Conservatives vs. Republicans

All republicans are not made alike. The newly proposed "comprehensive" immigration reform bill has deepened the divide between "moderate" or "compassionate" republicans and those who call themselves "conservatives". In fact, it has now become an all out war. I knew that having Rudolf Giuliani as the front runner of the party would cause ripples because he is tough on several issues of concern to most republicans, yet at the same time, he has positions on abortion and gay rights that are unforgivable to those who call them selves the "base of the party" or simply, conservatives. In fact, there are those who insist that they can not vote for a pro-choice candidate. Ann Coulter is one such "conservative". This of course begs the question, if Giuliani wins the GOP nomination who will she vote for? Hillary? Will she stay home and not vote? According to some, she likes to vote in several states, so this will require real restraint on her part. But I digress.

The Conservatives (which include many of the so called Christian Right or Moral Majority {R.I.P Rev Falwell}), have already been showing great frustration over some of the positions held by President Bush and many moderate republicans. Republicans in general are still very angry and frustrated over the loss they suffered in November, losing the congress and the support of most Americans. They can thank King George and the Iraq war for that. But when republicans lose, and when they fear further loss (see 2008), they begin to turn on each other. They don't like to lose. If they see weakness in each other, they will do whatever they have to do to eliminate it. Just ask Newt Gingrich or Trent Lott (or Congressman Foley for that matter). There is too much at stake.

In comes "Comprehensive Immigration Reform". This issue is a big ugly can of worms and now it is wide open. Moderate republicans (fearing more losses in 2008), along with President Bush and several democrats got together and had "secret" negotiations. I love when that happens don't you? They came out and announced that they have struck a deal on immigration. How nice. One problem. Nobody told the conservatives. They were already looking to flex their muscles and show their discontent with what is going on in their party and in the country and then this happens. This is the last straw. Not only is this "compromise" going to result in "amnesty" but it is going to change American life as we know it. As far as the conservatives are concerned, giving illegal aliens a pass will change the Unites States of America into a Socialist haven for all sorts of people (including terrorists!).

Moderate republicans, you have done it now. This is open war. The gates are open and the "base of the party" is calling it's troops to arms. They are coming for all of you. The very existence of the American way of life depends on it. They are going to show you once and for all who has the real power in the republican party. The conservatives are going to stop this immigration reform bill from being passed. General Rush Limbaugh is calling all troops to report for duty! It must be stopped. If they can't stop this bill, their cause is finished. The republican party is finished. Hillary Clinton will be elected as president and they can not ever allow that to happen.

But wait. What if they can't stop it? By hanging their hat on this issue they are also putting their credibility on the line. If the "base of the party" can't get it's way on this issue then what? Have they considered the consequences of deciding that they will not allow this to happen? War is war after all. The moderate republicans may actually have support amongst "the American people." You see, when you declare war on a single issue, you also eventually declare a winner and a loser. If the conservatives can't stop this bill, they will have suffered a clearly defined loss to the moderate republicans. They will be toast and everyone will know it. They may as well surrender their sword (or fall on it).

The immigration reform bill has now become the GOP subway series. Moderate republicans vs conservative republicans. Whoever gets their way on this immigration bill will be declared the winner and can effectively ignore the loser until after the next election cycle. "You lost, you couldn't beat us, so back off and let us do our job and beat Hillary". That is what they will say in effect.

So good luck conservatives. You have a lot riding on this one. Rush Limbaugh will be giving it his all. He's confident he can do it. I mean, he does have a golden microphone you know. May the best side win. May the GOP party splinter into pieces just in time for the 2008 election season. And after the bill is passed or destroyed, pour some champagne for the true winners of this internal GOP war...the democrats.