On this platform and in informal conversations I have advocated for compromise between Democrats and Republicans in a wistful desire to return to an era of legitimate differences worked out with mutual respect, appreciation for the institutions of government, and love of country.
I have clung to this despite ever growing evidence that such Utopian ideas are no longer consistent with the way things really are. I am disgusted with both political parties whose members mainly march in lockstep independent of how they may feel personally.
While both parties engage in practices I find distasteful, it has long been obvious to me that the lesser evil by far is the Democratic party. You see, I believe strongly in two things. First is the recognition and acceptance of facts, no matter how painful. Second is the right of everyone to vote.
The current Republican party fails on both issues. After all, they actually claim they won the last presidential election. And the insurrection of January 6 was simply a group of tourists on a standard day. Furthermore, to honor those flagrant displays of idiocy, they have embarked on a campaign of election reforms designed to deny the vote to groups tending to lean Democratic. It’s so much easier than advancing policies that will appeal to most of the electorate, and being honest.
Ted Cruz made it clear. He said something to the effect that if everyone was allowed to vote, the Democrats would win all the time.
So I’ve given up. In the past, when I spoke to a Republican I would listen respectfully to his or her views and try to have a reasonable discussion of the issues. I actually don’t oppose all conservative concerns.
No more.
If someone remains a dedicated Republican, given the current state of his or her party, I won’t waste my time. Many of the members probably have been duped by the lies fed them on a daily basis by their “leaders,” social media posts, and rightwing television and radio. I feel sorry for them. And I’m sad so many legitimately feel slighted by the ineptness of the Democrats in meeting their needs. But those aren’t excuses. The followers are adults and have bought into the nonsense for which the current Republican party stands. They alone are responsible for their views.
I have known many fine Republicans who are disgusted by what has happened to their party. Some of them remain in it with the intention of influencing its future. I think they are living in a dream world, but I respect their hopeless goal.
For the others? Or columnists who should know better but still spout the party line?
I don’t have time for any of them.
I have clung to this despite ever growing evidence that such Utopian ideas are no longer consistent with the way things really are. I am disgusted with both political parties whose members mainly march in lockstep independent of how they may feel personally.
While both parties engage in practices I find distasteful, it has long been obvious to me that the lesser evil by far is the Democratic party. You see, I believe strongly in two things. First is the recognition and acceptance of facts, no matter how painful. Second is the right of everyone to vote.
The current Republican party fails on both issues. After all, they actually claim they won the last presidential election. And the insurrection of January 6 was simply a group of tourists on a standard day. Furthermore, to honor those flagrant displays of idiocy, they have embarked on a campaign of election reforms designed to deny the vote to groups tending to lean Democratic. It’s so much easier than advancing policies that will appeal to most of the electorate, and being honest.
Ted Cruz made it clear. He said something to the effect that if everyone was allowed to vote, the Democrats would win all the time.
So I’ve given up. In the past, when I spoke to a Republican I would listen respectfully to his or her views and try to have a reasonable discussion of the issues. I actually don’t oppose all conservative concerns.
No more.
If someone remains a dedicated Republican, given the current state of his or her party, I won’t waste my time. Many of the members probably have been duped by the lies fed them on a daily basis by their “leaders,” social media posts, and rightwing television and radio. I feel sorry for them. And I’m sad so many legitimately feel slighted by the ineptness of the Democrats in meeting their needs. But those aren’t excuses. The followers are adults and have bought into the nonsense for which the current Republican party stands. They alone are responsible for their views.
I have known many fine Republicans who are disgusted by what has happened to their party. Some of them remain in it with the intention of influencing its future. I think they are living in a dream world, but I respect their hopeless goal.
For the others? Or columnists who should know better but still spout the party line?
I don’t have time for any of them.
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