eta: I should also say that I fully believe these Republicans believe they are DOING GOD'S WORK here and between Twitter / etc. and the fact that their own constituents are cheering them on don't see this as the wrong path at all. Either they're going to have to learn by being voted out (which is unlikely because of gerrymandering tyvm redistricting) or... something. I think more than anything it's going to have to be a grass roots campaign from the less-Conservative people in that area who actively call / write / vote / sign up voters / get involved somehow that will at least cause them to question what they're doing, if they listen at all.
It's like anything else - the loudest and most belligerent get what they want.
with the number of comments i see all over the internet about how the republican party is going to die, articles like this have to be written once and awhile.
Oh absolutely. I think it was a good article to post. Sorry if it sounded like I was knocking the decision to post it. ;)
After reading blackjedii's comment, I just wanted to assuage any concerns that this could be some new radical plot on the part of the GOP. This sort of thing has happened...probably since forever in Congress, to some extent or another. It's just a natural effect of gerrymandering and the division of power in the House/Senate (along with things like seniority on committees). It's a problem, to be sure, but it's not really a new one.
On the most important policy questions, ones that most affect the national brand of the party, Boehner has lost his ability to control his caucus, and an ideological faction, aided by outside interest groups, can now set the national agenda.
Is not *exactly* what's happening, really. That is, the Repub leadership could choose to take a principled stand and not go with the vocal minority, but they're choosing not to. The minority doesn't have the numbers to MAKE them do it -- so why are we talking in terms of 'loss of control' instead of 'loss of spine'?
That red dot in northeastern IL, just a little bit west of Chicago is the district next to me. Before the last redistricting, it would have been MY district.
I'm not thrilled with our Republican douchebag of a Congressman, but I'm glad to see that at least he's not one of THESE douchebags.
Comments 8
We're doomed.
Reply
It's like anything else - the loudest and most belligerent get what they want.
Reply
Reply
Reply
After reading blackjedii's comment, I just wanted to assuage any concerns that this could be some new radical plot on the part of the GOP. This sort of thing has happened...probably since forever in Congress, to some extent or another. It's just a natural effect of gerrymandering and the division of power in the House/Senate (along with things like seniority on committees). It's a problem, to be sure, but it's not really a new one.
Reply
(The awesome Washington, not the fake-ass Washington)
Reply
On the most important policy questions, ones that most affect the national brand of the party, Boehner has lost his ability to control his caucus, and an ideological faction, aided by outside interest groups, can now set the national agenda.
Is not *exactly* what's happening, really. That is, the Repub leadership could choose to take a principled stand and not go with the vocal minority, but they're choosing not to. The minority doesn't have the numbers to MAKE them do it -- so why are we talking in terms of 'loss of control' instead of 'loss of spine'?
Reply
I'm not thrilled with our Republican douchebag of a Congressman, but I'm glad to see that at least he's not one of THESE douchebags.
Reply
Leave a comment