Time to be conservative

Two years ago George Bush, coasting on a razor-thin victory, declared that he won a mandate, that he had "earned" political capital and intended to spend it. Bankruptcy soon followed.

Liberals need to avoid the same fate.

Voters did not vote FOR the liberal "agenda" on November 7. Not in Oregon, not across the nation. They voted AGAINST an unholy alliance between the power of giant corporations that frequently harmed small business, corruption in the Republican party and hypocrisy of extremists on the religious right. And of course, shock and awe at Bush administration incompetence in running the war in Iraq.

They did not vote for gay marriage, which failed even in this last election. They did not vote for more gun control. They did not vote for greater power and less accountability for unions. They did not vote for an increase in minimum wage.

Democrats will feel obligated to pay off the interest groups that put them back in control of both houses of congress. They should resist those demands. If they want to maintain a majority, they will have to appeal to a majority, and that means becoming more conservative.

Liberals often suffer from the arrogance that anyone more conservative than they is less aware or educated, that it is their duty to drag the masses to better understanding.

There are many voices and many points of view in this country. A successful government will respect them all. To govern requires consent of the governed.

Eric Dolson, Editor/Publisher