By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
There’s a growing tone in parts of the Republican Party – loud, bitter, and angry. It presents itself as strength, as boldness, as “fighting back.” But listen closely, and you’ll hear something else beneath it: fear.
You see it in the endless purity tests.
In the public shaming of fellow Republicans.
In the weaponized use of the word “RINO.”
In the obsession with rooting people out instead of bringing people in.
This isn’t what strength looks like. It’s what fear looks like when it’s dressed in patriotism and broadcast through a megaphone.
When Anger Becomes a Crutch
Anger has become a default setting for some in our party, not because they’re wrong to feel concern about our country, but because they’ve lost faith in any tool besides outrage.
But anger alone doesn’t build coalitions. It doesn’t pass legislation. It doesn’t solve problems.
It only tears down, pushes people out, and reinforces echo chambers.
And here’s the truth that needs to be said aloud:
- You don’t call everyone a traitor when you’re confident in your ideas.
- You don’t require blind loyalty when you’re capable of leading through persuasion.
- You don’t turn on your own unless you’re afraid your foundation won’t survive scrutiny.
This is fear – not principle.
It’s tribalism – not conservatism.
And it’s costing us – seats, credibility, and the future.
What Real Strength Looks Like
Real strength looks like standing in front of a crowd that wants blood and offering reason instead.
It looks like saying, “I don’t agree with you, but I’ll still work with you.”
It looks like choosing policy over personality, wisdom over volume, and character over clicks.
That’s the kind of leadership the Republican Party needs right now.
Not more rage-tweeting.
Not more loyalty oaths.
Not more circular firing squads.
We need leaders who elevate rather than intimidate – who challenge ideas, not identities. Leaders who model intellect, maturity, courage, humility, and yes, love of country over love of control.
A Call to the Rational, the Courageous, and the Principled
If you’re a Republican who’s tired of watching our movement shrink while the shouting grows louder – you’re not alone. Many of us have hesitated to speak up, unsure if it’s worth the blowback.
But silence has a cost. And at some point, failing to lead becomes its own form of complicity.
We need to say it clearly:
- Republicans who think critically are not traitors.
- Leaders who compromise are not weak.
- Unity isn’t achieved by force – it’s earned by respect.
I’m not calling for fake unity or ideological surrender. I’m calling for Republicans who still believe in reason, dignity, and democratic process to stand up – to stop apologizing for being thoughtful, to stop deferring to the loudest voice in the room, and to stop letting fear set the tone for our future.
Final Word
Those who rage and purge and accuse aren’t leading us anywhere – they’re just keeping us stuck. And while they deserve our prayers and, frankly, our pity – they do not deserve our vote.
Our party is at a crossroads. We can choose fear, or we can choose the harder path of rebuilding – deliberately, intelligently, and courageously.
Let’s be the party that builds again.
Not from fear – but from strength.
Not with anger – but with wisdom.
Not for control – but for country.
C. J. Garbo, M.Sc., is a seasoned political strategist and a 15-year law enforcement veteran. He has served as a campaign manager and advisor at the local, state, and federal levels, working to elect principled, Constitution-focused leaders. His background in law enforcement gives him firsthand insight into the importance of justice, accountability, and public safety. C. J. brings a no-nonsense approach to political commentary, driven by his belief that government exists to serve its citizens, not rule over them. He is a strong advocate for restoring ethical leadership and defending the rights of everyday Americans.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.