Rules of the Loyal Opposition

America does not remember what a loyal opposition looks like. With the exception of a few weeks after 9/11, we’ve had a Democratic Party that has consistently chosen to act in what it believes to be it’s own political interests rather than the best interests of the American people.

Now, it’s time to lay out simple rules of conduct:

1) National Security

It’s a cliche that has been ignored these past seven years, but politics stops at the waters edge. No member of congress and no reasonable political activist ought to be playing games with the lives of American citizens or soliders. When it comes to International Affairs, in terms of ultimate goals and objectives, there is only one side, “The American side.”

This does not mean that should the President propose sending our troops on idiotic missions (ex: President Clinton’s desire in the 1990s to committ U.S. Troops to Haiti to restore a Marxist dictator to power.) that Conservatives should not object, but what it does mean is using our troops and our national security for the sole purpose of scoring points is wrong.

2) Domestic Policy

When the President is right, support him. When the President is wrong, oppose him. When the President is not far off, compromise with him.

There ought to be no a period where the President gets everything he wants or where legislation that will harm America in the long-run is passed in order to play nice. It’s like getting a tattoo while you’re drunk, only with farther reaching circumstances.

3) Root Out Criminals in Politics but don’t Criminalize Politics

It’s perfectly legitimate to question an issue like the fact that the man who will be over the IRS went four years without paying taxes. It’s not, however to be jabbing at every appointee of an Administration, hoping to get some blood. Stay away from digging for salacious dirt and do what’s best for the American people and work to build their trust.