Op-ed by Elad Hakim | Photo: Alamy
Author G. Michael Hopf once wrote, “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” While this is not always the case, the Republicans opposed to Kevin McCarthy’s nomination for House speaker clearly understand Hopf’s message.
The GOP holdouts opposed to McCarthy’s nomination recognize the risks associated with voting McCarthy in as Speaker. McCarthy has a concerning voting history and is not a reliable conservative. The fear is that he will align with RINOs, establishment Republicans, and/or Democrats on various issues. The holdouts don’t want to create unnecessary problems or to create a situation where a Democrat is elected speaker, as some have ridiculously asserted. Rather, they want change. In a recent article in New Right Network, author Christopher Adamo writes:
Like his Senate cohort Mitch McConnell, Kevin McCarthy has proven to be a reliable devotee of this abhorrent status quo. He comes from a sordid lineage of capitulation and appeasement, going back to Dennis Hastert, followed by John Boehner and Paul Ryan. He has already asserted the pablum of RINO submission to the established order, assuring leftist Democrats that there will be no attempt at impeachment, and that his goal will be to “heal” the Nation, which means sweeping all of the rampant and treasonous leftist corruption under the rug.
In defying McCarthy’s quest for speaker (without various concessions), the brave Republican holdouts are sending a clear message to the Washington Establishment and the RINOs that they will not be bullied into submission and that they are listening to their constituents.
Despite immense pressure and shameful attacks by members within their own party (i.e., Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, said that the holdouts were acting like terrorists and children, per Fox News) and various media outlets, the 20 GOP holdouts have stood strong. They understand that Americans want change. They understand that conceding simply for the sake of electing a speaker could very well result in the same swampy tactics and policies Americans have suffered through for far too long where the members of Congress pad their pockets, do what is best for them, make false promises as elections near, and ultimately fail to deliver on their promises.
While the decision to stand up to most of the members of their party is not an easy one, it is necessary. “Hard times create strong men and strong men create good times.” These holdouts understand that the status quo is no longer a viable option, and that McCarthy represents, and is an extension of, the status quo. They understand that standing strong in their convictions and demanding change is more likely to create “good times” at some point in the future even if it means going through some difficult times before getting there.
They also recognize that the RINOs and establishment Republicans want nothing more than to maintain the status quo, which has served to benefit them from a personal level and at the expense of those they serve. As Hopf noted, “Good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” Republicans can either fight for change and elect a Speaker who represents this philosophy (these are the “strong men,” as represented by the GOP holdouts) or they can elect a Speaker who will continue with the status quo (the “weak men”).
The first approach will likely lead to a better and more prosperous America, while the latter will likely lead to continued hard times where the elected officials benefit at the expense of those they serve. If McCarthy ultimately prevails, these holdouts will likely demand certain written concessions making it easier for House members to keep him in check and/or remove him from power, if necessary.
Mr. Hakim is an attorney and columnist. His articles have been published in The Washington Examiner, The Daily Caller, The Federalist, American Thinker, and other online publications. He is also a regular guest on OANN’s Tipping Point, and has appeared on Newsmax, The Jenna Ellis Show, Steadfast and Loyal Podcast with Allen West, The Dave Weinbaum Show, and Real America’s Voice.