Conservatives demonstrate their independence

First, I have to say thank you to the Campus Times for its wonderful portrayal of my views in the April Fools edition. It was an amusing article and gave me a great idea. From now on I’ll title this “Chairman Rob’s Corner” and dispense knowledge through my “Little Red-State Books” – I’m sure it’ll catch on.Now I assume you all want me to talk about the bake sale. I feel its been talked to death, but I will say a few words. Many have criticized it for being a publicity stunt and something that did not foster discussion. First off, I know from talking with members of the College Republicans that many going by their “sale” used it as an opportunity to get into discussions with the members. So the bake sale itself fostered discussion. Also, let us just look at what followed. We’ve had a huge campus debate over the bake sale and the First Amendment, even to the point of the sale coming up as part of the presidential debate. By my count there have been 12 articles and letters to the Campus Times over this issue, as well as, I’m sure, numerous discussions by students in general. The College Republicans are even bringing a speaker to talk about the “Myth of the Racist Republican.” So feel free to see the bake sale however you’d like. Consider it an abhorrent crime, a publicity stunt, a reasoned debate or the first step in a marketing plan to dominate the cookie market through “Conservative Chocolate Chunk.” Whatever. If this bake sale isn’t a good example of fostering dialogue, I don’t know what is.My thoughts are that the bake sale was good for one reason – it shocked people. How many articles have we read in the CT about the apathy on this campus – perceived or otherwise? Sometimes the best cure for apathy is a jolt. I think at the end of all this hoopla, we’re all coming away with a greater understanding of affirmative action and what role it plays at UR. But, in the words of Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”Mostly my article is going to be a plea for any Pennsylvania residents who are reading this. If you aren’t a resident, feel free to stop reading, or take it as an opportunity to see how a conservative’s mind works. One of the most important elections for conservatives is not going to be the presidential election. It’s not even going to be in November. One of the most important date for conservatives is going to be April 27 – the primary between Congressman Pat Toomey and Senator Arlen Specter. A more stark choice for conservatives couldn’t be made.Arlen Specter is exactly what you wouldn’t want in a Republican senator. He loves to spend money, is pro-union, favors quotas and cloning and generally is a thorn in the side of conservatives. National Review rightly called him “America’s Worst Senator.” Even worse, or potentially better as he’s showing his true stripes, he’s been wooing Democrats and has been receiving funds from Democratic billionaire George Soros. Toomey, on the other hand, is a conservative’s dream. A social and fiscal conservative, he has already won in a Democratic and union district. Toomey supports privatizing Social Security and remains committed to free trade. One wonders why this seems so important – it is a mixture of principle and strategerie. First, conservatives need to illustrate to the President that we are a voice to be heard. We are thrilled with Bush’s stand on terrorism and on national security, however, domestic issues have caused us quite the headache. Part of this stems from a belief by the White House, somewhat correct, that the conservative base can be ignored in the pursuit of swing voters. This is a great opportunity to stick to our guns and show that we will be heard in the electorate. Even if we lose the general election it will be a wonderful sign to Bush and the GOP that they cannot ignore their base. Second, this is a smart move on our part for the Senate. The most glaring reason is that unless Specter is voted out, he will most likely win and head up the Senate Judiciary Committee. Already conservatives have had headaches over this committee and it is not likely to change with a man who votes more like Hillary Clinton than a Republican. For those who wanted an article all could read and enjoy – I’m sorry – this was a plea those few conservatives needed to hear. More than that, it is important for everyone to know the critical nature of the primaries – whatever the ideology. Though the general elections determine the course of the country, the primaries are what determine the course of the parties in those general elections. So if you take nothing else from this – vote in all your primaries – they are more important than you’d think. Clemm can be reached at rclemm@campustimes.org.