So Im an extremely(?) liberal Dem- and what the GOP has become makes me sad
Not that I would really ever bot for a republican (not because of the R- I just have a different view on how the economy works and the roll of government) but at the end of a debate I still like to shake hands and remain friends. It took me a long time and a lot of work but for the most part I can argue both sides equally- citing evidence and the like to back up my claims and I ALWAYS try to give a truly fair and balance (ha!) view.
Where we agree I lock onto that as a strong point- a mutual connection. Where we disagree I give fair analysis to both sides and "give props where props are due" as well as criticize my own side when I deem it prudent.
And that brings me to the current republican party. We all know it is a joke- but it really does make me sad that the GOP is going down the path it is.
It is scary to think that perhaps these lunatics, bigots, and Sharia-law-esque people have power an might one day have even more- though I doubt it. The evolution of human consciousness will leave them in the dark ages with an ever shrinking population. This means that liberalism will become more dominate in American policy (which I am too ready for) and some major things I want to see happen in my lifetime will (marriage equality, thinning out racism and sexism, decriminalization of Marijuana, and possibly even Universl Health Care).
All of these things are great and our country needs them: however; our nation also needs intelligent discourse, debate, true compromise, and balance. None of these things will be remotely possible with the current GOP seeking out the least common denominator and bringing ever more religion into politics.
Why does this make me sad? For starters I used to have a lot of respect for certain republicans growing up (first becoming politically aware in mid to late 90's- ya- I'm young) John McCain was one of the top on my list til he ran for POTUS. ( to clarify- disagreed on many things BUT still respected him because he seemed to represent his constituents, didn't follow lock step- and generally had "sound" reasoning to back up his arguements (once again I disagreed with most but sometimes you just have to accept that you have different views on the role of government and the economy).
Today's republican party is fueled by nothing but hate- which might get them by in some places- but will ultimately fail. Those true economic conservatives (that tend to be socially moderate) no longer have a voice in our electoral process. I think they are wrong in their stance but I respect their differing opinion on how the economy effects our nation. Which- in my eyes- tends to lead to spirited, yet friendly, debate, and often you can come to some sort of agreement.
This republican party has nothing positive to add, no sound reasoning, no friendly discourse and debate, and forget about compromising. They are drifting off further and further and I believe- even though this will if not soon eventually mean more power to the side I do agree with and some wonderful things will happen: however; that is in the short term.
A democracy (republic) depends on civil discourse and an exchange in the marketplace of ideas. If one side gets too powerful it will become corrupt, period.
I also believe in the Socratic method- asking questions to make someone truly think about what they are saying. If there ends up being no intelligent opposition this will lead to complacency. Things will not be analyzed as thoroughly, different perspectives (even if they are wrong) will vanish from the decision making which is bad for this country- and the world.
Sometimes a different perspective can allow you to see something complex (or simple) in a different light. Say for example you sponsor a bill that you think is just top notch, the bees knees. Then- the intelligent opposition describes why they don't like it (most of which you can chaulk up to different philosophies on the role of government) but during that discussion, the opposition actually brings up a good point, say a failing in the wording of the bill or an application that you had not thought of because of the excitement over all the good it would do. Thusly, through your discussion, you find weak points and failings in the bill and propose amendments to fix them. That is democracy in action.
The democratic party has not overly been line tow'ers, and definitely not lock step, however, I fear if there is not true opposition to worry about it could become that way- leaving what started off as a great thing, a bed of corruption, complacency, and one mindedness.
While I really don't ever want them to win the presidency or majority in congress again, America NEEDS an intelligent republican party to help further our progression.
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