsider tired biases, come into the new world of 21st century America and attract rather than repel people of patriotic goodwill.
Ryan Gierach 323) 309-1192 historian, journo, thinker
Arthur,
All of my life I have struggled to explain my feelings about the demise of good, Christian Western Civilization. In the face of laughter, derision, insults and all kinds of negativity, I still persevered.
Then, just a minute ago, I read your outline. With your permission, I will now plagiarize your thoughts in the hopes of finally convincing people of the wrong path of our nations progress.
Good luck to you sir, and Godspeed. You write well.
Tom
If anyone needs a re-education camp, it is assuredly you. You’re living in the wrong century and the wrong country. When Drumpf loses, perhaps you’ll consider finding a new home. You seem much more suited to be a citizen of, say, Saudia Arabia.
Do you know what “satire” us? Look it up, then reread the comment.
Love it!
Mofodopoulis? Greek yeah? Trump would never let you in!
Thank you for your forthright, public stance. I hope it can encourage those like-minded but still silent to do the same. The only hope for the GOP long-term may be to have this current aberrant version of it pummeled.
Trump’s acceptance speech reminded me of a politician of year’s ago. Raise your hand and salute. “Hial Hitler”
You’re not the only one who thought he wanted a salute. https://twitter.com/hyteckit/status/756157493298941953/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
[…] Ladd wrote in a letter he sent to his local party’s chairman in suburban Chicago and posted to his blog Friday that “There is no redemption in being one of the ‘good […]
Finally someone has the moral fiber to step up & step out of this mad mans web of lies,
self praise & destruction of American values. I hope you will be an option X ample to
many others. Congratulations sir.
[…] Ladd wrote in a letter he sent to his local party’s chairman in suburban Chicago and posted to his blog Friday that “There is no redemption in being one of the ‘good […]
I, too, have left the Republican Party after voting in every election since 1970. The disaster the party has become began with Bush II (who happens to be my cousin). It descended into ineptitude with a do-nothing Congress under Obama’s tenure. And now its complete and utter failure with the worst, unqualified, narcissistic demagogue ever seen in American politics. My wife, too dropped her registration as a Republican. We will likely vote Libertarian.
Actually it began long before the disastrous consequences of your cousin on Pennsylvania Ave. But at least you’re trying to be faithful to yourself.
Either Trump or Hillary will be president. Do your duty and choose the lesser of the evils. If so many people had not voted Perot there would not be ever a president Clinton.
You mean the most popular president in modern history? The one with the last budget surplus?
Yeah, what a disaster that was.
I won’t vote for Clinton and was hoping to find some reason(s) to support Trump. But my conscience leads me instead to Johnson/Weld, because I am at heart financially conservative and socially liberal.
I will vote for Clinton, just to stop Trump. I’d rather have 4 more years of a Democrat in charge, than 1 second of the likes of Donald J. Trump.
Smart, Dave. All those who despise Trump but plan to vote Libertarian will be aiding Trump’s chances to defeat the only viable candidate alternative in the race. It’s going to be a hard decision for many, but think of what could happen if the 3rd party vote pushed Trump over the top. Think it couldn’t happen? Watch.
Same here Dave.
Will the last person leaving the Republican party please turn out the light? Thank you
I’ll be voting for Clinton, but I think voting for Johnson is a perfectly acceptable choice for those who can’t stand either major party candidate.
If the Libertarian candidate splits enough votes away from Clinton, those words might come back to haunt you. Everyone’s right? Absolutely. Smart given the distinct possibility of a Trump narrow win? No Way. This is one time when people are going to have to be smart with their vote.
Is eliminating income taxes, capital gains taxes, and inheritance taxes and replacing it with an extrenely regressive tax regime “fiscally Conservative” though? Johnson is, in many ways, a solid pick, specifically with his socially liberal values, and his contempt for the failed war in drugs. He is light years better then Trump.
But it seems to me, if “fiscally conservative” was my benchmark, I’d look at the last president who blanaced the books and provided a budget surplus. You know, the last president who has been an unquestionably fiscal conservative.
Spoiler alert: it’s Bill Clinton.
Then you are, information fact, supporting Trump. Unless you live in a red state.
* in fact
I have to admire anyone that speaks against Trump, his enemies list will make Nixon’s look like nothing.
Those who jump ship are far and few, but it happens every election in both parties. Frankly, I applaud them when then do. I’d rather have someone committed working next to me then someone doing something half assed with no enthusiasm.
“I’d rather have someone committed working next to me then someone doing something half assed with no enthusiasm.”
Precisely why Hitler created the SS.
Outstanding, in depth and thoroughness on many levels. Your singular clarity, and mature thoughts are an important final damnation of what the GOP became. (A consequence of refusing to understand evolution seems likely.) Please accept my condolences, and thank you for speaking out!
– Tom
[…] Ladd wrote in a letter he sent to his local party’s chairman in suburban Chicago and posted to his blog Friday that “There is no redemption in being one of the ‘good […]
One more link for evetyone’s entertainment:
https://www.asc.upenn.edu/news-events/news/new-study-shows-reading-harry-potter-lowers-americans’-opinions-donald-trump
“Expelliarmus!!”
I agree I left after George W Bush pushed Colin Powell to lie about WMD ruining a good man’s career then invaded Iraq making Cheney a billionaire. Follow the money who wanted this neverending war. His dad another good man wouldn’t even speak to him.
New term: Jurassic Park GOP
If Powell where so inclined, he could write the ultimate tell-all book. But his personal code of honor is not to tell. I’ve got to respect him for sticking to it, even when he was hung out to dry at the UN.
The tale of the rogue delegate:
http://www.vox.com/2016/7/23/12258018/republican-convention-delegate-nevertrump
Welcome to Trumpville. Or, this is how it’s gonna be around the WH if he wins….
Lifer,
Do not know if someone posted this but you made the big time, New York Daily News! Now you are really famous! This could land you a job in the Trump cabinet:-)!
Seriously, you are a breath of fresh air in an otherwise dreary political world. Sadly, with your common sense and appeal to facts and reality, you have no place in US politics:-)!
Hope you keep up the blog. You would be sorely missed if you left!!
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/goplifer-blogger-resigns-party-trump-article-1.2722168
Let’s see if Trump honors him with some of those trademark childish insults.
If he does, he will have underestimated his foe and the strength of his following. Let us hope that Lifer’s letter sparks a movement within the Republican Party to re-examine their hearts and minds. I’d say “heads” but that would be asking for too much (-;
We are so HAPPY for this guy as now he can contribute his time and money to the TEA PARTY! Welcome aboard Chris!
Lol. Got a feeling that won’t be happening.
Might not want to get your hopes up too high there, pal.
Another hopeful who hasn’t been following Lifer very long. I suggest you read his archives (he’s got some that deal with the TP) before you invite him into your band of crazies who literally spawned Donald Trump. Your Freedom Caucus is the epitome of anti-democracy. And, that is definitely NOT what Chris Ladd stands for.
Well said!