Is America's move to the right somewhat of an illusion....

[rumguy]

True Bush is horridly corrupt. Yes, he is a right-wing, not doubt about that.

But look, we "liberals" won the CIVIL RIGHTS issue, completely - just look what happened to Lott.

GAY RIGHTS is also something rethugs are being forced to take seriously. Yes, they are threatening an amendment to ban gay marriage, but I doubt they would be so bold as to rule out the idea of civil unions.

We have also evidently won the idea that GOVERNMENT HAS A ROLE IN HELPING AMERICANS - granted the prescription drug bill recently passed is a piece of crap - but the rethugs had to address it, and I think that bill will end up being modified extensively in the coming years.

The rethugs have also been forced to take the ENVIRONMENT more seriously. Bush's record is horrid, yes, but he is forced to at least acknowledge environmental concerns, and that in and of itself, is somewhat of a step foward.

It seems like the political battle ground has been shifting further left over the last two decades...

Maybe I'm wrong...but ultimetaly I believe we will win on almost all the important issues.

[KissMyAsscroft]

1. The "right wing shift" was spin ..

There was a temporary bit of sympathy for the chimp after 9-11. They, of course exploited that for huge gain. But now it is back to being split, with the liberals having the advantage.

Anytime I ask people about the ISSUES, one by one, they never support the chimp's agenda. Yet some still claim to be Republican.

It is pure spin.

[Benhurst]

Yes, and the Third Reich was

just a bit of undigested cheese.

[Benhurst]

2. Yes, and the Third Reich was

just a bit of undigested cheese.

[Capn Sunshine]

4. .....a blot of mustard

[UGABrother]

3. There are important battles being won.

I think you're right that American culture is gradually loosening up and rejecting social conservatism (drugs and gay rights for example). I'm not as optimistic about the environment and fiscal issues..
The crazy right-wing religious zealots are doomed to become marginalized with time, since they so clearly are fighting the tide of pop culture. Once they do, the republicans will drop them, because what republicanism is all about (at least to me) is helping a loose coalition of powerful lobbies gain benefits and stay powerful at the expense of the common good. It's an exclusive club and they don't waste time helping powerless groups.

[canuckagainstBush]

5. always

America has always been to the right of other developed nations.
If the Democrats were in Canada they'd be "Progressive" Conservatives, whereas the Repugs would just be extremist nut-jobs who nobody would take seriously.