Showing posts with label GOP insanity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GOP insanity. Show all posts
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Arizona - The American Right's Insanity Incubator
April 4th, 2012
Admittedly, there is plenty of "conservative" crazy to go around.
In Florida, the push is on to drug test, well, pretty much everybody who works for state government provided that they are not legislators.
In Michigan, I am not making this up, the Republican Governor has just signed a law which seems to have been designed for the sole purpose of absolving the brother of that state's GOP party chair from responsibility in a multi-million dollar real estate boondoggle.
From coast to coast, the war on women rages, arguments that the poor should be taxed more are regarded as reasonable and, as Andrew Sullivan has examined HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE, standard GOP talking points about the sitting President are so far removed from reality as to be the equivalent of fiction.
There's also the Ryan plan, a scheme so fantastical in its absurdity that it contains statements like this one on page 16:
Mitt Romney has called it "marvelous" to the delight of the President.
Yup, the right wing's whack-doodles are absolutely everywhere making their mischief like pooh-flinging monkeys on a coke binge.
But there really is no place like Arizona.
Sure, most GOP controlled state houses are trying to pass or have passed invasive new restrictions on a woman's right to choose. But none of them are like Arizona's H.B 2036. Not content to merely ape other transvaginal ultra sound mandates or impose new limits on when a pregnancy can be terminated, Arizona's GOP has inserted a provision which effectively alters the fabric of time.
Over at Mother Jones, Kate Sheppard explains:
You're pregnant when you're not, ladies. So there. Harlots.
Still, this is very nearly rational in comparison with any number of other initiatives the Arizona GOP has proposed.
Got employer covered health insurance? WELL, let's protect their right to fire you if you use birth control.
Let's link any environmental initiative, even one using private funds to cover governmental interests, to a vast conspiracy involving "one world government," the U.N., Bill Clinton and... whatever.
Let's force any woman who is struggling with the Constitutionally protected right to choose to view an abortive procedure first.
Just in time for the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr, let's propose rather severe new penalties on civil disobedience.
Don't get me started on Joe Arpaio. Or Russell Pearce. It goes on and on and on with exemplars that boggle in comparison to almost any other so-called "Red State."
The state of Arizona has come to not only define, but also to predict establishment GOP extremism. They are the micro to the macro. If it's nuts, and it's happening there, it's also probably on its way to your state.
For the record, I used to love Arizona.
I once rode a horse in Monument Valley. It's one of my most treasured memories. I hoped at that time to capture the feeling, to be frank, that I thought John Wayne must have had in any of the many films he made there with the great John Ford directing.
It is a place of tremendous natural splendor. I also really liked the people I met when I was there.
But, that seems a lifetime ago.
Would I go back now?
Not a fucking chance unless I have to. I would as soon go to Kazakhstan and start loudly declaring myself to be American.
This is because it seems very nearly as dangerous to be one in either place.
Admittedly, there is plenty of "conservative" crazy to go around.
In Florida, the push is on to drug test, well, pretty much everybody who works for state government provided that they are not legislators.
In Michigan, I am not making this up, the Republican Governor has just signed a law which seems to have been designed for the sole purpose of absolving the brother of that state's GOP party chair from responsibility in a multi-million dollar real estate boondoggle.
From coast to coast, the war on women rages, arguments that the poor should be taxed more are regarded as reasonable and, as Andrew Sullivan has examined HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE, standard GOP talking points about the sitting President are so far removed from reality as to be the equivalent of fiction.
There's also the Ryan plan, a scheme so fantastical in its absurdity that it contains statements like this one on page 16:
"The U.S. military is threatened by an uncontrolled debt burden that weakens America - but defense spending is not the driver of that burden." EMPHASIS MINERemember, this a "serious" and "non-political" document.
Mitt Romney has called it "marvelous" to the delight of the President.
Yup, the right wing's whack-doodles are absolutely everywhere making their mischief like pooh-flinging monkeys on a coke binge.
But there really is no place like Arizona.
Sure, most GOP controlled state houses are trying to pass or have passed invasive new restrictions on a woman's right to choose. But none of them are like Arizona's H.B 2036. Not content to merely ape other transvaginal ultra sound mandates or impose new limits on when a pregnancy can be terminated, Arizona's GOP has inserted a provision which effectively alters the fabric of time.
Over at Mother Jones, Kate Sheppard explains:
"Like the proposals before it, Arizona's legislation is modeled on the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" designed by the National Right to Life Committee. And like the other bills, it states that abortion would be banned 20 weeks into a pregnancy. But reproductive rights advocates point out that Arizona's law would actually be more restrictive than others, as the bill states that the gestational age of the fetus should be "calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period of the pregnant woman."
Not to go all middle-school health on you, but that's not exactly the same as the actual date the egg and the sperm hooked up. Figuring out that exact point one became pregnant can be tricky. Most women ovulate about 14 or 15 days after their period starts, and women can usually get pregnant from sexual intercourse that occured anywhere between five days before ovulation and a day after it. Arizona's law would start the clock at a woman's last period—which means, in practice, that the law prohibits abortion later than 18 weeks after a woman actually becomes pregnant."Got that?
You're pregnant when you're not, ladies. So there. Harlots.
Still, this is very nearly rational in comparison with any number of other initiatives the Arizona GOP has proposed.
Got employer covered health insurance? WELL, let's protect their right to fire you if you use birth control.
Let's link any environmental initiative, even one using private funds to cover governmental interests, to a vast conspiracy involving "one world government," the U.N., Bill Clinton and... whatever.
Let's force any woman who is struggling with the Constitutionally protected right to choose to view an abortive procedure first.
Just in time for the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr, let's propose rather severe new penalties on civil disobedience.
Don't get me started on Joe Arpaio. Or Russell Pearce. It goes on and on and on with exemplars that boggle in comparison to almost any other so-called "Red State."
The state of Arizona has come to not only define, but also to predict establishment GOP extremism. They are the micro to the macro. If it's nuts, and it's happening there, it's also probably on its way to your state.
For the record, I used to love Arizona.
I once rode a horse in Monument Valley. It's one of my most treasured memories. I hoped at that time to capture the feeling, to be frank, that I thought John Wayne must have had in any of the many films he made there with the great John Ford directing.
It is a place of tremendous natural splendor. I also really liked the people I met when I was there.
But, that seems a lifetime ago.
Would I go back now?
Not a fucking chance unless I have to. I would as soon go to Kazakhstan and start loudly declaring myself to be American.
This is because it seems very nearly as dangerous to be one in either place.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Is Jeffrey Lord Really This Dense?
March 5th, 2012
The answer to the question is, apparently, yes.
Even more so than previously suspected.
Writing for the American Spectator, he launches into a tirade on behalf of poor little Rush Limbaugh. He is appalled that people are appalled at Rush's appalling behavior. Get this:
"It's time to stand up to the bullies.
It's time to Rally for Rush." EMPHASIS MINE
He actually wrote this. I shit you not.
Even more so than previously suspected.
Writing for the American Spectator, he launches into a tirade on behalf of poor little Rush Limbaugh. He is appalled that people are appalled at Rush's appalling behavior. Get this:
"It's time to stand up to the bullies.
It's time to Rally for Rush." EMPHASIS MINE
Please "enjoy" his whole piece wherein he repeats the smear that Ms. Fluke "demands to be paid for her sex life," refers to those of us who have fought back as "the blacklisting crowd" emerging from our "Stalinist caves" (that mixed metaphor is rich,) and repeatedly berates the young woman "for her obnoxiously intolerant behavior when it comes to the free speech of others."
I really am not making this up. It's not from the Onion.
So, all you "Stalinist" loons, put your "blacklisting" hats on and let him know how sorry you are at jlpa1@aol.com
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Obama's "Most Dangerous" GOP Opponent?
Feb 29th, 2012
In light of the news that Israel would "not warn" the U.S. prior to a pre-emptive attack on Iran, Sullivan fumes:
"I don't think you can understand the Republican strategy for this election without factoring in a key GOP player, Benjamin Netanyahu.
He already has core members of the US Congress siding openly with him against the US president and the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman - like McCain, Lieberman and Butters.
In light of the news that Israel would "not warn" the U.S. prior to a pre-emptive attack on Iran, Sullivan fumes:
He already has core members of the US Congress siding openly with him against the US president and the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman - like McCain, Lieberman and Butters.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
How The GOP Got Here
Feb 28th, 2012
A lot of folks are discussing David Brooks' column today and rightly so. He has stepped back and taken stock of the GOP. His take away:
"The wingers call their Republican opponents RINOs, or Republican In Name Only. But that’s an insult to the rhino, which is a tough, noble beast. If RINOs were like rhinos, they’d stand up to those who seek to destroy them. Actually, what the country needs is some real Rhino Republicans. But the professional Republicans never do that. They’re not rhinos. They’re Opossum Republicans. They tremble for a few seconds then slip into an involuntary coma every time they’re challenged aggressively from the right.
Without real opposition, the wingers go from strength to strength. Under their influence, we’ve had a primary campaign that isn’t really an argument about issues. It’s a series of heresy trials in which each of the candidates accuse the others of tribal impurity. Two kinds of candidates emerge from this process: first, those who are forceful but outside the mainstream; second, those who started out mainstream but look weak and unprincipled because they have spent so much time genuflecting before those who despise them."
I think no one can reasonably argue.
A lot of folks are discussing David Brooks' column today and rightly so. He has stepped back and taken stock of the GOP. His take away:
"The wingers call their Republican opponents RINOs, or Republican In Name Only. But that’s an insult to the rhino, which is a tough, noble beast. If RINOs were like rhinos, they’d stand up to those who seek to destroy them. Actually, what the country needs is some real Rhino Republicans. But the professional Republicans never do that. They’re not rhinos. They’re Opossum Republicans. They tremble for a few seconds then slip into an involuntary coma every time they’re challenged aggressively from the right.
Without real opposition, the wingers go from strength to strength. Under their influence, we’ve had a primary campaign that isn’t really an argument about issues. It’s a series of heresy trials in which each of the candidates accuse the others of tribal impurity. Two kinds of candidates emerge from this process: first, those who are forceful but outside the mainstream; second, those who started out mainstream but look weak and unprincipled because they have spent so much time genuflecting before those who despise them."
I think no one can reasonably argue.
"They Are Running Against A Fictional President"
Feb 28th, 2012
Bill Maher sums up the contemporary GOP:
"This is the bubble they live in. It's hard to get actual facts into this impermeable membrane. They are running against a fictional president. A president who has slashed defense, who has raised taxes, who goes around the world apologizing to different countries, who coddles terrorists, all of which, of course, never happened. But that's who they think the president is."
Bill Maher sums up the contemporary GOP:
"This is the bubble they live in. It's hard to get actual facts into this impermeable membrane. They are running against a fictional president. A president who has slashed defense, who has raised taxes, who goes around the world apologizing to different countries, who coddles terrorists, all of which, of course, never happened. But that's who they think the president is."
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Quote Of The Day - Here and Now Edition
Feb 26th, 2012
"Republicans being against sex is not good. Sex is popular."
-- GOP strategist Alex Castellanos discussing his party's re-declaration of culture war in America.
-- GOP strategist Alex Castellanos discussing his party's re-declaration of culture war in America.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Another GOP Debate... Again
Feb 23rd, 2012
I didn't have the stomach to liveblog last night's angry-white-man-distortion-fest. Sullivan, whether to his credit or as a sign that he really is a masochist, did so HERE. His takeaway:
"Maybe I've lost my mind after all these debates, or maybe I secretly want him to win (because he would finally expose all the insanity that has been building in this party and needs venting). But I thought Santorum was on form tonight. My sense is that he will not lose his current momentum after tonight. I didn't feel Newt tonight. Romney doesn't wear well. Paul was great and funny and human.
But there was a winner, it seems to me. He's in the White House."
I didn't have the stomach to liveblog last night's angry-white-man-distortion-fest. Sullivan, whether to his credit or as a sign that he really is a masochist, did so HERE. His takeaway:
"Maybe I've lost my mind after all these debates, or maybe I secretly want him to win (because he would finally expose all the insanity that has been building in this party and needs venting). But I thought Santorum was on form tonight. My sense is that he will not lose his current momentum after tonight. I didn't feel Newt tonight. Romney doesn't wear well. Paul was great and funny and human.
But there was a winner, it seems to me. He's in the White House."
Yup.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Romney Watch - Et Tu, Mittens?
Feb 22nd, 2012
by F. Grey Parker
Barry Goldwater once said,
There was a time when I had some regard for Mitt Romney. He once seemed contemplative and fair. There is plenty in his record to respect no matter how much he's running from it lately.
But that's just it... he's really running from it. What's more, what he is running to is un-American.
A few months ago, he was not just the GOP elite establishment's choice. He also seemed the smart choice. Not anymore.
I believe that yesterday, Romney not only sealed the fate of his campaign but also that of his party.
Barry Goldwater once said,
"Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others unless the decent people connected to them recognize that religion has no place in public policy. They must learn to make their views known without trying to make their views the only alternatives."My. How things have changed.
There was a time when I had some regard for Mitt Romney. He once seemed contemplative and fair. There is plenty in his record to respect no matter how much he's running from it lately.
But that's just it... he's really running from it. What's more, what he is running to is un-American.
A few months ago, he was not just the GOP elite establishment's choice. He also seemed the smart choice. Not anymore.
I believe that yesterday, Romney not only sealed the fate of his campaign but also that of his party.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
How Social Conservatives Are Derailing The GOP, cont...
Feb 21st, 2012
Josh Holland notes that one of the interesting things to come out of the GOP's war on contraception is a fracture in messaging:
"Most progressives have come to hold a grudging admiration for the conservative movement's message discipline. We're often impressed by the way the entire movement repeats and reinforces its preferred narrative on most issues – from the most obscure bloggers in the fever swamps of wingnuttia to the Republican caucus in the senate. There's real power in that discipline."
At first, the arguments against the so-called "contraception mandate" were framed exclusively as an issue of "religious liberty." I thoroughly debunked this nonsense HERE. My expectation was that the establishment would keep order, the wing-nuts would follow and, as usual, I would have to keep making my point in an attempt to expose the underlying hypocrisy.
However, when you use a dog-whistle you can't always control how the hounds respond. From the recent disgusting pronouncements of Dana Loesch to the extreme proposals of Republican Senator Roy Blunt which would expand conservative demands for exceptions beyond the religious and into the "moral," the discipline of GOP propaganda which we once expected is showing signs of collapse.
The real and underlying fear among "conservatives" over changes in women's roles over the last two generations has erupted and is "throwing them off message and making it clear to the public at large that this fight is first and foremost about women's role in society, and not “conscience” or “liberty” or any of the other talking points that might have won the American people over to their side in the debate.
And that clarity will play out in this election cycle. As Greg Sargent notes, over the past three months pollsters have seen a dramatic, 18-point swing from Romney to Obama among unmarried women, and the president now leads the supposedly “moderate” contender by a stunning 65-30 margin among that group. When it comes to this bizarre fight over contraception, social conservatives are proving to be their party's own worst enemies."
And it's still only February.
Josh Holland notes that one of the interesting things to come out of the GOP's war on contraception is a fracture in messaging:
"Most progressives have come to hold a grudging admiration for the conservative movement's message discipline. We're often impressed by the way the entire movement repeats and reinforces its preferred narrative on most issues – from the most obscure bloggers in the fever swamps of wingnuttia to the Republican caucus in the senate. There's real power in that discipline."
At first, the arguments against the so-called "contraception mandate" were framed exclusively as an issue of "religious liberty." I thoroughly debunked this nonsense HERE. My expectation was that the establishment would keep order, the wing-nuts would follow and, as usual, I would have to keep making my point in an attempt to expose the underlying hypocrisy.
However, when you use a dog-whistle you can't always control how the hounds respond. From the recent disgusting pronouncements of Dana Loesch to the extreme proposals of Republican Senator Roy Blunt which would expand conservative demands for exceptions beyond the religious and into the "moral," the discipline of GOP propaganda which we once expected is showing signs of collapse.
The real and underlying fear among "conservatives" over changes in women's roles over the last two generations has erupted and is "throwing them off message and making it clear to the public at large that this fight is first and foremost about women's role in society, and not “conscience” or “liberty” or any of the other talking points that might have won the American people over to their side in the debate.
And that clarity will play out in this election cycle. As Greg Sargent notes, over the past three months pollsters have seen a dramatic, 18-point swing from Romney to Obama among unmarried women, and the president now leads the supposedly “moderate” contender by a stunning 65-30 margin among that group. When it comes to this bizarre fight over contraception, social conservatives are proving to be their party's own worst enemies."
And it's still only February.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The GOP War On Women, cont...
Feb 17th, 2012
UPDATE: We may have been taken in by a parody here. If so, we apologize. That said, that we found it plausible in the current climate is worth noting.
If you think there is any way to argue that senior members of the GOP are not actively engaged in a war against women's rights, you are not paying attention. It is being reported that Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum made the following statement recently while speaking before a Nebraska audience:
"It has been my experience that when dealing with females, you need to treat them as though they have a mental disorder… especially those that are constantly seeking equality in the workplace, the military, and in the home. Women need to know their place and need to know when it is okay for them to speak. They were put on this earth for two reasons, and two reasons alone: taking care of their husband, and giving birth to his children… that is all. Any woman who tells you otherwise is obviously touting the liberal agenda of equality, and they need to be told the truth of their purpose. It is a disorder that can be fixed, but not until they go through several years of therapy to understand that they need to be subservient." EMPHASES OURS
This man is now the darling of the GOP base. His vision for a world of barefoot, pregnant, docile and obedient females whose primary destiny lies in their breeding status actually appeals to them.
UPDATE: We may have been taken in by a parody here. If so, we apologize. That said, that we found it plausible in the current climate is worth noting.
If you think there is any way to argue that senior members of the GOP are not actively engaged in a war against women's rights, you are not paying attention. It is being reported that Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum made the following statement recently while speaking before a Nebraska audience:
"It has been my experience that when dealing with females, you need to treat them as though they have a mental disorder… especially those that are constantly seeking equality in the workplace, the military, and in the home. Women need to know their place and need to know when it is okay for them to speak. They were put on this earth for two reasons, and two reasons alone: taking care of their husband, and giving birth to his children… that is all. Any woman who tells you otherwise is obviously touting the liberal agenda of equality, and they need to be told the truth of their purpose. It is a disorder that can be fixed, but not until they go through several years of therapy to understand that they need to be subservient." EMPHASES OURS
This man is now the darling of the GOP base. His vision for a world of barefoot, pregnant, docile and obedient females whose primary destiny lies in their breeding status actually appeals to them.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
CPAC Watch - Norquist Slings Mud
Feb 11th, 2012
Wow. You really have to hand it to the increasingly embattled Grover Norquist. He knew exactly what to say at CPAC 2012 to satisfy his own sociopathic needs.
Via Mediaite
Wow. You really have to hand it to the increasingly embattled Grover Norquist. He knew exactly what to say at CPAC 2012 to satisfy his own sociopathic needs.
"The left is made up… of competing parasites."Too bad for him that a majority of registered Republicans think his tax philosophies are batshit crazy.
Via Mediaite
The Latest WND Poll
Feb 11th, 2012
Perhaps it is time for the GOP to simply admit that they have gone horribly, terribly and, perhaps, irreversibly off-course.
Of all the prominent birther outlets to have piled onto the sitting President, none can compare to World Net Daily. They have left no conspiracy theory unutilized in their quest to destroy him. Obama is a 'socialist?' Check. Obama is a 'Kenyan?' Check. Obama is a 'Nazi-Communist?' Check. Obama is a 'Mau-Mauing Anti-Colonialist?' Check.
This is what makes their latest poll, performed by the ultra-rightist Wenzel Strategies, a stunning development:
"In every case except the match-up against Ron Paul, more than 20 percent of Republican voters said they are more likely to support Obama than the Republican challenger. And Ron Paul is close, as 19 percent of Republicans said they are more likely to support Obama than Paul."
Is anyone actually surprised by this?
Perhaps it is time for the GOP to simply admit that they have gone horribly, terribly and, perhaps, irreversibly off-course.
Of all the prominent birther outlets to have piled onto the sitting President, none can compare to World Net Daily. They have left no conspiracy theory unutilized in their quest to destroy him. Obama is a 'socialist?' Check. Obama is a 'Kenyan?' Check. Obama is a 'Nazi-Communist?' Check. Obama is a 'Mau-Mauing Anti-Colonialist?' Check.
This is what makes their latest poll, performed by the ultra-rightist Wenzel Strategies, a stunning development:
"In every case except the match-up against Ron Paul, more than 20 percent of Republican voters said they are more likely to support Obama than the Republican challenger. And Ron Paul is close, as 19 percent of Republicans said they are more likely to support Obama than Paul."
Is anyone actually surprised by this?
Friday, February 10, 2012
George Will Vs. The GOP On Defense
Feb 10th, 2012
A few days ago, conservative columnist George Will penned a withering critique of current Republican messaging on defense. He begins with nothing less than a rebuke of the entire Iraq misadventure:
"Hours — not months, not weeks, hours — after the last U.S. troops left Iraq, vicious political factionalism and sectarian violence intensified. Many Republicans say Barack Obama's withdrawal — accompanied by his administration's foolish praise of Iraq's "stability" — has jeopardized what has been achieved there. But if it cannot survive a sunrise without fraying, how much of an achievement was it?
Few things so embitter a nation as squandered valor; hence Americans, with much valor spent there, want Iraq to master its fissures. But with America in the second decade of its longest war, the probable Republican nominee is promising to extend it indefinitely." EMPHASIS OURS
In fact, all of the GOP contenders (with the exception of Ron Paul) are now in a mad dash to outdo one another in promising more wars, longer wars and bigger wars. The situation is out of hand and these positions are dramatically at odds with the will of the people.
A few days ago, conservative columnist George Will penned a withering critique of current Republican messaging on defense. He begins with nothing less than a rebuke of the entire Iraq misadventure:
"Hours — not months, not weeks, hours — after the last U.S. troops left Iraq, vicious political factionalism and sectarian violence intensified. Many Republicans say Barack Obama's withdrawal — accompanied by his administration's foolish praise of Iraq's "stability" — has jeopardized what has been achieved there. But if it cannot survive a sunrise without fraying, how much of an achievement was it?
Few things so embitter a nation as squandered valor; hence Americans, with much valor spent there, want Iraq to master its fissures. But with America in the second decade of its longest war, the probable Republican nominee is promising to extend it indefinitely." EMPHASIS OURS
In fact, all of the GOP contenders (with the exception of Ron Paul) are now in a mad dash to outdo one another in promising more wars, longer wars and bigger wars. The situation is out of hand and these positions are dramatically at odds with the will of the people.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Why Isn't Huntsman On Top?
Jan 1st, 2012
Because he is entirely too rational. Via The Portsmouth Patch:
"Jon Huntsman made one thing abundantly clear after a campaign stop in Portsmouth on Friday – he has no doubt that Barack Obama was born in America.
"The president was born in the United States – end of conversation," Huntsman said. He was responding to a question about a comment Mitt Romney's son, Matt, made during an appearance in Concord on Thursday."
Because he is entirely too rational. Via The Portsmouth Patch:
"Jon Huntsman made one thing abundantly clear after a campaign stop in Portsmouth on Friday – he has no doubt that Barack Obama was born in America.
"The president was born in the United States – end of conversation," Huntsman said. He was responding to a question about a comment Mitt Romney's son, Matt, made during an appearance in Concord on Thursday."
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The Payroll Tax Cut Fiasco, cont...
Dec 21st, 2011
Frum lashes out at the WSJ op-ed everyone is talking about:
"But if anyone is to scold on this score, it should not be the Journal – which is as responsible as any of the House members for the GOP’s payroll-tax predicament.
The GOP is in trouble because deep down, Republicans do not want to do the payroll tax holiday. They ignored the idea when it was first floated back in 2009 by conservative economists as an alternative to a spending-side fiscal stimulus. Not until President Obama adopted the idea as his own in 2010 did congressional Republicans grudgingly join in support. In the year-plus since then, Republican talkers have denigrated the holiday as ineffective and worse."
Jennifer Steinhauer reminds us:
"By turning down a bill that was overwhelmingly supported by both parties in the Senate as well as the White House, the conservative House majority that has spent the year inciting combative legislative showdowns is now staring over the brink, standing fast against legislation with significant financial consequences for nearly every American household."
We are watching the total implosion of the modern GOP. I don't think it can be overstated. The shutdown nightmare of the Gingrich years pales in comparison. It's worth remembering that particular act of petulance had more to do with the Clinton re-election than the economy did. Where do they go from here?
Frum lashes out at the WSJ op-ed everyone is talking about:
"But if anyone is to scold on this score, it should not be the Journal – which is as responsible as any of the House members for the GOP’s payroll-tax predicament.
The GOP is in trouble because deep down, Republicans do not want to do the payroll tax holiday. They ignored the idea when it was first floated back in 2009 by conservative economists as an alternative to a spending-side fiscal stimulus. Not until President Obama adopted the idea as his own in 2010 did congressional Republicans grudgingly join in support. In the year-plus since then, Republican talkers have denigrated the holiday as ineffective and worse."
Jennifer Steinhauer reminds us:
"By turning down a bill that was overwhelmingly supported by both parties in the Senate as well as the White House, the conservative House majority that has spent the year inciting combative legislative showdowns is now staring over the brink, standing fast against legislation with significant financial consequences for nearly every American household."
We are watching the total implosion of the modern GOP. I don't think it can be overstated. The shutdown nightmare of the Gingrich years pales in comparison. It's worth remembering that particular act of petulance had more to do with the Clinton re-election than the economy did. Where do they go from here?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Cain Watch - God Told Him To?
Nov 12th, 2011
Taking a page from Paddy Chayefsky, Herman Cain has actually finally channeled Howard Beale. Literally. Speaking to a gathering of "young Republicans" in Atlanta,Ga. today, Mr. Cain told the audience he decide to run President of the United States after God told him to. This is not parody.
Via National Journal:
"I prayed and prayed and prayed. I’m a man of faith, I had to do a lot of praying for this one, more praying than I’d ever done before in my life. And when I finally realized that it was God saying that this is what I needed to do, I was like Moses. 'You’ve got the wrong man, Lord. Are you sure?'"
Sleep tight.
Taking a page from Paddy Chayefsky, Herman Cain has actually finally channeled Howard Beale. Literally. Speaking to a gathering of "young Republicans" in Atlanta,Ga. today, Mr. Cain told the audience he decide to run President of the United States after God told him to. This is not parody.
Via National Journal:
"I prayed and prayed and prayed. I’m a man of faith, I had to do a lot of praying for this one, more praying than I’d ever done before in my life. And when I finally realized that it was God saying that this is what I needed to do, I was like Moses. 'You’ve got the wrong man, Lord. Are you sure?'"
Sleep tight.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Down The Rabbit Hole With The GOP, cont...
Oct 30th, 2011
A short time ago, one of our favorite sites, The Political Carnival, highlighted an astounding piece from Republican strategist Ed Rogers. Writing earlier this week for the WaPo's "Insiders" section, Rogers casually stated the following:
"Even though Cain won’t be the nominee, his candidacy tells us a lot about the psychology of GOP activists.
Our team wants someone authentic, creative, fresh, bold and likeable.
And we don’t have much tolerance for too many facts or too much information.
In politics, a bumper sticker always beats an essay. Cain’s 9-9-9 is a bumper sticker; Romney’s economic plan is an essay. Perry’s rationale for giving the children of undocumented workers in-state college tuition rates is an essay. No hand-outs for illegal aliens is an effective bumper sticker." EMPHASIS OURS
This is not merely anti-intellectualism. It's the idolatry of rank stupidity. And that sums it up. What the Republican elites are apparently seeking, during the most complex economic crises of the post-industrial era, is the stupidest human being they can possibly find to run for the Presidency of the United States.
Sleep tight.
"Even though Cain won’t be the nominee, his candidacy tells us a lot about the psychology of GOP activists.
Our team wants someone authentic, creative, fresh, bold and likeable.
And we don’t have much tolerance for too many facts or too much information.
In politics, a bumper sticker always beats an essay. Cain’s 9-9-9 is a bumper sticker; Romney’s economic plan is an essay. Perry’s rationale for giving the children of undocumented workers in-state college tuition rates is an essay. No hand-outs for illegal aliens is an effective bumper sticker." EMPHASIS OURS
This is not merely anti-intellectualism. It's the idolatry of rank stupidity. And that sums it up. What the Republican elites are apparently seeking, during the most complex economic crises of the post-industrial era, is the stupidest human being they can possibly find to run for the Presidency of the United States.
Sleep tight.
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