Republican establishment becoming the Grand Old Power of Few Party

The old farty party bosses of the Republican Party boasted that their political organization has always been the Party of fresh ideas and new thinking. They even encourage debate on the major issues of the day, and consistently act in accord with the greatest values of our country - freedom and opportunity for all.

(This is what they state in the 2004 Platform.)

However, this would only be true if their agenda and neocon bias is the dominant force.

At various state conventions across the country, party bosses have been on the offensive against Ron Paul supporters and those that have libertarian-leanings. Even some fiscal conservatives are also targeted.

It is obvious that Ron Paul supporters are trying to show up in large numbers at the conventions, use procedural motions to suspend the rules, remove the convention leadership, and start over again with their faction in control -- ALL WITHIN THE RULES (of course).

However, the party bosses are changing the rules by executive decision.

At the Nevada State Convention in Reno, the sitting chairman adjourned the proceedings altogether when it looked obvious that the Ron Paul faction was stronger than the McCain delegation. Now it would appear that the Nevada GOP will try to stage the convention at a secret date and location in order to rubber-stamp a McCain slate.

RP supporters also managed to take over the Texas Senate District 25 delegation.

These two events have caused state party bosses to change the way conventions are run. Examples include:

1) Reducing direct input from delegates and motions from the floor

2) Measures to remove anyone who could be "against" the party platform

3) Using special credentials committees to disqualify RP delegates

4) Use scripted motions to ensure that one platform would be passed without debate

5) Use physical force to prevent non-supporting delegates from reaching the speaker's microphone/podium

6) Ruling legal motions as out-of-order without reason

Essentially, these changes would make delegates into observers without any or little participation.

If you check news articles on Maine, Hawaii, Georgia, and Nevada, you would discover draconian measures that were taken to ensure that only one faction (obviously the McCain group) would succeed.

Freedom? It does not exist.

Opportunity? Only if you support the party line.

New ideas? They are pretty much fresh out.

New thinking? Only if it preserves their power.

The GOP establishment thinks there will be no backlash. There will be. With former Republican Bob Barr confirmed as the Libertarian presidential candidate, I expect a more interesting general election. I really think the actions of the party establishment will drive away independents and moderates since they will see that the neo-conservative wing refuses to budge from their pulpit of arrogance.

It will be the beginning of the end of the Republican Party.

The neo-conservatives will form the GOP War Party.

Another faction will form the Constituional Republican Party.

I look forward to it.