The Red Badge of Courage

The Red Badge of Courage, the quintessential Civil War novel, was written by 24-year-old Stephen Crane in 1895. His story of Private Henry Fleming became a critical and financial success and is often considered a literary classic.

The plot is simple. Fleming, who enlisted in the Union Army to pursue his boyhood dreams of military glory, comes face to face with live combat and instead of fighting like a man, he flees like a coward. Ashamed, Fleming meets up in the woods with a group of wounded soldiers – including a childhood friend – who presume he is likewise injured. Guilt-ridden, Fleming runs until he meets a group of retreating soldiers, one of which accidentally strikes Henry in the head with his rifle.

Bleeding, Fleming returns to his original unit where his fellow soldiers assume his wound was battle-related. Granted a second chance at valor, Fleming becomes the flagbearer during a withering assault on a heavily fortified Confederate position. He emerges from the battle unscathed and with his “red badge of courage” intact.

O.K., Dale, so what’s the connection?

Well, earlier this week I wrote an article about the cowardice displayed by the Republican Party in the 119th Congress. Given control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives by voters fed up with the ineptitude and radical anti-American agenda of the Democrat Party, the GOP promised big but has delivered small.

Just like Henry Fleming, when the budget battle got hot and heavy, they ran for cover with their tail between their legs.

But amidst the shame and dysfunction, there remains a glimmer of hope because the midterms are still 17 months away. That means that the Republicans have time to look in the mirror, regroup, and launch a concerted attack on the bloated and pork-riddled federal budget.

If they can muster the necessary courage, there is till time to do the right thing for the sake of future generations of Americans and let the chips fall where they may. However, if Republicans wilt in the heat of congressional combat yet again, their fate will be sealed and their legacy will be forever tarnished... and rightfully so.

Perhaps what the GOP needs is for Rand Paul to hit them upside the head with a rifle, because he seems to be one of the few Republicans on Capitol Hill who stands on principle rather than poll numbers.

Squander this opportunity, my fellow Republicans, and you will live to regret it come 2026, 2028, and beyond. However, if you seize the challenge and rise to the occasion, you will be forever remembered as patriots.

Second chances don't come easily or often, so choose well.