Don Roach: Political Things I’m Thankful For

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Don Roach, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I thought it appropriate to step out of my post election doldrums and think about five things I’m thankful for. Despite unemployment rates that make you wonder if anyone has a job in Rhode Island, despite David Cicilline winning a second term in Congress, and despite the fact that some Rhode Islanders who do have a job will have to work on Thursday, I really want to focus on the positive.

Seriously, I do.

Forward with Fung

When you think of successful Rhode Island Republicans, only two names really come to mind – Scott Avedisian and Allan Fung. Nonetheless, I believe Fung’s star has the potential to shine brightest as he has the charisma and work ethic that very few politicians in this state can match. The question for Fung will be if he has the fundraising machine to tackle Chafee, Raimondo, Taveras, and whomever else might run for governor, treasurer, or any other state office in 2014.

Part of me feels it is Fung’s duty to carry the GOP torch in 2014 because he is wildly popular in Cranston and his style certainly translates to other parts of the state. Were he to win a statewide office, it’s possible such a victory could lead to more Republican victories.

But, that’s probably just wishful thinking as the only coattails we see in this state are during presidential elections. Let’s not go there as I want to keep this positive. I’m struggling with that, obviously, but I do believe Fung is the leader the state party needs to rally around and compel to run for governor in 2014.

I’m thankful Fung is on our side and hopeful he’ll take his shot in two years.

Gas Prices

This too, is somewhat sad but I’m thankful that the other day I paid $3.49 per gallon when throughout the year prices have hovered well above $3.50. I recall the days, not so long ago, when a gallon of gas was half what we pay today. Heck, I remember tutoring in Massachusetts in 2000 and I’d have to drive from Warwick to Natick in a little Nissan Sentra and I would put $5.00 and be able to make a round trip.

I’d probably make it to Mansfield if I were to try that today…if I’m lucky.

Grr…I’m really having a hard time with this positive thankfulness, but really when you’re excited about paying $3.49 for a gallon of gas something is wrong with the world.

Seriously.

Lincoln Chafee

In keeping with the mood of this piece, I’m thankful Lincoln Chafee’s term is about half over!!

Woo hoo! Let’s all do a little dance.

Granted, he has not been as abysmal as the 60 plus percent who voted for someone else thought he’d be, but his campaign slogan was “Trust Chafee” and two years of that has gotten us where?

Yay, the budget hasn’t blown up in our face. That’s awesome!

Great, we’ve gotten some pension reform…………..about three decades too late, but who’s counting.

But, I’m getting off track. Be thankful, Don. Be thankful.

Ah yes, what lifts my spirits is thinking about that November day in 2014 where I get to click on a GoLocalProv video of Chafee giving his concession speech…

Can’t wait!

A new RI GOP chairman

If it’s late November (after suffering yet another smattering of political losses), then the RI GOP must be looking for a new chair! As has been the case in the past couple of years, the GOP is on the mend and looking for new leadership. I’m dreading…I mean I’m thankful that we’ll find someone who can turn this party around. Yes, I believe we can do it. I’ll take a page from Obama’s 2008 playbook – “Yes we can”!

Sigh…who am I kidding.

The last thing I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving is that this article is over and by the time you’re reading this I will hopefully be spending time with family and friends. Sadly, it was incredibly difficult to find anything positive about our current political climate. I tried and failed miserably. Politics aside, have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy your family and friends. Try not to think about all the things wrong in this state and just be happy to get to see your friends and family one more time. That is something truly to be thankful for, and all of these problems can wait till Monday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don Roach is a thankful RI Republican. He can be reached at don@donroach.org .

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