Chuck Hughes, Salisbury, N.C
♦ Primary day is just around the corner. Not only must we prepare for the primary, but we need to prepare for what happens after the primary. The latter may well be more important than the former. So before you break out the torches and pitchforks and head towards my castle, listen carefully to what I am saying. My preamble is this: I will support any of the current Republican candidates (Mark Harris, Greg Brannon, Thom Tillis) who come out of the primary alive. My fear is that the primary may well become a cage match between Brannon and Tillis.
Tillis, in my view, is the typical politician. Like a young birch, he wavers with the prevailing winds. Brannon does not. However, Dr. Brannon’s dogmatic view of conservatism will be a bur under his saddle come the general election. Although he does have in depth knowledge of the constitution, like a Biblical scholar who uses his knowledge to legitimize Biblical teachings, Brannon uses his knowledge to legitimize our Constitution. In my opinion neither the Bible nor our Constitution requires legitimization. Each stands on its own merits and words of wisdom.
I disagree with Dr. Brannon’s boast on his election campaign solicitation flyer that he is “the only conservative in the race.” Reverend Harris is as conservative as anyone in the race. He just doesn’t wear it on his shoulder for publicity.
Although Brannon may be an excellent gynacologist, he is a political novice. while Harris’ leadership and political battles while leading the Baptist establishment are well proven. His strongest suit is his ability to express his beliefs and opinions in such a way that often turns his biggest adversaries into followers. His soft but determined tone had this effect on me from the first time I heard him
Thanks to the constitution that we all want to protect, each of us has his/her own view of conservative. Many use Ronald Reagan as a guide through this maze of differences. However, one cannot be a Reagan Conservative and not have a tad of compromise in his arsenal. For was it not President Reagan who argued (paraphrased) that he would take what he could get and come back later for the remainder. Was he not aware of the need to negotiate with the debunk Soviet Union and still brought it to its knees. These are my conservative beliefs and having defined myself by such, I still remain a TEA Party member and a Ronald Reagan Conservative.
As Republicans, we MUST take the lead from our opposing party and support whoever wins the primary. If we remain stringent in our beliefs and attitudes, we are doomed for failure.
Now throw your darts as you will.
