James May-June 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 43
and GOP dominated legislatures. Owning the term “democracy” is political gold and the word “authoritarian”
political dynamite.
IF THE SHOE FITS . . .
Republicans must wear it. Republicans in recent
years suffer from a tenuous relationship with white suburban women and younger voters. They are being made
to feel guilty in the classrooms, carpool lines or suburban
tennis matches that they were born white or were provided opportunities while growing up. It translates that
“Republicans are the racist party” by default.
When Roe v. Wade was overturned, some Republican
leaders decided to up the ante on abortion laws. It’s logical
for Republicans, given their position on the matter, to advance protecting unborn lives. But to do so without a massive ad and public relations outreach campaign to those
essential demographic groups to explain their legislation
creates a political shoe so tight that an elephant’s foot has
no prayer of fitting. Hence the massive turnout and marginal losses for Republicans in many contests in 2022.
It’s the same for “increased gun rights.” How about
a massive paid media effort exposing voters to statistics
backing the claim that in areas where everyone is “packing
heat,” so to speak, gun violence drops. Ditto for the value
of armed security in every school. If the evidence exists
to support those concepts, why is it not front and center
in ads on popular TV shows and the web? Shucking and
jiving through endless mass shootings isn’t working— and
is costing the GOP with swing voters.
A LITTLE “PANDERING”
Lord knows both parties know how to pander, but
Republicans let their “fiscal responsibility” stand in the
way. Try this idea on for size, Republicans: Propose that
the government eliminate all these programs you view as
needless handouts, unappreciated foreign aid and government waste. Put it all into the Social Security “trust
fund” as sort of a “matching contribution” and give seniors a real live retirement that they can live on. Instead
of raising the age requirement for benefits, lower it! And
jack those payments way up while cutting out the leftwing “woke funding” you claim to despise to pay for it.
No one would ever expect that from the GOP. Yet
that would win Republicans a base they lost during the
pandemic. It could win the White House and the Senate
back. It could change the approach of conservative leaders worldwide, starting with France. It would reward the
one segment in America that deserves being rewarded.
Knowing most GOP leaders, though, that shoe won’t
fit their agenda either. They will deem it “unworkable.” Like
medical care for illegal immigrant “dreamers” and eliminating all student tuition loan debt is? Give me a break.
The elephant walk of 2024 could be straight off the
political cliff. But for this upcoming cycle, pollsters will be
extra careful not to march off that cliff with them.
Located in the heart of middle Georgia, conveniently off I-475 on
Middle Georgia State University’s campus in Macon, the Robert F.
Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center is a 20,000 sq. ft., modern facility
that is available to rent for your next event.
• Workshops and Seminars
• Conferences
• Weddings and Receptions
• Banquets and Galas
…and more!
On-site catering services are available. Ample parking for your
attendees is available adjacent to the Center.
Learn more at:
mga.edu/hatcher-conference-center
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