Republican In Name Only

February 3, 2002

by Brian W. Peterson

He has campaigned with liberal Democrat state Senator John Burton and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who is best known in the aftermath of September 11 for her vote against America’s war against terrorism. He told a West Hollywood homosexual group that he might support a same-sex marriage law identical to Vermont’s law. He is for abortion-on-demand and in favor of gun control. He has called the “Defense of Marriage Act,” the successful ballot initiative which defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman, “divisive.”

The stunner? There are Republicans who support this candidate, for he is former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan. The man who sounds like a Democrat is the favorite to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination in California.

Over the years, committed Republicans have set the stage for such Republicans In Name Only (RINO) as Riordan. Only over time has the party been able to convince itself that elections are more important than principles, so we must find “moderates” to improve the Republican image. But some in the party realize that these so-called moderate politicians are true liberals when it is time to vote - when pressure is put on by lobbyists and special interest groups.

The moderates are the “me too” Republicans. When liberalism is advocated, the “me too” Republicans jump up to advocate doing the same thing as Democrats, just less costly and a little less obtrusively. These moderates possess no consistent values, other than to get elected (or reelected) and to avoid appearing “mean-spirited,” a favorite liberal term.

“Moderates” such as Riordan are liberals, plain and simple.

Whenever a liberal Republican wins the party’s nomination, conservatives usually hold their noses and vote for the Democrat-look-alike. However, when the roles are reversed, when a conservative receives the nomination, the liberal Republicans often jump ship and vote Democrat.

Riordan obviously lacks respect for human life or he would not be in favor of allowing women to kill their own offspring. He is against allowing the defense of one’s own life should the need arise. The Second Amendment is about more than self defense, but Mayor Riordan cannot even bring himself to support this natural right.

Further, this man who does not respect life and the defense thereof finds it within himself to protect and empower those who wish to spread their bestial ways upon the rest of society. The homosexual movement does not merely wish to be left alone, they wish to force the rest of us - 98% of society - to accept their perverted ways.

Mayor Riordan has firmly planted himself amongst those who disdain life and the laws of nature - and he dares to do so disguised as a Republican.

Some Republicans will support Mayor Riordan because he “has the best chance” to defeat our unpopular and inept governor. Others will support him in November simply because he is Republican, as if the Party is our god.

The California Republican Party has ceased to educate the public about their core issues. The Party promotes tax cuts, but fails to explain why - thus allowing liberals to pollute the debate with falsehoods about the effects of cutting tax rates. The Party promotes moral endeavors over immorality, but then accepts the misguided view that religion and government are forever estranged.

The weakness of the Republican Party throughout the state has spiraled downward to the point that someone as repulsive to Republican values as Richard Riordan is about to become the party’s nominee for the highest state office. The sick part is that Republicans find excuses to vote for Democrats in Republican clothing - worse, immorality in the name of victory.

Pray tell, how will Richard Riordan make a better governor than Gray Davis? Those who value human life, who own guns, and who have children should all tremble at the thought of the wide acceptance of immorality at the ungodly altar of Party.

Is Richard Riordan really Republican?

_________________________________________

Brian W. Peterson writes a political column for the Antelope Valley Press (circulation approximately 60,000) in Palmdale, California. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, where he majored in TV/Film. Brian’s weekly commentary and newspaper columns can be found at www.LifeAndLiberty.com.

Send the author an E mail at Peterson@ConservativeTruth.org.

For more of Brian's articles, visit his archives.

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