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Title: The GOP's Dangerous and Destructive Brinksmanship Is About to Pay Off
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Published: Nov 1, 2010
Author: http://www.alternet.org/story/148684/the
Post Date: 2010-11-01 10:52:39 by tom007
Keywords: None
Views: 439
Comments: 57
The GOP's Dangerous and Destructive Brinksmanship Is About to Pay Off The GOP has successfully created the meme that 'hopey, changey' politics are dead and that electoral participation doesn't really change anything. October 30, 2010 | LIKE THIS ARTICLE ? Join our mailing list: Sign up to stay up to date on the latest headlines via email. From outside of Washington, the process of politics appears to be hopelessly broken. After a stunning campaign that energized a new generation of voters, the Obama administration seems as dysfunctional as any that came before it. Hope and change have turned into the same old gridlock. From inside the Beltway, however, the origins of this political paralysis are clearer. Engineered by Republicans and enabled by Blue Dog Democrats, the plan to obstruct administration policies is expected to pay big dividends for Republicans on Tuesday. When Barack Obama executed a nearly flawless election campaign in 2008, the Republicans – who just five years prior expected to maintain a “permanent Republican majority” – faced an existential crisis. If Obama delivered on his promises, he could become the Bobby Kennedy who lived. Camelot II could have captured the imagination of a generation of young voters. Stopping Obama’s agenda and extinguishing that spark of hope was the GOP's only hope of long-term political survival. Their plan took nerve, but by toughing out the short-term criticisms from political pundits, the GOP plan to obstruct virtually every administration initiative – including ones the Republicans themselves had proposed in recent years – has succeeded in making the Democrats look inept (admittedly not an insurmountable objective). While there is certainly much to criticize in Democratic strategy, the Republicans understood that only a minority of American voters actually follow the details of Washington politics enough to lay the blame where it belongs. Most Americans see Washington as a political black box. They see the head on top of the box and they see what comes out the other end, but few follow the byzantine process by which the political sausage gets made. Many younger first-time voters thought they had changed the “head” atop the box from Bush to Obama so it should be crapping roses out the other end by now. The Republican strategy was to dash their expectations by obstructing the intestines inside the body politic. The Republican gambit was twofold. First, they mobilized the extremists from their base to make as much noise as possible. They shouted down members of Congress in town hall meetings with accusations of “Obamacare death panels” and other wild claims that terrorized Blue Dog Democrats into siding with the GOP. Second, and more importantly, they now had enough votes in the Senate to block major aspects of Obama’s agenda. It was there that the GOP would become the sphincter of Washington and constipate the political process. There was an inherent risk in the GOP strategy that the media might call them out and identify them as the source of the dysfunction, but unlike "American Idol" or "Dancing with the Stars," the narrative of politics is long and complicated. Undecided swing voters – the clueless ones who after eight years of Bush policies, still didn’t know which party they supported – were unlikely to follow the arcane procedural obstacles employed by Senate Republicans. They voted for change and Democrats weren’t delivering. While the political commentariat rightly characterized the GOP as the “party of NO,” the mainstream media did little to analyze the deliberate strategy of blockage and obstruction. Rather, they focused on the horse race aspect of politics by reporting on wins and losses. The Republicans rightly gambled that many voters – especially the new and undecided voters – would blame the head of the body rather than explore the messy and complicated guts. The GOP has successfully created the meme that “hopey, changey” politics are dead and that electoral participation doesn't really change anything. Many 18- to 30-year-old voters who helped bring Obama to power have become increasingly convinced that Washington will never change and that Obama represents business as usual. While there are many reasons to be cynical about Washington, those who stay home on Election Day will be enabling the ultimate act of cynicism by rewarding the Republican strategy of constipation and dysfunction. By not voting, they will be rewarding the assholes. Sanho Tree is a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC. This article expresses his personal opinions. * 1 View as a single page
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#1. To: All (#0)
"Satan / Cheney in "08"
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
So nice to see you drooling over an article written by the Institute for Policy Studies They're a globalist leftwing Soros supported think tank. Enjoy, your true colors are shining through. Don't forget to vote!
WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
For about a minute the Tea Party had a libertarian bent, and America had hope, It still does, but nothing short of full blown revolution will satisfy a burned out loser like you. I dare you to say that to my face you wetback loving puke. WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
Thanks for pointing out you are too stupid to recognize a gauntlet slapped in your face and thrown at your feet. post edited. WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
You sound like that is a bad thing. Right now it is either a direct bullet to the heart by the Reps. Or slow poisoning by the Dems. Chances of survival are higher in the long term in getting shot in the heart, then poisoning.
This does seem to be the case. Not by their words but their actions.
"Satan / Cheney in "08"
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
Nice threats, you really are a burned out loser with a twisted mind. I feel sorry for you, you're a frustrated revolutionary without a revolution, a wetback lawyer, probably a public defender or one of those guys you see hanging around traffic court. You're no Gerry Spence or F Lee Bailey, that's for sure. I'll give you my address but you'll have to promise not to try to peek at me in the shower while you hide in the bushes jerking off. WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
I had somehow hoped, obviously in futility, that we could disagree without being disagreeable. The Republicans have, I think, been extremely bad sports about the 2008 elections ... made it extremely difficult for the Dems to do much, even to address urgent crises ... and generally followed a "rule or ruin" gameplan. This unfortunately is an omen that, if the Republicans win majorities in the House and Senate, they will essentially block most Obama proposals and Obama will probably refuse to sign most Republican legislation, with the result that the rest of us will suffer, not from inferior solutions but from none at all. It now is my forelorn hope that the Republicans once in office will be more adult than on the campaign trail and actually devote their talents to moving this country forward. {PS: I think the voters will figure out the Republican gameplan by 2012 and the Dems will have a resurgence. Even the teapartiers will realize that Republicans throw away teabags once they're used.}
Just go out tomorrow and vote Republican to throw out the supporters of Obama, Reid and Pelosi. We can have the revolution, duel later. WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
Roger that.
"Satan / Cheney in "08"
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
?????
"Satan / Cheney in "08"
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
this is the reason our only hope (and i'm talking mustard seed size) for change is dumping out establishment elitist scumbags both R & D. let me be clear. i don't expect much. i am looking forward to the angst that this election, should there be a significant number unseated, of my favorite obots. you know of whom i speak.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
The Tea Parties getting incumbents booted from the primaries is a good start.
Gridlock! Gridlock! WE WANT GRIDLOCK! I don't care for the D's or the R's and a pox on both their houses, and the rat that followed them.
"One of the least understood strategies of the world revolution now moving rapidly toward its goal is the use of mind control as a major means of obtaining the consent of the people who will be subjects of the New World Order." K.M. Heaton, The National Educator
That fits my current view - vote against the incumbent regardless of party (except Ron Paul).
"One of the least understood strategies of the world revolution now moving rapidly toward its goal is the use of mind control as a major means of obtaining the consent of the people who will be subjects of the New World Order." K.M. Heaton, The National Educator
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
Under the circumstances gridlock is the best possible outcome. I did not say it was a desirable outcome - other than it will act, to some small degree, as a brake on the world control agenda of the Alpha Banksters and Psychiatrists who wish to establish total, and I do mean TOTAL, control down to what people are "allowed" to think.
"One of the least understood strategies of the world revolution now moving rapidly toward its goal is the use of mind control as a major means of obtaining the consent of the people who will be subjects of the New World Order." K.M. Heaton, The National Educator
Amen.
"One of the least understood strategies of the world revolution now moving rapidly toward its goal is the use of mind control as a major means of obtaining the consent of the people who will be subjects of the New World Order." K.M. Heaton, The National Educator
Nope. The Tea Parties have put their money where their mouth is. There has been major problems between the Tea Parties and the beltway party, not just in the primaries. You and others like to say that those in the D.C. beltway are just one party. Finally when a new group of people stand up, has shown to have vast amount of political power, and start getting the incumbents thrown out, you attack the new group. You are a puppet for the beltway.
Well said, thank you.
WWGPD? - (What Would General Pinochet Do?)
You're welcome.
Its the other way around. Somewhere, Jimmy Carter is laughing and saying, "Finally! I won't be the worst President ever!"
First three are funny. The forth I am not so sure. It could have a couple of different means.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
You are asking for rightfully angry population to be pacifists. You are a fool for asking so.
"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams (1722-1803)‡
No, that is what you are doing. You take you anger out on everyone but the government.
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#2. To: tom007 (#0)
#3. To: ghostdogtxn (#2)
Sanho Tree is a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies
#4. To: Flintlock (#3)
#5. To: ghostdogtxn (#4)
(Edited)
So we are all fucked thanks to cocksuckers like you.
#6. To: Flintlock (#5)
#7. To: ghostdogtxn (#6)
(Edited)
Anytime, anywhere you wetback loving puke.
#8. To: Flintlock (#7)
#9. To: ghostdogtxn (#2)
What they don't understand, and what the American people don't understand, is that the GOP would rather have the country literally burn to ashes than have it run by "Demon-Rats".
#10. To: ghostdogtxn (#2)
What they don't understand, and what the American people don't understand, is that the GOP would rather have the country literally burn to ashes than have it run by "Demon-Rats".
#11. To: PaulCJ (#9)
#12. To: tom007 (#10)
#13. To: ghostdogtxn (#8)
So if you want to give me your name and address, I'd be glad to arrange for your tires to be slashed, or pay one of my wetback pals to pay your boyfriend a visit, or maybe your kid just wouldn't make it home from daycare. I won't give you my personal information, because I don't really have any interest in getting caught after I've done something really really vile to you.
#14. To: Flintlock (#13)
#15. To: tom007 (#0)
(Edited)
#16. To: ghostdogtxn (#14)
I'm just advising you of how I will respond.
#17. To: ghostdogtxn (#12)
Honestly, though, the Dems aren't much better.
#18. To: Flintlock (#16)
#19. To: Shoonra (#15)
I had somehow hoped, obviously in futility, that we could disagree without being disagreeable.
#20. To: Shoonra (#15)
#21. To: Shoonra (#15)
#22. To: ghostdogtxn (#20)
#23. To: christine (#22)
#24. To: ghostdogtxn (#23)
It IS our only hope. And I'm not going to be lead down the garden path of "if we can only elect more Pubbies" or the converse, for that matter.
#25. To: Shoonra, tom007, Ghostdogtxn (#15)
... if the Republicans win majorities in the House and Senate, they will essentially block most Obama proposals and Obama will probably refuse to sign most Republican legislation, with the result that the rest of us will suffer, not from inferior solutions but from none at all.
"Nobody's Life, Liberty, or Happiness is safe while the Congress is in session." ~ Unk.
#26. To: PaulCJ, ghostdogtxn (#24)
The Tea Parties getting incumbents booted from the primaries is a good start.
#27. To: PaulCJ (#24)
#28. To: Original_Intent (#25)
#29. To: Original_Intent (#26)
#30. To: ghostdogtxn (#28)
#31. To: ghostdogtxn (#29)
We definitely need more Ron Pauls.
#32. To: ghostdogtxn (#27)
The problem is that the Tea Parties seem to have been co-opted by the establishment GOP.
#33. To: PaulCJ (#32)
Finally when a new group of people stand up, has shown to have vast amount of political power, and start getting the incumbents thrown out, you attack the new group.
#34. To: Flintlock (#33)
Well said, thank you.
#35. To: ghostdogtxn (#4)
For about a minute the Tea Party had a libertarian bent, and America had hope, but the Tea Party jumped into bed with the GOP
#36. To: mirage (#35)
#37. To: PaulCJ (#32)
#38. To: ghostdogtxn (#37)
When the Tea Party stood for non-interventionism, a reduction in foreign aid, a reduction in the size and scope of the federal gummint, an audit of the Federal Reserve, bringing the troops home and securing our borders, I was all for it.
#39. To: PaulCJ (#38)
#40. To: ghostdogtxn (#39)
So the Tea Party is gonna take it's "rightful anger" out on US soldiers, our budget, a bunch of arabs and some cavemen in the Middle East?
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