Today’s political communication needs parallel WWII munitions production

The “lamestream” media is against conservatives, blah blah blah – we’ve been hearing that sorry excuse from our so-called political leaders for over twenty years. Fortunately, we don’t have to listen to it any longer. Everyone knows that the Internet has opened up countless avenues for supporters of limited government and traditional values to connect with each other and reach out to the unconverted.

The old fashioned methods still work as well. Phones, mail, door to door, public or private events and forums or small gatherings hosted for the sake of spreading the word, meeting new people and discussing the issues of the day.

Resources exist to provide ideas, examples, and information about what’s possible and what’s necessary. We all have a role to play. Not everyone can run for office or otherwise devote a lot of time to politics. But since we all live the consequences of politics every day – from the economy to the culture, we all must step up and act in the arena to whatever extent we’re able. Government continues to have a negative impact that will only be undone through the sustained, concerted efforts of concerned citizens.

When World War II began in Europe in September 1939 the Unites States was woefully unprepared for a fight. Even after we finally entered the war in December 1941 the country was a long way from being fully mobilized. By May of 1943, however, President Franklin Roosevelt said that “the American people have accomplished a miracle.” By the fall of 1943 the American war machine was operating at maximum capacity. By then the factories and shipyards ran twenty-four hours a day.

War correspondent Robert Sherrod noted in 1943 that he believed America was losing the war:

“I know we have the machines to fight this war, but the question is, do we have the guts?”

In language that mirrors the sentiments of some people today, Sherrod wrote:

“This generation isn’t mentally prepared to bridge the gap between the comforts of peace and the horrors of war.”

Of course we’re only talking about politics here, with war as the commonly used metaphor. Today’s struggle, however, is as important as any of those waged by previous generations of Americans.

As my colleague Cathy Santos has said, politics is summed up as “a message and messengers.” We have the message – limited government, personal responsibility, traditional values and a strong, smart national defense. We can’t afford to wait for others to carry that message. And we certainly can’t wait for a rebirth of the Republican Party. We must act ourselves.

Up next: Where to find life for a new Republican Party.