Response to Matthew Cooke “Wake Up Call for Republicans” Video

Video

Here’s the video. Below you’ll find commentary and response.

Commentary

Two days ago, Matthew Cooke posted the video shown above. It’s a compelling appeal that seems to be a kind of intervention effort designed to bring Republicans back to their traditional roots.

Some of the points made are similar to concerns expressed by some traditional Republicans in recent years. However, coming from what seems to be a liberal Democratic Party perspective, the message may come across as scolding and pointing blame. The message seems to group all Republicans together.

For those seeking social change, it’s probably more effective for Democrats to be self-reflective, examining what they do to exacerbate problems, and looking for ways to do better. This isn’t to say that Democrats are responsible for all of our nation’s upheaval, but to point out that there are opportunities for change within the community of liberals to make things better.

There are many examples of incendiary words and actions on the part of liberals, and opportunities to clean house. I’d like to see a similar video directed at Democrats for self-examination and improvement. For example, one Democrat this past week was on camera proposing that Homeland Security round up all the Trump supporters, then put their children in re-education camps. That’s obviously a sentiment that doesn’t represent the views of a majority of Democrats. Yet it’s an example suggesting there’s work that can be done on both sides to help dial down the inflammatory rhetoric. [Learn More…]

There are about a dozen high-profile Republicans who have been fairly independent over the past four years or more. They have followed their conscience, and placed a commitment on country before party and self. These people, and others like them, are possibly in a better position to critique their party and make it better.

Republicans Calling Their Party to Higher Ground

The video message below from Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) that offers a criticism of Republicans involved in the recent insurrection. Criticism of Republicans from Republicans seems more fair, informed, and possibly impactful.

Leadership by Example – Bill Lee

Just days before the 2018 election, Tennessee candidate for Governor, Bill Lee, posted a campaign ad that was very unusual to see during a contentious campaign season. “My opponent is a good man. A public servant,” he stated in the video. No mud slinging. Just a respectful and gracious message. Take a look at the video below. This is one way Republicans are working to tone down divisive talk. Bill Lee is now the Governor of Tennessee.

Leadership by Example – Spencer Cox

During the 2018 election, Spencer Cox was running for Governor of Utah. In the final stretch of the election, he ran a video with his Democratic opponent. Take a look at the video below. This is another example of leading by example. Jeff Cox is now the Governor of Utah.

What Can Democrats Do?

If you’re a Democrat and want to have a positive impact in the world, you can consider discovering and supporting Republican candidates like those above who are promoting civility and cooperation. There are Republicans who are principled, ethical, competent, scandal-free, and making their party better. They are sometimes not as well funded, popular, or visible as the ‘bull in a china shop‘ candidates.

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Note: This document was created and posted on 17 Jan 2021. However, it is dated 15 Jan 2021 because that is the date of the main video being discussed.