First Unity, and Now it’s the Purity Test.

Ah, where to begin with a recent syrupy sermon being posted on faux conservative sites and in Douglas County Facebook groups masquerading as a defense of conservative values? Let's dive into this mushy mess of misguided magnanimity and dissect where it goes astray, shall we?

First, the romantic nostalgia for a time "when being a Republican meant standing for unshakable principles" is adorable but delusional. It paints a picture of a mythical past where all Republicans were virtuous paragons of virtue, a conservative Camelot, if you will. The reality? Politics is messy—sometimes, like now, very messy. It’s always been messy, and the GOP has never been a pillar of virtue. To suggest otherwise is not only historically inaccurate; it's laughably naive.

The article condemns those of us who focus on "purity" as if maintaining the ideological integrity of conservatism is somehow a bad thing. Let me clear something up: when you stand for everything, you stand for nothing. The blurring of lines and bending of principles to accommodate every Tom, Dick, and Harriet who feels slightly conservative today but might swing left tomorrow is exactly why we're in the mess we're in. This isn't a purity test; it's basic brand management.

And oh, the irony of accusing true conservatives of using their light "like a torch to burn bridges." Last time I checked, the purpose of light was to illuminate the truth, especially when that truth exposes the cockroaches scuttling to undermine conservative values from within. If shining a light on hypocrisy and betrayal burns a few bridges, maybe those bridges needed to go up in flames.

The pettiness peaks with the criticism of faux conservatives with a "crusade of condemnation." Please, spare me the martyrdom. Accountability isn't about being judgmental, it's about ensuring that those who claim to represent conservative values actually live up to them. Without it, we're just another social club, not a political force.

This piece then veers into what can only be described as an emotional plea, urging conservatives to be "a beacon of hope" rather than "a barricade." Heartwarming, but utterly misguided in today's political climate. Our opponents aren't looking for hope; they're looking for any crack in our armor to exploit. Our job isn't to make them feel warm and fuzzy; it's to stand guard over the values and principles that made America great.

And let's talk about the Biblical reference, invoking Revelation to scold grassroot conservatives for losing their "first love." This isn't Sunday school; it's the battlefield of ideas. The heart of conservatism is not lost by fiercely defending it; it's lost by those who, in the name of faux unity, would have us lay down our arms and sing Kumbaya with those who oppose what we stand for.

This response to my original call for unity now purity reeks of defeat disguised as diplomacy. The goal of conservatism isn't to be liked; it's to preserve the Republic. This isn't about winning hearts; it's about winning battles, ideological, political, and cultural. If that means a few bridges are burnt to the ground, so be it. I am not here to be popular; I am here to be principled. That's the real path to restoring our nation's greatness.

And if you think Trump does not apply a purity test to his cabinet and staff picks, then folks, you are worse off than I had originally thought.