Take Back the Right. Right now.

Merle Widmer has written another brilliant dissertation on his blog. I think Merle doesn't get as much commentary as he would like because he covers EVERY possible view and counter argument. Typically the only thing left to say is, "Good Job" or, "I hate you for being right."

Merle points out that it is way past time for the GOP to re-define itself, not because of any specific message Republicans have endorsed, but because so many extremists have become Republicans.

The average Republican is no more likely a fan of the religious right, the "moral majority," Fawell, or Robinson than the average Democrat is a racist Southerner, and a big fan of Jane Fonda or the late Spermin' Thurmond.

The Republican message should endorse self sufficiency and smaller government. Remember the Regan years when Republicans believed government promoted business and a stronger economy best by getting out of the way? Less pork, less government waste, less red tape, lower taxes. This should be the Republican Mantra.

I happen to be pro-life, but polls say 50% of the Republican Party is pro-choice. Even though I'm anti-abortion, I am repulsed by religious nut jobs claiming the GOP for themselves. These quacks don't speak for most conservatives and neither does that arrogant blowhard, Rush Limbaugh. John McCain represents me well. G. Gordon Liddy is the anti-Christ.

How many Democrats feel homosexual activists best represent them? How many Democrats supported gay marriage in the last election? BTW, I say let them get married. Why shouldn't they have to suffer like rest of us? (Okay, I stole that last line from Dolly Parton. Love that woman.)

In addition to returning to the basics, Compassionate Conservatism should embrace protecting the environment and providing better education for America's young. After all, why should any one political party have sole claim to what is inherently decent?