Been away for a while . . .

But now I'm back -- with a vengeance!

First off -- congrats to Zell Miller on a great speech at the RNC last night. Well spoken man, posed my question: why has the Democratic Party left so many of us behind by becoming beholden to so many special interest groups?

Secondly, I'm developing a germ of an idea about a way around what I see as a continuing challenge for those of us who are uncomfortable with the two-party system (and who are frustrated with the lack of committment both parties show to life issues).

I'm wondering if we couldn't start a third party -- say, the "Christian Democrats" -- and make enough of a noise to influence the policies of the "Big Two."

Obviously, it would take a concerted effort in several states, beginning with Congressional elections. We would have to field enough STRONG candidates to make inroads on the current seniority system that makes getting things done in DC so difficult.

I'm currently writing up a series of policy and position papers for this proposed new party. I think that we have to take POSITIVE action, rather than recriminate and whine when the two major parties ignore us.

Let's face it, folks: the overwhelming majority of the people of these United States agree with us on a couple basic points: (1) that unborn life deserves protection; (2) that the elderly are a wealth of experience and a treasure for us; (3) that there are people in our country who need our help financially and emotionally; (4) that government exists to serve, not rule, the people; (5) that the establishment of a new class (i.e. government employees) is bad for America because this new class of "worker" doesn't produce anything -- thus, smaller government is better for America as a whole; (6) that there are some things that are, by their nature, intrinsically wrong (and that one need not have a plebiscite to determine it); (7) that charity should be encouraged as the development of virtue; (8) that preservation of traditions can be a good thing, and that "progress" for its own sake is not necessarily always good; (9) that education of young people is the primary obligation of parents, who should be encouraged to make appropriate decisions regarding their children's educational choices; and (10) that the "separation of Church and state" means essentially that Congress or the President shall not establish a formal state religion -- not that religion and God need to be kept out of the public square.

I think that if these positions -- well developed and argued, of course -- are put before the American people in all 50 states, there is a great chance that within 10 years a number of members of Congress will be members of this new party.

What do YOU all think?