Why GOP Needs the New Majority
Rep. Chris Cox has withdrawn his name from consideration as a federal judicial appointee, reportedly precipitated by the recent change in leadership of the Senate, and the unyielding desire of Sen. Barbara Boxer to block his appointment. This unfortunate set of circumstances has a ripple effect from the Republican Party, to Chris Cox, and to Mark Chapin Johnson, a New Majority co-founder who had planned to seek Chris’ seat if vacated.
The Republican Party’s dominance by the right has caused California to become a Democrat state, and over time will not allow Republicans to become the national majority party. New Majority was formed in an effort to allow mainstream California candidates the opportunity to compete. We are a group that opposes litmus tests, and have members with differing views on social issues. Our goal is to expand the party through inclusion.
I am proud to report that the organization continues to grow in numbers, and to grow in influence. In a short period, we have built successful coalitions with both pragmatic conservatives and moderates. I believe that New Majority is a leadership model that must be followed to advance the principles of the party.
President Bush has done an excellent job in his first months. His economic policies, if followed, will have a positive influence for decades. Unfortunately, with the defection of Sen. Jim Jeffords, gridlock may thwart the passage of a capital gains cut and other important legislation that is very much needed to move the markets and the economy. While I abhor Jeffords’ actions, I do understand his frustration as a moderate senator in the Republican Party. Sen. Arlen Spector has finally been promoted to a leadership position, only because of the Jeffords situation. Is he a token, or is this a new beginning?
It is the country’s loss that Chris Cox will not be sitting on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has a very keen political and legal mind and is perhaps the most respected member of the California delegation. Barbara Boxer, as an ultra-liberal, is the one out of touch with California. It is time to defeat her! I believe Chris, a programmatic conservative, is the right person to do this.
Mark Johnson is a great friend. He never asks for anything in return for all that he does for the community and for his friends. He is a true leader with great passion, energy and compassion. I hope that someday he will be elected to Congress, so the country can benefit from his energy and intellect.
The very good news is that this confluence of events will energize us all to work harder to advance our mission.
Thomas E. Tucker
Chairman, New Majority
Newport Beach
JWA Taxis, El Toro
According to the May 14 OC Insider item on the taxicab controversy at John Wayne Airport, the possibilities being considered by the county board of supervisors include having no airport oversight of the cab companies.
I must ask, why do we need this bureaucratic oversight anyway? The 19 OC cab companies with around 596 cabs have to pay the cities where they operate as well as the OC Transportation Administration Program. Could it be the oversight at city and county levels consist of more sticky fingers than eyeballing? Why don’t we cut out unnecessary costs and regulations, freeing up cab companies to increase competition amongst themselves? The money that they used to pay the OCTAP and the cities may be used to improve their taxis. Competition will drive the quality up and the consumer costs down.
We have discretion to choose the right car-rental companies we use. Aren’t most of us adults grown up enough to choose a taxi cab company for a relatively short ride? We can use referrals, advertising messages and personal experience.
Thanks for bringing the OC taxi cab situation to our attention in the Business Journal.
By the way, regarding the disposition of the El Toro Marine Base, I don’t subscribe to the viewpoint that the “Great Park” is a done deal. I do hope, though, that Rick Reiff drops the “it’s free” argument as a reason for favoring an airport. Most of us know that which government gives costs us dearly.
Yet if more of us follow Reiff’s good example, defending businesspeople who offer free-market solutions and speaking out in favor of capitalism and healthy competition, the local public discourse might take a turn toward a more open exchange of ideas.
Liberty,
Linda Lee Grau
Irvine
Energy, Cont’d
Your May 21 article on the California energy problem (“Davis Meeting Leaves OC Execs Stunned, Worried”) was the best summary on the situation that I have read. It was concise, factual and to the point.
It really says that we have a governor problem, more than an energy problem. It appears that Gray Davis’ political experience and acumen are not going to carry him through this problem where real management decisions are required.
It is frustrating that there is little that the citizens of the state can do. It is obvious that he is doing nothing to give anyone the confidence that he has a plan, but ironically he thinks he does have a plan! He does not understand the problem and as a consequence he is incapable of thinking of, providing, or leading the state to, a solution.
John A. Dieball
Santa Ana
Re your May 28 Comment, “Governor Lawsuit:”
Do you suppose our governor can get some pro bono work out of his trial-lawyer supporters to sue the FERC?
Ann Romano
Capistrano Beach
Lawyers, Cont’d
We should all hope that the federal court rejects the proposed $9.25 million fee to be paid to class-action attorneys representing consumers who were charged late-rental fees by Blockbuster Inc. While the attorneys get millions, the plaintiffs on whose behalf they supposedly filed the case will receive coupons worth only a few dollars each.
It’s time we bring fairness and balance to the court system to achieve win-win solutions for all parties involved.
Meanwhile, does anyone really believe that the $3 billion punitive award by a Los Angeles jury against Philip Morris on behalf of a single smoker is going to stand up on appeal? I can appreciate jurors feeling angry and wanting to punish someone, but to arbitrarily hand out astronomical sums undermines the credibility and usefulness of the jury system.
If the jurors had been given guidelines on what’s appropriate for punitive damages, they would have come up with a figure that was certainly more reasonable. Instead, they had nothing other than their emotions to guide them, and the eventual outcome is apt to discourage any of them from ever serving on a jury again.
Maryann Maloney
Executive Director
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Santa Ana
