Home Mobile Archives Reader Blogs Register Login

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Apparently North Dakotans Haven’t Had Enough

Earlier this week I posted about the North Dakota Democrats putting on so-called “Had Enough?” rallies, which were supposed to fire up North Dakotans to kick the incumbent Republicans in North Dakota out of office.  As I asked before, what is it, exactly, that North Dakotans are supposed to have had enough of?  Low unemploymentA rapidly growing economySurging tax receiptsA half a billion dollar state budget surplus?

Anyway, yesterday I saw on the ND Democrats blog that they’d released a schedule for the events, so I decided to attend the rally taking place in Minot.  I thought it might be fun.  Turns out it wasn’t so much a rally as a small meeting.  Seriously, subtracting the candidates in attendance (including Dem Tax Commissioner candidate Brent Edison), the organizer, the reporter/cameraman and me there were like three, maybe four, people there.

Here’s a picture of the attendees and some of the candidates:

image

Obviously, North Dakotans aren’t exactly chomping at the bit the bit to join Democrats in their quest to turn Republicans out of office.  At least not North Dakotans living in Minot, anyway.  And who can blame them given North Dakota’s boom times.  Things are going really well in North Dakota right now.  I know Democrats don’t want us to believe that because it’s devastating to their campaign efforts, but still.  The truth is the truth.

Brent Edison was the guest of honor at the event I attended.

image

He made his usual spiel about property taxes and school funding, but he still didn’t explain to anyone how he’s going to accomplish the campaign promises he’s making given that the Tax Commissioner’s office doesn’t have the power to do any of the things he’s talking about.

After Edison talked a couple of the local legislative candidates spoke for a bit, then they went around the room asking everyone to talk about why they were a Democrat.  Thankfully it didn’t get around to me (I don’t think anyone there knew who I was and it would have been a little awkward should I had to of explained to them why I’m not a Democrat), but I was struck by some of the answers given by the other attendees, especially the candidates.  They talked vaguely of social justice and using the government to help people while simultaneously being fiscally responsible (as though that were possible).  What I noticed was that none of them really talked about what they would do, policy wise, to accomplish the lofty goals they were setting out for themselves.

Maybe they were just trying to keep their answers short, or maybe they sensed the presence of a stinky conservative in their midst and didn’t want to reveal their secrets, but to me it was indicative of everything that is wrong with modern Democrats.  They’re long on complaining and Republican-bashing, but really short on solutions of their own.  And it’s like that all around the nation.  Democrats are quick to point to everything that’s wrong.  Sometimes they’re right and sometimes they’re wrong, but what they almost never do is tell us what they’d do to fix those wrongs.

There is a lot of anti-Republican sentiment out there this election season, but if Democrats win come November it won’t be because they fired up the electorate.  It will be because dissatisfied Republican voters stayed home.  Democrats will no doubt still crow about a victory for liberalism, but they’ll be wrong.  It will be a victory by default.

Comments

Avatar for Goon

Nothing like a good economy to bring out disgruntled democrats. Yawn.

Goon on October 7, 2006 at 11:23 am
Rob
Rob
19961 comments
Send a private message

Given what I saw there aren’t even that many disgruntled Democrats.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

robport.gif border=0

Rob on October 7, 2006 at 11:29 am
Avatar for Nancy Gooch

Rob, I knew who you were when you walked in the door of the Dem-NPL headquarters this morning. I shook your hand and welcomed you, knowing that you’re a Republican and probably not supportive. You looked uncomfortable, and now I understand.

I’m sorry you’re so critical of the Democrats. I don’t think you obtained those characteristics by sitting in the church pews, where I knew you when you were a young boy.
I don’t blame you for being defensive of the Republicans and loyal to the party that has been ingrained in your head. As for me, I grew up in a Republican household, but that party has changed since I was young. I am a Democrat at heart, and my hope is that we can make positive changes in our state and local government......for my daughters and for you. The future for our young people is important to me.

Thank you for the great photos of our headquarters, by the way. You should have stuck around this morning as more Democrats were in and out of the headquarters and enjoyed a chili lunch. You’re welcome to come again.

Nancy

Nancy Gooch on October 7, 2006 at 12:41 pm
Avatar for Kevin Flanagan

Did Brent Edison promise more of the ND overtaxation to members of labor union collectives?

Kevin Flanagan on October 7, 2006 at 12:59 pm
Rob
Rob
19961 comments
Send a private message

Nancy, I was a little uncomfortable because...honestly...it was my first time doing something like that.  I’ve never even been to a Republican meeting.

I’m actually pretty open-minded.  Regular readers of this blog will tell you that I’ve been disappointed with Republicans for some time now.  The problem is that I just don’t see Democrats offering any real alternatives to a conservative like me who is concerned about limited government and keeping this nation safe.  I heard a lot of talk in there about “social justice” and getting the government to do things for people, and that just doesn’t jibe with my personal feelings.

Democrats have a tendency to point to people in need and ask “Why aren’t we helping these people.” I look at people and need and wonder what circumstances exist that are preventing them from helping themselves.

I’m not critical of Democrats because I hate Democrats, and I’m a bit taken aback by your comment about me not learning my conservative values in church.  I’m critical of Democrats because I disagree with their policies.  That’s it.  I’m always open to listening to what Democrats have to say, but the simple fact of the matter is that I am a conservative and most Democrats are liberals.  We just see the world differently, though I would say that we’re all pretty much just trying to solve the same problems.  Just in different ways.

I would have stayed longer, but you guys were going out to knock on doors (I can’t imagine that you would have appreciated an avowed conservative knocking on doors for you) and I had lunch plans with my parents.  But I did enjoy the event and would like to attend more in the future.  I wouldn’t come to disrupt or heckle or anything.  I just like listening to people talk politics, even when I disagree.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

robport.gif border=0

Rob on October 7, 2006 at 01:02 pm
Rob
Rob
19961 comments
Send a private message

Kevin,

Did Brent Edison promise more of the ND overtaxation to members of labor union collectives?

He didn’t talk long, and it was pretty vague, but he’s actually talking about cutting taxes and then raising funding for schools.

Which is odd for a Democrat because when Bush cut taxes the Democrats were upset with him.  They generally reject the philosophy behind the Laffer Curve.  It’s also odd because, as tax commissioner, Edison would have no control over tax policy.  Especially property tax policy as that is set by the counties and municipalities.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

robport.gif border=0

Rob on October 7, 2006 at 01:06 pm

Apparently the Democrats HAVEN’T had enough.

However I think Ms. Gooch should be complimented for being a decent host.


[W]hat you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.


The Whistler's signature
The Whistler on October 7, 2006 at 01:23 pm
Avatar for wardco

Sounds like the audience was abt the same size as the audience for one of your internet radio shows.

wardco on October 7, 2006 at 01:24 pm
Rob
Rob
19961 comments
Send a private message

Nancy actually wasn’t in charge.  She was helping out.  I don’t know how she knew I was a Republican though.  I haven’t seen her since I was a little kid in church.

Maybe I just exude conservatism.  wink

Anyway, everyone I met was friendly.  It was a good event.  I just don’t agree with what they stand for.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

robport.gif border=0

Rob on October 7, 2006 at 01:25 pm
Avatar for one eyed jack

Rob-

I was very favorably impressed with the dialogue between you and Nancy.  Reasonable people of strong prnciple can find common ground when they focus on solving the problems and not on slogans.  Thanks.  You went up about 3 notches in my book!  OEJ

one eyed jack on October 7, 2006 at 01:51 pm
Rob
Rob
19961 comments
Send a private message

Sounds like the audience was abt the same size as the audience for one of your internet radio shows.

Man, everyone’s a critic…

Yeah, I’m a rank amateur at internet radio, but I assure the audience for those shows is about 1000% larger than the attendance at the rally.


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

robport.gif border=0

Rob on October 7, 2006 at 04:31 pm
Avatar for Good Ol' Boy

Funny, I was raised a Democrat. It was life that convinced me to become a conservative. I had a stock saying:

“Rural,
Christian,
Gun owner, with a
Small business, and a
Daughter in college-
How do YOU think I voted?”

Good Ol' Boy on October 8, 2006 at 05:33 pm
Page 1 of 1        

Post a Comment


Before commenting, please recite:

Grant me the serenity to ignore the trolls,
the courage to debate with honest opponents,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Name   
Email   
URL   
Human?
  
 

Upload Image    

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Note: Notifications will only be sent to confirmed email addresses.

    

By submitting your comment you agree to our terms of service.