The GOP vs. Democracy

[MrScorpio]

Washington assumes both parties deserve blame for our problems. But as Michael Tomasky argues, the true fault lies with the GOP and its maximalist demands.

June 24, 2011 10:58 AM EDT

It’s about time the Democrats started saying openly what has been clear for months or even years now—that as long as economic recovery would work to the political benefit of Barack Obama, the Republicans have been, are, and will be in favor of sabotaging the economy. Senators Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin made the point in a press conference in the Capitol Thursday. Noting that his GOP colleagues are coming out against business tax cuts (read that again: Republicans against tax cuts for businesses) that Democrats happen to support, Schumer said, “It almost makes you wonder if they aren't trying to slow down the economic recovery for political gain.” Well, not almost. Certainly. And I don’t “wonder.” I think it’s obvious. But this is a start.

Washington is a city of conspiracies, but far and away the most pernicious one is the fiction, in which one must participate if one wants to be regarded as a “serious” person, that both parties are more or less equally to blame for the present malfunctioning of our democracy. One hears this all the time at the sort of panels, dinners, and seminars I attend. The topic is our energy future, our fiscal prospects, whatever. Discussion turns to obvious remedies, which inevitably involve the government taking some minimal amount of action, or the investment of a few modest public shekels. The symposiast will then note, sighing forlornly, that we appear to be light years away from consummating even these modest actions. He will then bemoan a vague “lack of political will” or “absence of leadership” as the reason for the inertia.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/06/24/gop-out-to-sabotage-american-democracy-by-michael-tomasky.html

[SoutherDem]

1. The Republican Goal

It has been clear since one second after President Obama took the oath of office that the Republican's have one and only one goal - Defeat Obama, They don't care if they destroy our economy and hurt the middle and lower class, as long as the rich get more tax cuts and get more power. But, I wonder if they realize we are all on this train together, a new great depression will hurt the rich as much as the poor if not more. When I see the Republican leaders and President hopefuls want to cut, cut, cut social programs while demanding tax cuts for the upper class, I wonder when train will derail and go off the cliff taking taking us all with it.
For the first time in my life I am REALLY worried about our country. What I don't understand is why those who make less than $100,000 would vote Republican, but living in Alabama I see many people who vote for the political party which doesn't give a flip for them because they really believe what they hear FOX News.

[MrScorpio]

2. So true and Welcome to DU nt