Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

C Moon

(12,188 posts)
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 03:21 AM Jan 2020

There must be GOP politicians who care about the U.S., and are smart enough to see what's going on.

So, are they afraid of the extreme traitorous faction of their party, or are they just that fucked up in the head with money that they don't care?
Please excuse my language.

We need a Joker.

49 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
There must be GOP politicians who care about the U.S., and are smart enough to see what's going on. (Original Post) C Moon Jan 2020 OP
Probably both - and the ones that just want the trappings of power no matter what the cost. Kablooie Jan 2020 #1
I think that there are some that secretly hope that Trump loses, and they win. RDANGELO Jan 2020 #2
I do believe ... NanceGreggs Jan 2020 #3
Male anatomy is not what gives people courage. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Jan 2020 #9
Thanks for pointing that out. NanceGreggs Jan 2020 #10
To answer your question, whathehell Jan 2020 #17
The reason I am taking the time to write is because I respect you as a writer Bernardo de La Paz Jan 2020 #29
Thank you for such a thoughtful post. Pacifist Patriot Jan 2020 #30
No, nor does female anatomy remove it....n/t whathehell Jan 2020 #16
Well if there were any women in the GOP coverup party then I'd say grow some ovaries. nt UniteFightBack Jan 2020 #38
They're this close to taking it all... lame54 Jan 2020 #4
They are cowards and not good citizens. It's incredible how they all are that. rusty quoin Jan 2020 #5
The GOP wants absolute power and they will do anything to get it. Initech Jan 2020 #6
This is the correct assessment. They care not for the country or the Constitution, only power. LonePirate Jan 2020 #31
there should be 2 in every pack of cards dweller Jan 2020 #7
Many are being blackmailed over Russian NRA money. Patterson Jan 2020 #8
Precisely Sherman A1 Jan 2020 #13
Their oath of office says they can't have it both ways. PandoraAwakened Jan 2020 #11
What's going on with them is similar in a way to what cstanleytech Jan 2020 #12
Most republicans care, most republicans know the truth Cicada Jan 2020 #14
Most are brainwashed to disregard information from outside their bubble. KY_EnviroGuy Jan 2020 #15
Winner Cosmocat Jan 2020 #18
Yes. Republican operatives such as Lee Atwater and Frank Luntz.... KY_EnviroGuy Jan 2020 #45
YEP Cosmocat Jan 2020 #48
Amen! nt Atticus Jan 2020 #22
Ding! a winner FakeNoose Jan 2020 #39
T H I S Cosmocat Jan 2020 #41
Republican "Masters of Brainwashing" knew..... KY_EnviroGuy Jan 2020 #46
In the 90s Cosmocat Jan 2020 #47
Do you suppose "real" Republicans will turn against Trump once they've won their primaries? no_hypocrisy Jan 2020 #19
No Cosmocat Jan 2020 #42
Is it "love" -- or fear? no_hypocrisy Jan 2020 #44
They know what's going on, because they're part of it. GoCubsGo Jan 2020 #20
I don't see any Repubs standing up and hugging the Constitution C_U_L8R Jan 2020 #21
I have thought about this often over the last few years. Some thoughts. Pacifist Patriot Jan 2020 #23
I think we under rate your number 1 Farmer-Rick Jan 2020 #28
I see no evidence for that. Voltaire2 Jan 2020 #24
Either way they go, they are ruined Generic Brad Jan 2020 #25
This message was self-deleted by its author randr Jan 2020 #26
I believe Trump has been groomed by the Russians for years for this job sellitman Jan 2020 #27
Those were PURGED from congress and many state seats Hortensis Jan 2020 #32
Nope. There are none. Arthur_Frain Jan 2020 #33
They're afraid of the base. Duppers Jan 2020 #34
There aren't any Republicans left. ooky Jan 2020 #35
I'll take "Fucked up in the head" for $100, Alex. KentuckyWoman Jan 2020 #36
You are batting .500 DFW Jan 2020 #37
YEP Cosmocat Jan 2020 #43
If the Republicans are given a choice between (A) Trump and Autocracy NewJeffCT Jan 2020 #40
Silence is consent struggle4progress Jan 2020 #49

Kablooie

(18,571 posts)
1. Probably both - and the ones that just want the trappings of power no matter what the cost.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 03:27 AM
Jan 2020

I don't expect one single Republican to be brave enough to vote for Trump to be removed.
They will whine and babble to the press but when it comes down to the vote they will show cowardice and vote against what they know is right.

RDANGELO

(3,430 posts)
2. I think that there are some that secretly hope that Trump loses, and they win.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 03:27 AM
Jan 2020

Then the party can get back to some sanity. I am almost sure that, that is the case with Lindsey Graham.

NanceGreggs

(27,813 posts)
3. I do believe ...
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 03:33 AM
Jan 2020

… there ARE Republicans who “care about the US and know what’s going on”.

Unfortunately, they don’t have the spine to say so, or the balls to do anything about it.

Bernardo de La Paz

(48,788 posts)
29. The reason I am taking the time to write is because I respect you as a writer
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 11:10 AM
Jan 2020

I look for your screeds when I see your name.

I'm sure you are not sexist. However even people fighting sexism sometimes slip into sexist language. There are many words and phrases one can use. You could say "gonads", but even that is not true though it is non-gendered. In this case, you used "spine" which is very effective, as would be "guts" and "teeth". One could work in things like "heart" and "claws".

Language has power to be exclusive or inclusive. Every time a male metaphor is used, perhaps carelessly or lazily, the visualization is of a male person, which reinforces all the images we have of males in positions of power. It can add to discouragement without the reader knowing why they feel discouraged.

Does Nancy Pelosi have balls? Hillary? Kamala? Elizabeth? You know the answer. Do they need them to get done what needs doing, the great work they do?

It's a small thing, this, but it helps women attain their rightful place.

Pacifist Patriot

(24,647 posts)
30. Thank you for such a thoughtful post.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 11:29 AM
Jan 2020

I agree with you completely. It does need to be pointed out, even when it is to someone we largely agree with. I rely on friendly reminders like this when I slip into vernacular idioms such as these without thinking.

Initech

(99,914 posts)
6. The GOP wants absolute power and they will do anything to get it.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 04:09 AM
Jan 2020

And they don't care who they stomp on to get it.

dweller

(23,561 posts)
7. there should be 2 in every pack of cards
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 04:36 AM
Jan 2020

and are played as 'wild' in most hands .. say i'm dealt 1 ..
there seems to be this ploy by Mcturtle and crew to have closed from the public sessions, secretive sessions... could the vote to remove Fatnixon take place in such a session?
🤔

✌🏼

PandoraAwakened

(905 posts)
11. Their oath of office says they can't have it both ways.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 05:45 AM
Jan 2020
Answer: They care only for themselves. They CARE NOT for their country.

I'm sure some will say, oh yes, there definitely, most assuredly ARE some GOP politicians who care about the U.S....but, but, but...they're too scared... they're too married to power...they're too this...they're too that...and on and on.

Sorry. Nope. Can't have it both ways. It's your classic oxymoron conundrum.

Definition of "oxymoron": A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

They took an oath of office to defend and support the Constitution of the United States "without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion."

Not speaking up IS "mental reservation."

Not speaking up because of fear, blackmail, payoff, power, job security, or any other personal reason IS "purpose of evasion."

So, if you find yourself saying, "Yes, they do care about the U.S., but [insert your favorite mental reservation or purpose of evasion]," just stop yourself right there and think for a moment.

There is no "but." These guys can't have it both ways. Why? Because they took an oath of office saying they can't have it both ways!

They didn't agree to an oxymoron when they took the job, so there's no need for anyone to manufacture one for them.

If they speak up, they DO care. If they don't speak up, they DON'T care. It's really that simple.

cstanleytech

(26,080 posts)
12. What's going on with them is similar in a way to what
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 05:49 AM
Jan 2020

happened in Germany when alot of those in office swore blind loyalty to Hitler regardless what he wanted to do.

Cicada

(4,533 posts)
14. Most republicans care, most republicans know the truth
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 07:10 AM
Jan 2020

Most probably think Trump is good for the country mainly because of judicial appointments. Obviously they can not express their disapproval of Trump’s horrible behavior because doing so would be political suicide.

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,483 posts)
15. Most are brainwashed to disregard information from outside their bubble.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 07:42 AM
Jan 2020

Republicans have a plentiful supply of propaganda sources. They all attach themselves to a select few that fits their place in the pecking order. Regardless, the dogma boils down to the same stuff whether coming from Limbaugh, their church or the Heritage Foundation and it's all they will believe.

So, they're programmed to react to external logic, science, facts and reasoning like it's the Black Plague.

They also have a morbid fear of the established authoritarian leadership structure because they know the rejection and retribution they can suffer if they stray. Retribution and shaming can come from within their own family, their church or business, RW political groups, along with public and social media.

Most also believe that structure will protect them from harm and provide them with a good life, despite contrary evidence.

I've observed that pattern of personality traits in Republicans from ditch digger to presidents and from the 60s 'till now.

In four words: It is a cult.

Cosmocat

(14,543 posts)
18. Winner
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 08:31 AM
Jan 2020

Some hit on various elements, but the bottom line is that 30+ years of their callously gaslighting the "base" has infected even the people doing the gaslighting.

To what extent any republican has any decency or common sense left, it gets disregarded out of hand by their fundamental belief in the evil liberal boogyman.

They LONG have crossed a threashold where ANYTHING is justifiable, hell even righteous, in the epic, sacred war against liberals.

Until this country understands this, sees them as the hopelessly brainwashed cult they are, and stops fucking indulging them, we are screwed.

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,483 posts)
45. Yes. Republican operatives such as Lee Atwater and Frank Luntz....
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 10:57 AM
Jan 2020

were quite clever in their designs to segment our populace into groups they could separately dogmatize and then control, such as:
* Evangelical churches,
* Gun rights groups,
* Anti-abortion groups,
* High-wealth individuals, etc.

What's most amazing is that once elected, Republican's focus is not longer on those group's interest (except in a superficial way) and they trudge on with their destruction of government.

In other words, the Party has a populist public platform for show and a private nasty one to actually work from.

Cosmocat

(14,543 posts)
48. YEP
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 01:31 PM
Jan 2020

What is amazing is that so many people allow themselves to be culled to get them into power, and as you note outside of token gestures they operate AGGRESSIVELY against their interests, and they are perfectly fine with it.

sigh ...

FakeNoose

(32,351 posts)
39. Ding! a winner
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 09:45 AM
Jan 2020

You nailed it KY Enviroguy!

It's no longer a political party, it's a cult. And they've all drunk the koolaid by now. The ones who didn't have already left the cult.

Cosmocat

(14,543 posts)
41. T H I S
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 10:03 AM
Jan 2020

how many times do we have to have this discussion.

They may or may not be bribed or compromised or whatever.

But, first and foremost, after 40+ years of their party gaslighting their zombie base, they themselves have come to believe in the epic battle against the evil liberal boogyman, and that anything they say and do is not only justified, but righteous in this battle.

They are ALL wearing those stupid helmets with a beer can on both sides and hoses into their mouths to guzzle their own kool aid.

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,483 posts)
46. Republican "Masters of Brainwashing" knew.....
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 11:08 AM
Jan 2020

they couldn't just brainwash people based on right-wing policy because that would eventually fail due to threats to Social Security, basic subsistence support and public education - just to name a few.

So, they decided they would need to launch a multi-decade propaganda effort to simultaneously brainwash their minions that Democrats and all other liberal-thinking groups around the globe are evil and out to get them.

Worst of all, they've done all this using money WE gave them via our everyday purchases of goods and services.....

Cosmocat

(14,543 posts)
47. In the 90s
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 12:20 PM
Jan 2020

I was a young and still somewhat naive man, and was pained how they managed to so meticulously craft bullshit arguments to get people to vote against their best interests. They were "intellctuals" then, babbled on about the constitution, states rights ... It was counter intuitive bullshit, but they had those snappy quips that required a 500 word essay to counter - you lose that with the average person every time.

9-11 came, and they just bullied everyone with terrorism.

That wore off and we got the big 06 and 08 elections ...

But, the years of hate framing liberals and our getting a black man elected to POTUS threw them completely over th ledge.

45 saw all of this and took the whip from them by being more brazen and bold faced then the whimpy way they just winked at things.

And we are where we are today, where they are cranked into a walking dead like hatred of liberals. That is all they know now.

no_hypocrisy

(45,774 posts)
44. Is it "love" -- or fear?
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 10:06 AM
Jan 2020

I have personal experience with someone like Trump, my father. My sister enabled him to persecute me b/c she thought it was being a loving daughter, rather than being afraid he'd come after her if he perceived her as independent and thus, disobedient.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
20. They know what's going on, because they're part of it.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 09:06 AM
Jan 2020

They're all at least as corrupt as Trump. They know that Trump will take many of them down with him, so they can't let him go down.

C_U_L8R

(44,894 posts)
21. I don't see any Repubs standing up and hugging the Constitution
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 09:13 AM
Jan 2020

Much less embracing truth. They are adrift.

Pacifist Patriot

(24,647 posts)
23. I have thought about this often over the last few years. Some thoughts.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 09:35 AM
Jan 2020

There is no single answer that applies to every Republican politician.

1) Some greedy bastards can be bought and paid for. MONEY

2) Some have skeletons uncovered by either GOP oppo research (yes they absolutely do that to their own), the Russian hacking, or other means. BLACKMAIL

3) Some genuinely believe an authoritarian government is exactly what our country needs. POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

4) Some have a lust for being in the game and possess a delusional self-perception of wielding some authority over others. POWER

5) Some have religious, racist, nationalist, etc. beliefs that leave them vulnerable to manipulation. PHILOSOPHICAL IDEOLOGIES

6) Most probably have a combination of two or more of the above reasons for betraying their oath of office.

At the risk of sounding like a cold war spy novel - someone, or some cabal (*cough* Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc.) has acquired the means to exploit the above weaknesses and is doing it with calculated ruthlessness.




Farmer-Rick

(10,072 posts)
28. I think we under rate your number 1
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 10:52 AM
Jan 2020

Most of us here aren't filthy rich and probably don't believe we ever will be. We are use to making do without a multimillion dollar fortune. We know a lack of money won't necessarily kill us.

But for those who are on the rise, those who are close to wealthy people, money is everything to them. It buys food, clothing and shelter. Without it, they think they will die or at least suffer severely. It is life and death to them.

Money is power in the US. It is life and death in a capitalist economy, it is what will make you successful or not....at least this is what these almost filthy rich believe. They believe multimillions will buy them happiness and everything else. And without it they will suffer severely. It is almost like a hoarder who can't get rid of anything even though they are drowning in their things.

When they vote to continue to corrupt our government with Traitor Trump, they are voting for more wealth for themselves. Not just voting to continue to accept bribes from Russian mobsters, but voting to be safe and secure and surrounded by a house full of things that will eventually drown them and everyone else.

Generic Brad

(14,270 posts)
25. Either way they go, they are ruined
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 10:00 AM
Jan 2020

If they defy the people, they will forever be hated pariahs. If they defy Trump/Putin, them and their loved ones will be targeted for physical harm and financial ruin.

Pariah or physical harm/financial ruin? I predict they will collectively choose pariah and hope they are insulated from from the repercussions in their country clubs.

Response to C Moon (Original post)

sellitman

(11,596 posts)
27. I believe Trump has been groomed by the Russians for years for this job
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 10:44 AM
Jan 2020

He is a plant.

Period.

Unless we can prove it to the American public he isn't going anywhere.


Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
32. Those were PURGED from congress and many state seats
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 12:15 PM
Jan 2020

over the 1990s and since as RW leadership became more extremist and ruthless. Some politicians sold out in order to be allowed to remain, Collins and her "moderate conservative" hypocrisy among the most obvious. Replacements were chosen/allowed for their willingness to go along to get along, and in many cases also for their own extreme RW orientations.

As for caring, let's not underestimate the ability of corrupt, dishonorable people, and always those with extremist bents, to see their self-serving betrayals as "caring." Liberalism is destroying our nation and they're saving us. It'll be much better off under good, conservative authoritarian government than it is now.

Arthur_Frain

(1,783 posts)
33. Nope. There are none.
Sun Jan 19, 2020, 12:24 PM
Jan 2020

My epiphany: I wondered how the earnest people who came to my house looking for my vote to unseat the incumbent became the same goddamned people they replaced like it was a Stepford Wives story?

It’s the money. That first meal with a real lobbyist, where they get introduced to the concept of what real money is, and how much of it is going to come their way, if they just play ball. We constituents never really had a chance, and then citizens united came in and scooped up the last few crumbs of influence we might have had.

Where are the 1% and why do things always go their way? How many in the Senate qualify as 1%ers? Are you really surprised that they end up voting in their best interests? All of this public “herming” and “hawing” from Collins and Murkowski right now, do you honestly think for a minute ‘believe that she is going to do other than vote the party line? If you do, then you are being misled. How’d they do on Kavanaugh?

We need more of a Toto than a Joker. Someone who will pull the curtain aside and show who the bad guys really are for everyone to see. It isn’t going to change anything, but public shame is one of the few weapons left to us. I know if enough people laugh at the orange turd in a public place, we could get him to melt away into a pool of goo like in the scene where they throw water on the witch in the end.

Hmm. I seem preoccupied with Oz this morning. Going to have to work that out.

ooky

(8,885 posts)
35. There aren't any Republicans left.
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 02:29 AM
Jan 2020

They are all fascists now. Their only apparent goal is one party rule and to anoint Trump dictator.

KentuckyWoman

(6,666 posts)
36. I'll take "Fucked up in the head" for $100, Alex.
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 05:13 AM
Jan 2020

And yes, if one of them breaks ranks, you can about bet some drunken nutjob with an arsenal in the basement will track down the Senator's friends, family and hurt one of them. Those maniacs are off the hook.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
37. You are batting .500
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 09:36 AM
Jan 2020

Republican politicians who care about the whole country? None.

Republican politicians who know what they‘re doing? Just about all of them.

They are perfectly happy to let a bomb go off in the room and lose one leg as long as it means that we lose both.

NewJeffCT

(56,827 posts)
40. If the Republicans are given a choice between (A) Trump and Autocracy
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 09:49 AM
Jan 2020

versus (B) Democracy, the Constitution and the Rule of Law, they will go with option A

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»There must be GOP politic...