Cleaning House

Alan Keyes in his weekend column called for more than the election of a specific candidate to the Majority leader position, he called for a fundamental revamp of the GOP leadership:

With corruption in Washington on the front burner, it is high time for a return to Republican principle. Members of Congress who themselves recognize this necessity are calling for a “Clean Slate” election of congressional GOP leadership immediately – and I encourage American voters to contact their representatives in Washington and stoutly endorse this call. Under current rules, the House Republican Conference can set such an election by signed petition of 50 members.

The Republican Party needs to hold open elections at once for all of its congressional leadership positions if it is to successfully shed the stain of corruption and be seen as fit to govern America. National punditry and the news are rife with accusations and endless analysis of malfeasance. The “culture of corruption” that is purported to prevail throughout government is being trumpeted with glee by the mainstream media and out-of-power liberals with no other means of proclaiming their relevance. Yet tragically, these allegations are by no means entirely groundless or unfair – nor are they merely partisan. The GOP, in countless areas of principle and practice, has lost its way…

While the fact remains both major political parties appear tainted by lobbying largess, the media have unfairly proclaimed this to be a “Republican” scandal. Hence, it is for the good of the country and the good of the GOP to acknowledge the damage this has done and the need to visibly recommit the Republican Party to its Reagan Platform. Tinkering with specious so-called “lobbying reform” is not enough, especially since this has become the excuse for assaults on the political liberties of the people at large. We need a return to the bedrock principles of responsible, ethical leadership, which most Americans expect – and which authentic self-government demands.

Spot on. This is what needs to happen! We need change in Washington from top to bottom, particularly in the establishment leadership. Until we’re willing to make it happen, nothing will change.

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