"...Common wisdom puts the rift somewhere in the Bill Clinton years, with former conservative House Speaker Newt Gingrich getting bluffed by Clinton on the government shutdown. Unfortunately, common wisdom always ignores the fact that one of Gingrich's avowed personal heroes is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
The dynamic and far-thinking father of modern Turkey is heroic in Gingrich's mind for his progressive ways and strong will. What's often conveniently forgotten is that Ataturk also represented his government's central authority imposing modernism upon traditionalists in the villages—where they cling to their religion and their guns—the federal sword literally lopping off stubborn hands...."
More:GOP's house too divided for Palin to repair alone -- chicagotribune.com