WP "Let's just say it, the Republicans Are The Problem".

[applegrove]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/lets-just-say-it-the-republicans-are-the-problem/2012/04/27/gIQAxCVUlT_story.html

Let's just say it, the Republicans Are The Problem
By Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein, Friday, April 27, 11:46 AM

"SNIP................

Rep. Allen West, a Florida Republican, was recently captured on video asserting that there are “78 to 81” Democrats in Congress who are members of the Communist Party. Of course, it’s not unusual for some renegade lawmaker from either side of the aisle to say something outrageous. What made West’s comment — right out of the McCarthyite playbook of the 1950s — so striking was the almost complete lack of condemnation from Republican congressional leaders or other major party figures, including the remaining presidential candidates.

It’s not that the GOP leadership agrees with West; it is that such extreme remarks and views are now taken for granted.

......SNIP

When one party moves this far from the mainstream, it makes it nearly impossible for the political system to deal constructively with the country’s challenges.

“Both sides do it” or “There is plenty of blame to go around” are the traditional refuges for an American news media intent on proving its lack of bias, while political scientists prefer generality and neutrality when discussing partisan polarization. Many self-styled bipartisan groups, in their search for common ground, propose solutions that move both sides to the center, a strategy that is simply untenable when one side is so far out of reach

SNIP......................"

[zbdent]

1. and the "liberally-biased media" scrambles to find an "equally outrageous" statement

made by a Dem/Lib ... usually taken way out of context and hyped to the stratosphere ...

[applegrove]

2. +100

[steve2470]

3. awesome editorial, k&r heartily nt

[longship]

4. Great read

R&

[lovemydog]

5. I just shared this on facebook

I'm tired of trying to find common ground with republicans. I want to spend time with thoughtful people. With those who are trying to figure out ways to help the poor get jobs and become more self-sufficient.

Republicans have changed. In the past, some would debate from a standpoint of mutual respect. Now its shrill sloganeering. No acceptance of commonly held facts. Misuse of dictionary definitions of words. I'm no longer interested in being fake friends with them.

I'm more interested in enjoying life. Laughing at absurdity. Strengthening bonds with family and friends. Continuing work with neglected horses. Trying to get people to vote democratic.

The current republican party should be repudiated at the ballots. After that we'll need a genuine progressive party. One that opposes unbridled power of the military-industrial complex. Helps pass free national health care. Strengthens quality public education in all areas. Until such time, I'm voting for the more (and/ or most) progressive candidate on every ballot, and against every republican.

Thanks for sharing!