"Compromise" always positions to the left
By Frank Salvato
web posted June 6, 2005
The word "compromise" is used quite a bit in our nation's capitol. It always has been. When the Democrats were in power the Republicans wanted them to compromise on many issues conservatives thought important to our nation. Now that the Republicans are in power it is the other way around. But while compromise can be a good thing in theory, when applied as defined by the liberal left it is always a disaster for the conservatives in the United States.
There are those who, after reading the statement above, will insist that I am a partisan operative and a conservative "Kool-Aid drinker." To those I say this: I will admit what I am if you admit what you are.
I admit that I slant to the right in my political ideology. Among other things I believe in preserving the exact intentions of the US Constitution as framed by our Founding Fathers. True to that ideal, each individual should embrace the necessity of being responsible for their own actions. Every single one of us should do everything in our power not to feed from the "public trough" that is government subsidized entitlement. I believe in less government when possible, an end to Congressional pork barrel spending, a strong military and common sense in government.
So, it would be refreshing if just once those who insist on displaying their misappropriated arrogance and pseudo-intellect could be honest enough to admit what it is they really stand for.
It would be refreshing to hear the opposition, every prejudicially organic, beret-wearing, latte-sipping, bile spewer admit that they support Robin Hood styled "steal from the rich to give to the poor" social welfare. Just as long as it is not their pocket being picked. I would enjoy hearing them admit that the mainstream media slants so far to the left that you have to tether into a safety rope for fear of being sucked into the abyss that is Paul Krugman's black-hole of narrow-mindedness. It would give me hope for the future to hear any member of the MoveOn.org crowd confirm they dream of a global socialist society that is fiercely anti-capitalist and pro-European Union. It would be simply "fabu" if all those Hollywood hypocrites who said they would move if George W. Bush won – both the first and second times – packed without a word and got the hell out. Can we live without another self-congratulatory awards show or film festival and do without Alec Baldwin's unjustifiable arrogance? Perhaps, if we simply suck it up and persevere.
I suppose I have broadly defined the opposing sides in the current Culture War taking place. Imagine that.
That being said, let's tackle this idea of "compromise."
It really doesn't matter what the subject matter is, the word compromise spells disaster for conservatives. It is always employed in an inequitable fashion. "Compromise" always positions to the left.
Not too long ago our education system was completely immersed in the idea of teaching the basics to our children. Reading, writing, math and science were the core and many times the only subjects. Back then a high school education meant something and every 8 th grade graduate could read.
But through the spirit of compromise the liberal left has turned our schools into places where subjects far from those considered "the basics" are being taught. Where little Johnny used to write compositions on the life of George Washington to satisfy a history or English requirement he is now writing essays on Che Guevara in the name of diversity and tolerance. Little Susie used to learn how to conjugate a verb. She is now learning how to apply condoms to cucumbers. Parents are barred from attending assemblies where anti-government material is being presented to their children as well as classrooms during programs that talk about 'diversity and tolerance' sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
Ironically, when the two eras are compared, the quality of education before the "compromise" was infinitely superior.
Recently, a group of perhaps well-meaning but ultimately naïve Republican senators led by John "Hey, there's my liberal friend John Kerry" McCain compromised with a group of senators from the other side of the aisle. This compromise also ended up limping over to the left leaving the American people scratching their heads over the definition of the caveat "extraordinary circumstances." So far we, the majority, have seen one of President Bush's judicial nominees approved. Now we are "stalled" – Lord knows we can't use the word filibuster anymore because of the "compromise" – on the nomination of John Bolton to the UN.
Is there anyone who really believes that the first time President Bush nominates a Constitutionalist to the Supreme Court the Democrats aren't going to filibuster and scream compromise again?
Here's a fact: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is loaded with some of the most liberal judges in the history of the US judiciary. Their verdicts are consistently the most overturned of any court in the nation, the size of their district considered. Yet when President Bush nominates conservative judges in an effort to "balance the scales" liberals like Teddy Kennedy screech that Republicans are trying to tilt the balance of power in their favor through the judiciary. This is their idea of compromise. Not too equitable is it?
We conservatives can continue to talk ourselves into believing that we are doing what needs to be done in the name of "moving things forward" when we "compromise" with the liberal side of the aisle. But, to paraphrase from a song by Bruce Springsteen, we move 'one step forward, two steps left' every time we do. 
Frank Salvato is Vice President and Executive Director of the Basics Project and managing editor for TheRant.us. His pieces are regularly featured in Townhall.com. He has appeared on The O'Reilly Factor and numerous radio shows. His pieces have been recognized by the Japan Center for Conflict Prevention and are periodically featured in The Washington Times as well as other national and international publications. He can be contacted at oped@therant.us Copyright © 2005 Frank Salvato
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