McCain is still fighting the war within. (the GOP) Tries to block Goldwaters from RNC.

It doesn't have to be this way. I wish it wasn't. But it is. The GOP elite are to blame for the continued exclusion of the truly conservative members of the Republican party. The bad attitudes and rudeness are not just being sported by the low level GOP cheerleaders. No, some of the entrenched "leadership" is outright condescending toward both the new blood in the party AND the Old Right's old guard. Yes, the "Old Right" is still being systematically kicked aside even though the New Right got their man McCain's name on the yard signs for November.

I'm not here to name names and demonize a few, although that would be best for this blog's ratings. I don't think that tactic will result in the unity that is so needed. So I'm not going to tell you which foot soldiers did what. Top of the ticket is fair game in my book though so here's the scoop.

Barry Goldwater, Jr., son of Mr. Conservative--the founder of the modern conservative movement--called McCain's office to get credentials for the convention. The former Congressman and his family are in town and wanted to be involved in the RNC Convention, if only as observers. McCain said no to the initial request for passes. Why? Because Goldwater is one of those dreadful "Ron Paul supporters"--the equivalent of a town leper. Allegedly McCain dangled the endorsement carrot in exchange for passes. Goldwater, a man with an iron spine, refused to give his endorsement. Then the offer turned to money--a ridiculous amount for each pass. The Goldwaters just laughed and refused to pay. Eventually they won out and got a few begrudged complimentary passes.

Moral of the story: there is still a war within the GOP and it will tear the party apart if it continues. With a moderate like McCain on the ticket, we cannot afford to have an entire party of bootlickers supporting him. If we do not stand up and do what is right, what is truly in the interests of the Old School Conservative movement, what have we gained?

With Sarah Palin on the ticket, I will vote for McCain. I will campaign for them. But I'm not going to kiss his feet and sign off on everything he does. I hope Palin won't either. Kudos to the Goldwaters for remaining true to their principles. Shame on McCain and his devotees for continuing to wage the war within. It will be the death of the GOP if they continue.