By Douglas V. Gibbs
A recent article on Political Pistachio regarding the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Focus on the Family, Liberty University, the gay conservative group GOProud, and Sarah Palin has encouraged a tremendous response.
The first reaction to the article was by a commenter who questioned my speculation that part of the reason for Palin choosing to speak at a Tea Party event over CPAC may have had something to do with David Keene's, head of the American Conservative Union which organizes CPAC, decision to welcome a gay activist organization called GOProud to CPAC. I am sure the controversies surrounding Keene in regards to other issues, such as taking monies from special interests and lobbyists, and like his opinions on Guantanamo Bay, also played a part. My opinion that GOProud's attendance may have been a factor as well was based on a couple paragraphs in an article by World Net Daily, as well as my personal perception of Palin's conservatism. I may, or may not, be accurate in my assumption. Only Sarah Palin knows her complete reasons for sure.
My belief, however, is that Keene's decision to welcome GOProud with open arms played a role, perhaps insignificantly, perhaps not at all, in Palin's decision. I don't think it is the only factor in her reasoning, and I don't believe that Sarah Palin believes that any speaker that has decided to be a part of CPAC should be faulted for that decision. I, myself, do not fault or support the decisions of any of these people to attend, or not attend, CPAC for any reason, much less the presence of GOProud.
If the invitation of the gay activist group to the conservative conference was the motivation of Palin's decision, it must have been a very difficult decision for her to make.
To the segment of the population that is in full agreement with Liberty University, to attend the CPAC Conference while GOProud is in attendance with the blessing of the organizers of the event, Palin would be seen as compromising her values. To folks that agree with Focus on the Family's philosophy, Sarah is missing a golden opportunity to be "the light" at a function that is obviously walking arm-in-arm with a recipe for moral darkness. Others may see Sarah Palin's decision, if it was influenced by the presence of the gay conservative group, as one of bigotism, and archaic moralities. Some may see it as a missed opportunity to welcome a group that agrees with conservatives on every issue, except one, homosexuality.
Perhaps, considering Keene's not-so-conservative stances, the issue is more in line with the biblical perspective, from a metaphorical angle, of whether or not Palin is willing to serve two masters: Conservatism, and watered down Conservatism.
CPAC is a fantastic conference, and I have enjoyed its offerings in the past. The biggest conservative names attend the event, and from a "branding" point of view, it is an effective tool. As time has passed, however, for some the Conservative Political Action Conference is becoming more and more closely associated with the Republican Party, which in one sense is a good thing, because conservatism needs to be injected back into the GOP. The Tea Party movement's disgust with the cesspool politics of the GOP, however, provides a clear line of contrast between CPAC's political alliances, and the Tea Party movement's grass roots nature. CPAC, for some, is seen as the Republican Party's token handshake with conservatives, while planning more big government strategies with the other hand. That may not be the reality of it all, but that is the perception that seems to be rising to the top.
The Tea Party movement is a grass roots movement that is attempting to remain free of political corruption so that it can be clearly defined as a voice of the people. The conservative Tea Party movement was angered by the fact that Republican politicians spoke at the 9/12 event in Washington DC because the Tea Party movement is not about the politicians, or their quest for re-election. In fact, the Tea Party is not even about the Republican Party in the least. The GOP leaders and politicians are welcome to attend, and watch, but the Tea Party movement, or at least based on my own observations, does not want to be politicized, or be used as some tool, by the Republican Party so that the GOP can act like they are conservative, when for the most part, they are not.
As much as I like CPAC, and most of the speakers, and attendees, CPAC is more about groups, than it is about America. This group is represented, and that group is represented. As good as the intentions of CPAC are, and as much as I have supported CPAC in the past, the unfortunate truth is that CPAC is becoming more about the Republican Party, and less about the people.
The Tea Party movement is about individuals, and the U.S. Constitution. People don't show up to a Tea Party event as a member of a group, but as an individual American. The events are not populated by a bunch of right-wing conservatives. The events are attended by Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Conservatives, Libertarians, and anyone else that wants to attend and celebrate America. These people don't show up as members of those political groups, or at least they ought not to. The Tea Partiers arrive as Americans that are fed up with big government, and as people desiring that this nation returns to conservative principles.
If GOProud is truly a conservative group, they would drop their banners, and their gay-agenda special interest distinction. The members of GOProud need to show up to CPAC, or Tea Party events, as individuals. As Americans.
-- Poltical Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
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