RUTHFULLY YOURS

The third night of the Republican National Convention provided observers with that moment of true ethics and honor.  Governor Kasich has not attended the convention and will not endorse Donald Trump.   He claims to be a man of conviction, but what conviction?  Or is he a sore loser?  What about Governor Jeb Bush, who will not attend?  Is he still upset because he was called a loser or low energy?  Did he think the $100 million raised by his campaign should ensure his victory?

Could they be willing to elect Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump?  Would they saddle us with Supreme Court judges and federal judges appointed by Hillary Clinton?  Their ethics are less conservative and constitutional than personal.  Their pride will certainly help Clinton in this election.

Senator Graham did not attend.  At one point he planned to honor his pledge, but then he recanted.  One can understand Senator McCain’s and President Bush’s failure to participate; but why would Governor Mitt Romney take Trump’s money in 2012 but refuse to vote for him in 2016?  Why would he work so hard to hurt Trump’s candidacy and help Hillary?  Could his pride be involved?  After all, his loss in 2012 was decried by Trump.

Governor Walker decided that supporting Trump is honorable.  Senator Rubio managed to accept his defeat and support Trump.

Senator Cruz was offered a place on the podium despite his failure to honor his pledge.  He spoke glowingly of freedom and the right to choose.  But he fell short of endorsing Trump.  He will likely pay a price in his future endeavors.  Trump invited him to speak without an endorsement, but he was not gracious in return.  His pride will certainly be remembered should Trump fail to win the presidency.  He was positioning himself for 2020.  Will the Trump supporters in the audience forget this slight?  Could he not recognize the difference between Trump and Clinton he so eloquently elucidated in his speech?

Campaigns often become contentious.  Newt Gingrich provided cover for Cruz in his opening.  Dr. Carson, Governor Christie, and Governor Perry were given access to the podium.  Few candidates are so gracious.  Today the press was given information about negotiations with Kasich for a role in the campaign.  These leaks were aimed at hurting Trump’s candidacy.  Kasich’s refusal to help organize for the election may cost the state of Ohio, necessary for Republican victory.

These Republicans have put their positions ahead of their country.  Gingrich clearly made the case for Trump against Clinton on national security.  Why couldn’t Cruz understand this imperative?

Mike Pence has decided to run with Trump rather than seek re-election as Indiana governor.  He must believe that Trump will win.  He is conservative.  He spent time in Washington and has managed a state.  He is not flashy; Trump provides enough excitement for any campaign.

A united Republican Party will be victorious.  A divided one cannot win.  Democrats unify, if only to incrementally gain their goals.  Republicans have too often chosen defeat rather than compromise after a bruising battle.  But Ronald Reagan said that there is no substitute for victory.  He argued against the temptation to put oneself above the nation.  Can these hurt egos in the Republican Party find their way to grace?

Clearly Trump has faults.  However, his success in business speaks volumes.  His wonderful children demonstrate he has some skills.  As Donald Jr. stated, he and his siblings are comfortable on a tractor and in a car.  Trump works hard in his business.  But contrary to Senator Warren’s admonition that he values money above all else, Donald’s children demonstrated that he put his children above by keeping them in the room while negotiating deals.

Trump has helped give voice to the movement against the establishment.  Will the establishment recognize that their time may have come to an end?  Will the Republican establishment stand in the way or help reform our government and reduce the bureaucracy?  In eleven weeks, we will know the answer.