Tea Party | Hope is Not a Foreign Policy

Posts Tagged ‘Tea Party’

Monday, February 21st, 2011 at 10:57am

Does Eric Cantor Want a Third Party?

Posted by Tom Skypek in 2010 Elections, 2012 Elections, American Politics, Conservatism, Economy, National Debt, Tea Party, Virginia Politics

The Republican Party doesn’t want the Tea Party movement to spin off and form its own political party. At the presidential level, this would be a disaster, at least in the near-term. However, this is becoming an increasingly greater possibility as elected Republicans in the 112th Congress shrink from their responsibilities, as House Majority Leader Eric Cantor recently did when he, along with 91 other Republicans, voted against the Jordan amendment to cut $100 billion in federal spending.

$100 billion is a drop in the bucket. We have no money. I thought the message of the November 2010 elections was crystal clear: cut federal spending. This message seems lost on many in GOP leadership positions. What we expect are deep cuts and bold proposals. Rand Paul…

No Comments Tags: Eric Cantor, Tea Party

Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at 2:18pm

Rand Paul is Right; Washington Should Reduce All Foreign Aid

Posted by Tom Skypek in American Foreign Policy, American Politics, Tea Party

Freshman Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is being criticized by Democrats and Republicans because of his proposal to cut U.S. foreign aid, including aid to Israel, in order to close the deficit. The reality is that Washington should reduce its foreign aid commitments across the board, not just Israel. In FY 2008, the U.S. provided some type of foreign aid to 154 countries. It is inconsistent for conservatives to advocate for limited government at home while aruging for big government and reckless spending abroad. Foreign aid is an important lever of foreign policy but only when that aid is used judiciously and clearly advances the national interest. Right now, Washington gives out taxpayer dollars whimsically and without any consideration of…

No Comments Tags: Foreign Aid, Israel, Rand Paul, Tea Party

Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at 9:58am

A Conservative Foreign Policy for America

Posted by Tom Skypek in 2012 Elections, Afghanistan, American Foreign Policy, American Politics, Conservatism, Current Events, Tea Party, The American Presidency

Right now the biggest threat to the United States is its $14 trillion national debt. Throughout history great powers have bankrupted themselves by trying to do too much both at home and abroad, and unfortunately Washington is charging hard down that same fateful path. What is even more troubling is that when it comes to foreign policy, both major parties tend to advocate big government internationalism. The irony here is that many self-proclaimed conservatives advocate big government internationalism while championing limited government at home.

Yesterday, I outlined a new approach for American foreign policy in The Washington Examiner. It advocates redefining our national interest and reducing our military commitments abroad. Here’s an excerpt:

When it comes to foreign policy,…

No Comments Tags: 2012 Presidential Election, Afghanistan, China, Foreign Policy, National Interest, NATO, Republican Foreign Policy, Robert Taft, Tea Party

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 at 7:11am

June Primary Day Roundup

Posted by Tom Skypek in 2010 Elections, American Politics, Current Events, Virginia Politics

I think it’s going to be a solid night for Republicans come November. For a complete overview of last night’s primary election results, check out FOXNews .com.

Virginia’s 11th Congressional District: A big win for businessman and Republican candidate Keith Fimian. Let’s hope party reconciliation is fast. Gerry Connolly is a well-funded opponent, but he’s also way out of touch with 11th district voters. He needs to go.

Nevada: “Nevada Republicans Tuesday picked tea party insurgent Sharron Angle to take on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, marking the start of an epic showdown between a king of Capitol Hill and a conservative renegade who wants to turn…

No Comments Tags: Barbara Boxer, Blanche Lincoln, Carly Fiorina, June Primary, Keith Fimian, Meg Whitman, Nikki Haley, Obamacare, Sharron Angle, Socialized Medicine, Tea Party

Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 10:24am

What is a Conservative Foreign Policy?

Posted by Tom Skypek in American Foreign Policy

Since the Democratic Party’s decisive electoral victories in 2006 and 2008, the Tea Party movement has helped to re-energize conservatism. The movement has focused largely on domestic politics, promoting limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty. The reality is, however, that when it comes to foreign policy the conservative movement is being pulled in multiple, and often mutually exclusive, directions. Some believe that democracy promotion should be the cornerstone of American foreign policy while others do not. Quite simply, the conservative movement does not have a coherent foreign policy platform. Going forward, it will be important for conservatives to articulate a clear foreign policy platform. What is at stake is not the success of the conservative movement or a political party…

2 Comments Tags: American Foreign Policy, Brent Scowcroft, Charles Krauthammer, Conservative Foreign Policy, Henry Kissinger, John O'Sullivan, Paleoconservatism, Patrick Buchanan, Republican Foreign Policy, Robert Kagan, Ron Paul, Tea Party, Tea Party Movement, U.S. Foreign Policy, William Kristol

Sunday, June 6th, 2010 at 8:01pm

Marine Sings Fourth Verse of National Anthem

Posted by Tom Skypek in American Culture

h/t Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive. I’ve been to a few Tea Party rallies, but I haven’t heard anyone sing quite like this gentleman, a retired Marine. A truly beautiful rendition of the fourth verse of our National Anthem. For those on the Left who claim that there is no common, American culture–this is American culture at its finest.

6 Comments Tags: American Culture, National Anthem, Patriotism, Tea Party, The Star-Spangled Banner