GOP's avoidance problem

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:10:56 GMT

Just another demonstration of Republican arrogance. I don’t know about anyone else but I personally experience more stress and concern over the status of this country now then I ever have. The current government and political environment just leave me feeling very insecure. As an ex-Registered Republican and simply as an American citizen I feel betrayed and used. The Bush administration has continually demonstrated a total focus on pursuing a private agenda for Special Interests and a select few, who return substantial financial support and powerful backing, while the majority is given only apathy, the costs, the problems and an abundance of subterfuge. To ‘rub salt into the wound’ they do everything with an ‘in your face’ arrogance as if it is their right and no one else matters. It is all done with a sociopathic mentality that is self-indulgent, lacks a conscience, experiences no guilt, has no hesitation, allows them to say and do whatever they feel will get them what they want, to deceptively lie and fake at will and provides no real concern for others. Their demeanor is literally insulting as it infers we are meaningless, gullible and naive. It would seem what is called for and appropriate is for them to be impeached and prosecuted for lying to congress, to the American people and to the world and for using their offices and America’s resources for their own purposes but regrettably, that doesn’t seem likely.
The problem now is that with the money spent, more allocated, the plan drawn, the support in place and things going their way, they simply are sure to do everything in their substantial power to see everything continue as is. They will now seek to select, present, support, sell and strongly back and protect their next ‘puppet’. If, as in 2000 and 2004, the American voters are divided and then manipulated by their biases we will just end up with ‘more of the same’. The only hope is for the voters to face their biases and put them aside to see the total picture, allowing no one to manipulate, deceive, intimidate or coerce them, not to let anyone lead them but rather to conscientiously and objectively make their own decision. Maybe then we can avoid having ‘more of the same’.

[The gross dishonesty of the Bush administration, fully backed by the Republican Party, is totally offensive and then their arrogance just ‘adds insult to injury’. Consider the following Bush administration’s positions (if you know the details, you know the boldness of the deception and then the arrogance in the repetition tells the real story): * tax cuts for the wealthy benefit the economy; * warnings before ‘9/11’ weren’t specific enough; * attacking Iraq was justified; * our troops needed to find WMD and to get Iraqi prisoners to confess; * there is a real coalition sharing the costs and casualties in the Iraq War; * the Iraq War didn’t take away from the effort and focus on the War on Terror in Afghanistan; * the Iraq War has always been part of the War on Terror; * importing American drugs back into the USA is unsafe; * Global Warming wasn’t a problem; * ‘private accounts’ will solve the Social Security problems; * policies benefiting ‘big money’ and encouraging the exportation of American jobs and taxes doesn’t hurt the average worker; * the growing deficit and balance of trade deficit aren’t problems affecting the economy; * energy companies need government incentives and tax breaks even though they are making humongous profits; * there isn’t any fault with giving no-bid contracts and favored treatment to Halliburton, the defense contractors and others; * turning our port security over to Dubai Ports wouldn’t be a problem; * the administration had no part in the disclosure of the CIA agent's identity; * the squelching of the ‘wiretapping without a court order’ story in an election year was done for security and not political reasons; * the heightened warnings of terrorists attacks before our elections and then disappearing afterward, wasn’t using government to manipulate public opinion; * Homeland Security has achieved significant advances and hasn’t wasted tax payers money; * America is safer and not actually worse off today because of the Bush administration’s actions * the administration’s response after hurricane Katrina wasn’t just apathetic at best; * Iraq hasn’t generated into a civil war; * by next summer bringing home less than the number of troops sent over in the surge is a reduction; * the Iraqis are making progress and not just pursuing their sectarian and individual interests; * the Bush administration fairly represents all of us and is not just focused on a private agenda benefiting Special Interests and a select few who are significant Bush supporters and who provide overt and covert public opinion manipulation; * even considering all of these things and the necessary contradiction of a sociopathic personality, President Bush is strong on Christian values; * the loss of international prestige, the costs of nearly 4,000 Americans dead, 21,000+ injured and the estimate that a trillion dollars will be spent is really justified even when 190,000 weapons disappear, $4 million a day in Iraqi oil money is diverted, Iraqi police readily fire on American soldiers, Iraqis are fighting Iraqis,,; * faulting the ‘moveon.org’ for their ‘General Betray-us’ ad wasn’t just the often used tactic of ‘aggressively attacking the critic to avoid answering the criticism’; * having the Bush sponsored seminar on Global Warming, with the agenda being to discuss concerns, then go home to think about everything and decide what you can do without anything being binding, is a responsible approach and not just camouflage for continuing to do nothing; * and on and on as these few items are only a small sampling.]

GOP's avoidance problem

Original Bob, New Haven, CT — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:20:18 GMT

Good metaphore D

GOP's avoidance problem

Dave, Tn — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:29:08 GMT

Last night's debate had a more diverse crowd than the one for democrats. Never noticed the camera flashing to Al Sharpton's face for reaction. Was he there?

GOP's avoidance problem

nuanced — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:31:16 GMT

If they can get their 25% base to turn out in numbers and vote as a block they don't need anyone else. They have already proven it to work and they know it. Trying to appeal to anyone else in America might anger their base. Thus their main strategy is voter suppression of the other 75%. That is what is really behind the AG scandal and GonzoGate. That is what was behind the long voter lines, insufficient polling places, insufficient voting machines, purging of rolls, ID requirements, intimidating letters, misleading instructions, etc. I can't understand why the candidates and the moderators don't talk about the election problems since this is the issue that will determine the next election unless fixed.

GOP's avoidance problem

John Doe, The Peanut Gallery — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:36:02 GMT

But if the leading GOP candidates show up at any event not specifically geared towards white christian males, how on earth will they contain the damage done to their popularity with the Republican base?

GOP's avoidance problem

Diane, Grand Blanc, MI — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:48:19 GMT

It's no surprise the GOP has ignored the minorities, especially when they've ignored the vast majority of the American population over the past several years. They are too closely linked with special interests and don't give a d--- about the American populace.

GOP's avoidance problem

Dan G. Pensacola — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:00:59 GMT

Why should they subject themselves to the bias reporting of PBS and MSNBC? Both PBS and MSNBC are controlled by individuals and groups way left of center. First Read somehow implies they would receive unbiased coverage - give me a break. Next thing you know they will be asking you to watch Chris Matthews or Countdown with Keith Olbermann for the latest unbiased coverage - give me a break one more time.

GOP's avoidance problem

Amazed, Atlanta — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:12:09 GMT

REG.. RIGHT ON, Brother!

GOP's avoidance problem

rodeo, ellensburg, wa — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:00:19 GMT

reg: another Republican paying attention! wish some of the rest of the OP (no longer G) were on the same page. Dan:I personally don't think the media is hard enough on any of these clowns, and I just don't understand the inertia that has kept the country from coming UNGLUED over this.

GOP's avoidance problem

Robert — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:07:01 GMT

minorities aren't going to vote for any republican this election cycle. It's a lost cause for the Republicans.

GOP's avoidance problem

nuanced — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:17:17 GMT

Reg, your eloquence, incisiveness and clarity is astounding. Right on! You called it "rub salt in the wounds", I've always called their modus operandi "poke a stick in your eye." There are the worst sore winners I've ever encountered. We'll soon see how they react as losers.

GOP's avoidance problem

Greg OKC — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:21:17 GMT

Reg, wow! thats a lot of info. How you just pulled that from the air like that is amazing! Most people would have had to spend a little time and effort to put that together. I do have one question for you as a ex-republican, is it the supposed actions of the present admin that made you give up on your past convictions. Be it less govt., abortion, lower taxes,stronger defense, there are many things that seperate Republicans and Democrats. As strongly anti Republican as you sound now I wonder what was it that drew you to the party in the first place. I did enjoy your post and was interested in finding out a little more about how you got there...

GOP's avoidance problem

rodeo, ellensburg, wa — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:24:01 GMT

Don't know about Reg but I still consider myself to be a Republican...just not this kind. Fiscal conservatism, the rule of law, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and the freedom from government intervention are still Republican values in this neck of the woods. I am not a social conservative nor a member of the Religious Right. I believe fundamentalism is the true test of a democracy. I believe we should be exporting liberty, not democracy which is complicated at best. So, maybe a small "R" republican. I have hope the ship can right itself before the next election cycle. I just hate what this administration has done to our standing around the world, our military, our deficit, our sense of law and justice.

GOP's avoidance problem

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:54:46 GMT

Good post, Reg. I cvouldn't have said it better myself but I'm sure Lee Holmes will try.

GOP's avoidance problem

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:58:01 GMT

Nuanced:

I don't recall hearing about election problems in 2006. Now, why do you suppose that is? I didn't hear Republicans protesting narrow losses to Democrats. The only narrow contested win that I can recall was here in my home state but oddly enough it was a narrow Republican win that was contested and it was decided by finding "lost" votes in King County. Again, odd that ballot problems occurred in the major Democrat county in the state. Can't they get things right the first time? And of course, the Republican "loser" went through the process and conceded appropriately. Damn him, I wish he was more of a jerk poor loser and not such a wimp. He didn't learn anything from Gore 2000.

You won't have to worry about "us" as losers. There is no way we can sink to depths lower than Al Gore and Democrats in 2000, so I doubt we'll even try. Probably just hunker down and plan our long term revenge. You know, the next political cycle when your side has bollixed it up to the point that the people need change again.

Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy being part of the "loyal opposition" if that becomes my role as just another common amateur political observer like you.

But yes, you might soon see how we react as "losers" as well as seeing how you react as "winners". I'm far more concerned about the latter.

GOP's avoidance problem

Richard, Washington State — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:01:01 GMT

Hope REG has started breathing again.

GOP's avoidance problem

Gavin — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:24:18 GMT

Nice copy and paste, REG; East Valley Phx. AZ, you are talented. As far as the debate goes Mike Huckabee won it hands down last night. Give Huckabee some money and he will be the front runner.Huckabee is the only republican candidate who can beat Hillary and his ideas are fresh and new..Put your money on the dark horse, Huckabee!!

GOP's avoidance problem

John San Antonio — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 02:55:34 GMT

Greg, I can't answer for Reg but as an ex republican myself it's because the republican party has completely abandoned its conservative base. Big government, outlandish spending and an outright assault on our freedoms and liberties have always been what conservatives were against. These have been the basis for liberals in the past. No one seems to think for themselves anymore. The republicans say they are conservative so the unthinking loyalists blindly follow along which shows that they definitely don't have any independant thought preocesses. George W. Bush and Barry Goldwater, who is considered the father of conservatism, are exact opposites. No conservative would consider passing the patriot act.
What are referred to as conservatives today are fundamentalists and they have no regard for freedom if it doesn't encompass "God's" law as they interpret it.

GOP's avoidance problem

Terre — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:49:51 GMT

Excellent REG. I know you said "on and on", and you're so right, but there is one other that I wanted to voice out loud: The Writ of Habeas Corpus - a "quaint" idea, destroyed.

GOP's avoidance problem

jerry/corpus christi texas — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:08:01 GMT

With the same needed to be said about Clinton and Edwards and Obama and why they won't go on Fox News. The Libs went on that joke debate on Youtube and got laughed out of their seats. As you libs always say, there needs to be a serious debate in this country, yet you are always afraid of Fox News.

GOP's avoidance problem

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:25:47 GMT

Greg: I still believe in the philosophy that 'the best government is the least amount of government' and that 'government should only do for the people what they can't do for themselves', which are fairly Republican views. Before voting against Bush I hadn't voted for a Democrat since John F. Kennedy but then I never voted for Nixon, had voted for Ross Perot and had even abstained, so I guess I was a pretty Independent Republican. Right from the start of the 2000 campaigns Bush struck me as a sociopathic, spoiled and grossly dishonest 'punk' and then he proceeded to prove it. I am really bothered by what has transpired and think about it a lot, then being retired I have the time. I personally feel that Bush, Cheney, Rove and others should be prosecuted for their actions but that isn't likely to happen. I find it insulting and aggravating that they not only do what they do but that they do it with an 'in your face' arrogance. As you can see, I'm emotionally invested in the subject; never was before George W. though. Hopefully we can recover, USA and me, quickly once they are out of office. Hope that answers your questions.

GOP's avoidance problem

George Allen — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:27:20 GMT

The Republican candidates have learned to keep their "macacaw" comments limited to private audiences.They are following thier leader, George Bush, who only speaks to "friendly audiences", and makes them sign the oath of allegiance to attend.

GOP's avoidance problem

leon houston — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:30:51 GMT

Thank you REG, for speaking truth to power. Your list of offenses these haters of the middle class have done was very concise. If only others would be as wise as you instead of just defending party politics to defend. Did you remember to include the bankruptcy reform act that still lets the wealthy and poor file but tells the middle class it will destroy your credit for ten years and you still must pay 90% of the debt back. And by the way I pay more Fed. income taxes now than at any other time in my fifty plus years of living on this earth. If you are paying less you must be in that top 3% of folks.I do not know any middle class folks that are actually better off now. Any how, thank you again it was eloquently stated.

republicans hate middle class kids and America

GOP's avoidance problem

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:42:42 GMT

hes embedded in the ground

GOP's avoidance problem

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:18:19 GMT

A closing thought or two. There are many who have supported George W. Bush because they felt convinced he shared their concerns: Republicans, conservatives, Christians, hawks, immigrants and others with individual biases that he appealed to. It should now be obvious to everyone that, while they were encouraged to have that confidence, the results simply tell a different story. With the sociopathic personality (without conscience, experiencing no guilt, self-indulgent, able to say/do/fake anything without hesitation, gross dishonesty,,) of the Bush administration they have consistently demonstrated a focus on a private agenda to benefit Special Interests and a select few who return financial support and active backing while the majority is given only apathy, the costs, the problems and an abundance of subterfuge. The proof is simply evident in who always benefits, who pays and the never ending, always adjusting, deceptive rhetoric arrogantly offered to distract, disguise and excuse. And those influential and powerful few, the ‘Special Interests and select few’ who greatly benefit from most every position the Bush administration takes, they actively provide overt and covert backing, including aggressive efforts using their substantial resources to manipulate public opinion. To avoid ‘more of the same’ the American voter now needs to be disciplined and objective, not allowing the calculated appeal to their individual biases to once again manipulate them, to clearly think, to see the total picture, and decide for themselves without being led by deceptive rhetoric or by someone else. Hopefully we will then end up with an administration, Republican or Democrat, that will fairly and responsibly represent all of us and not just another 'puppet' to do a few's bidding.