Conservative Republicans are making politics in America very interesting. Frankly, the term “Conservative Republican” is redundant, as by definition Republicans are Conservatives, placed on the right of American political ideology compared to Democrats, who are traditionally to the left.

However, in recent times, the Republican Party has become divided in what can be termed ultra-right conservatives (moving further to the right) and moderate Republicans (who have remained traditionally conservative). But the ultra-right conservatives see moderates as too close to Democrats, especially moderate Democrats who prefer not to move so far left as liberal Democrats. Confusing? Not really. But it seems that the ultra-right Republicans are creating confusion in American politics.

What in the world (or in America) do these ultra-right conservatives want? First and foremost they want there to be little or no government control in virtually every aspect of American life. So, why then are they seeking office in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate? Aren’t the House and Senate integral parts of the U.S. government?

Secondly, they oppose any bipartisan approach to solving the nation’s problems. Republican officials who dare reach out to secure any semblance of a bipartisan approach is immediately ostracized by the ultra-right conservatives, regardless of how genuine these Republicans are in serving the interests of the people.

Here in Florida, (former) Republican governor Charlie Crist felt the sting of ultra-right conservatives when in trying to solve Florida’s critical financial problems he accepted funds from the federal stimulus program initiated by President Barack Obama. Would the ultra-right conservatives have preferred that Florida go bankrupt, with unemployment raging non-stop? They may have preferred the free enterprise system oscillating for an indefinite period, until it corrected the economic system. Well, it was this same free enterprise/market system that created the economic mess that necessitated a stimulus plan.

So poor Crist took the stimulus money, and then embraced political suicide by sharing a hug with Obama, when he visited Florida. Ouch Charlie! You took the stimulus money with one hand and hugged Obama with the other, vexed the ultra-right, and they ditched you. Republican no more, independent you are.

Then, over in Utah, there is Republican U.S. Senator Robert Bennett, who for several years was considered one of the strongest traditional Conservatives in the Republican Party. But, poor Bob. He too sought to fulfill the interests of the people. Realizing the country was poised for economic disaster in September 2008, Bennett, one would think wisely, voted to support the Wall Street bailout – an initiative supported by then Republican President George W. Bush. That move rankled ultra-right conservatives who, remember, do not want the government to control anything, as their theory is that the free enterprise/market system repairs the damage somehow.

Bennett further soured them when last year he dared to seek bipartisanship by working with Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon on a healthcare bill proposal to mandate Americans to purchase health insurance. The plan is similar to the provision in the healthcare law recently signed by President Obama. Now the Utah Republican Party has kicked Bennett to the curb. The man did not even get a chance to compete in a Republican primary to determine if voters wanted him to run again in November for the U.S. Senate. He was defeated at the State convention last week in his bid for reelection.

Again, the question must be asked. What do the ultra-right Republican Conservatives want? Besides opposing every move being taken by the current Democratic administration to serve the interests of the American people who continue to be challenged by severe economic times, they have not offered any real solution to improve standard of living. But they are succeeding in dividing the country and inflicting fear throughout the Republican Party.

Republican governors and members of Congress who genuinely want to join Democrats in state or national reforms are scared witless to doing so, lest they are turned upon like Crist and Bennett, and possibly other Republicans in the near future.

In a free society – there are no barriers preventing citizens from developing ideologies that make them moderate or liberal Democrats, or moderate or ultra-right conservative Republicans. However, in a free society fear of repercussions should never be used as a tool to prevent those with ideologies different from a preferred ideology from trying to serve the interest of the people they were elected to serve.

The question remains: Will ultra-right conservatives stand up and explain just how they plan to turn the economy around, provide jobs, fight terrorism, provide clean, affordable energy, affordable health care, and reform the troublesome financial sector? Please, the entire country is listening.