David Sirota: Banana Republicans’ Assault on Democracy

[marmar]

from In These Times:



Banana Republicans’ Assault on Democracy
Why does America’s highest-ranking GOP politician oppose scrapping the electoral college?

BY David Sirota


When the Senate Minority Leader of the United States calls something “a genuine threat to our country,” everyone–regardless of party–should listen. Even in the post-9/11 era of overheated language and hyper-partisanship, that kind of declaration from such a powerful public official is not to be taken lightly.

So, what horrible menace to our way of life was Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) talking about when he recently uttered those words? Communism? Al-Qaida? Hostile extra-terrestrials?

None of the above. He was referring to democracy.

That sounds hard to believe, but it’s absolutely true. In a speech last week to the Heritage Foundation, McConnell used that War on Terror-flavored jeremiad about an existential “threat” to describe a grassroots effort aimed at electing presidents via a national popular vote. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.org/article/12434/banana_republicans_assault_on_democracy

[rfranklin]

1. Same reason they need to suppress the vote...the majority of Americans favor liberal positions...

This study goes issue by issue showing how most Americans favor the liberal position

The Progressive Majority:
Why a Conservative America is a Myth

...THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

No matter what labels people use, their view of the role of government provides a window into the ideology that underlies their political views. Conservatives believe in small government; they prefer free markets and individuals to manage things as much as possible. Progressives believe in a more active government that performs more functions and provides more services.

Polling shows that the public is much closer to the progressive view. The latest survey of the National Election Studies (NES) shows, for example, a preference for a vigorous government role in a complex world. Sixty-seven percent said we need a strong government to handle complex economic problems. Nearly 58 percent said government should be doing more, not less; and 59 percent agreed that government has grown because the country's problems have grown.

-more-

http://mediamatters.org/reports/progmaj/