Republicans are losing ground in the overall political narrative in this country. Republicans understand that they are losing ground, time marches on; progress is slow, painfully slow yet, in the grand scheme of things, inevitable.
Marriage equality is slowly becoming a reality in this country. The first building block in the concept that healthcare is a fundamental right for Americans haa been laid. Racism, though far from being conquered has been pushed to the point that is was possible for a man of color to be elected President of the United States.
Though Republicans may not openly admit their slow demise, everything that they do politically, judicially, legislatively points to the fact that they know it, and are willing to damage any institution to any extent to influence the country beyond the “consent of the governed”.
The fact of the matter is that for the whole of human history minorities have thwarted the will of majorities through methods ranging from force to fear to religion to deception… How much of a stretch is it to accept that democracy would be the next method by which those with power would rob those without of even the miniscule power that they had?
The GOP is better at politics because they literally are the current manifestation of power subverting the will of the people in our era, in our country, in our time.
Now it seems the GOP have recognized that the nation is rapidly moving beyond their traditional talking points and fear mongering tactics God, gays and guns will only serve them so well for so long. Those who benefit from the election and governance of Republicans in this country recognize it even more clearly and they are looking to make the shift in power to last decades longer than expected by enacting policy that not only solidifies their position and power but control the process far beyond the point that they can maintain plurality in representation.
Why else would they push for legislation that requires 2/3 majorities to increase revenues but only simple majorities to cut spending?
Why else would they push so hard for mandatory sentencing, reducing a judge’s ability to judge?
Why else would they push so hard to abolish abortion despite the Supreme Court decision that guarantees access to these services for women in this country?
Why else would they push so hard to codify the signing of pledges for all taking the Oath of Office today and those likely to take the Oath of Office in the foreseeable future?
The GOP doesn’t think they will be able to maintain majorities now they are focusing on dictating public policy until they can be over ruled by super majorities (And by super majorities, I mean ultra, super-duper majorities, these are democrats after all).
Mark my words, the GOP or at least the power behind them understands that the demographics of the country are shifting faster than they could possibly adjust for, they are looking to shackle the legislators now and for the foreseeable future to ensure that they can continue to leverage the power they already possess to the maximum advantage, it has worked so far and unless we act it will work yet again.
One Response to “Scorched Earth”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Well, you’ve hit the nail on the head once again, my friend. The GOP continues to find ways to compound their power. Look at the voter suppression laws they are putting in place at the state level. And the union-busting – they’re now focused on the state level to break down the voting base of the Dems. Combine that with Citizens United and their current efforts to cling to the power they have nationally, and they could still pull off the next election if citizens fail to act. Keep fighting the good fight, and let’s hope we’re seeing the Rethugs implode!