New Year, New President, New Expectations?

Well, it's a new year complete with a new president and full of fresh expectations. What expectations? Some good and some bad.

It seems that Obama is a mixed bag trying to throw bones in all directions so that he engenders good will towards him. He meets with the left. He meets with the right. He appoints those to office that he once stood in stark contrast to, all at the same time still purporting to bring change.

Bottom line is, unlike Reagan or Lincoln, he doesn't hold a firm set of values that drive him. This may turn out to be a blessing. The programs and things he sets in motion will be difficult to stop, but it would indicate he is susceptible to public pressure. Seeing the number of appointments that are in legal and political trouble indicates he make hasty decisions without fully knowing the facts or ramifications (he comfortable dealing with corrupt politicians.)

There are many other facets that make Obama both a reason for optimism in 2012 and a reason to fear. The most stunning from 2008 has to do with the gullibility of the public. They believe what the news media feeds them and checks their brain at the door. What is obvious to conservatives (values, principles) seems to evade the vast majority of the public. This means the election is more emotional than logical.

How do we proceed for the next 4 years?

1. Pray for our new president that he reaches out to God for guidance and help. We want him to succeed in building our nation and not compromise it.

2. Communicate better our message of hope, a better life and what is the path to get there.

3. Build a perception of the Republican Party as optimistic, upbeat and fun... yet with a serious grasp on the issues. Work on being perceived as the party that knows their stuff, has a solid plan, is looking out for me (and my family) and more importantly has an active relationship with me.

4. Work on our elected representatives to engender their concurrence with and support of the party platform (it's a great platform.) I don't know if the report card on platform is the end-all, but it is a good start to identify those who actually are principled Republicans instead of simple bureaucrats.

5. Have regular communication with our state and national elected officials to get updates and give them a sense of where we stand on issues... in advance of a final bill.

6. Strategize quarterly to measure success, retool and implement.

I know some (if not most) of these ideas are already being implemented in some fashion, but I wanted to voice my support of a clear direction and plan for conservative Republicans to be successful in 2012.

Have a wonderful 2009 and be blessed. This is still the greatest nation that God has blessed on this earth!

Lee