More Thoughts on Minarik

I read the press release regarding Minarik's departure and some of the comments issued by community and political leaders.

I was particularly struck by the idea that the GOP has to "collaborate" with the Democrats in order to get things done and that Steve had to go because he was too "confrontational".

Well, its true that he was confrontational. I happen to think that one of the problems with the GOP at all levels is their failure to be confrontational. For the Democrats and their liberal media allies, "compromise" and "bi-partisanship" simply mean "give in to what the Democrats want".

Lets look at some examples, like David Gantt, Susan John, David Koon; can you give me any instances of them "compromising"? How about their leader in Albany, Sheldon Silver; he's a regular Henry Clay, isn't he? Or, maybe they're thinking of the Dems in Washington, guys like Chuck Schumer, Dick Durbin, and Nancy Pelosi. They've held out the olive branch to the GOP, no?

If the Republicans in Monroe County think they can hold on to power by trying to emulate the Democrats, they should think again. Parties and politicians need to stand for things. Sure, they need to work together, but compromise cannot be a one-way street. Was Steve Minrik strident? Yes, he was, but you knew where he stood.

Quite frankly, I cannot imagine who would want the job of Monroe GOP Party Chair today. Its clear that the "Chairman" will have little independent power. The GOP is headed for very difficult times at all levels.

Maggie Brooks is a great leader and politician and I like and respect her. I think, however, that she is making a mistake if she believes the GOP can maintain power by "collaborating" with the Democrats. Their only goal is retaking the County Legislature and ousting her from her job. Removing Steve Minarik made their job easier.