Can't let facts get in the way when inciting outrage
By Sid Schwab / Herald columnist
I hate to keep pointing out the proto-totalitarian mendacity of today’s Republican Party. After all, who wouldn’t want to see them become helpful? Well, as it turns out, they wouldn’t.
Take inflation (please). People are hurting. Yet here’s what Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. — notorious for paying the highest fine ever for Medicare fraud but elected anyway — Trumpishly, said about it: “This is a goldmine for us.” Which explains the Republican response as inflation has begun declining: accusing Biden of lying. Insisting, against CBO economic analysis, that the Inflation Reduction Act, won’t. Casting full blame on President Biden when inflation has many causes and is higher in several other countries. Asked what their anti-inflation plans are, Republicans change the subject: immigration, walls, crime (but not Trump’s). Because they have none and don’t want one. Why look a “goldmine” in the mouth? (Twitter: tinyurl.com/nopoints4u)
Or consider President Biden’s plan to cancel a portion of student loans, mainly for those making an average of $70,000 a year. Controversial, for sure. If, as in better-educated countries, post-high school education were included in government funding, it wouldn’t be an issue. While Republicanss eruct outrage, morality being their strong suit, they ignore their own who had PPP loans forgiven, including some of the loudest screamers. But it’s unfair to students who paid, is what they say (Twitter: tinyurl.com/noloans4u).
Being fair-minded, I won’t bring up the many hardworking contractors Trump stiffed, or his six bankruptcies, which allowed him to skate on millions he owed. Curiously, this lifelong history of absconding on debt wasn’t disqualifying for Republican voters; the same ones, no doubt, extruding red-hot offense over Biden’s action. Nor would I even think of mentioning that “Forgive us our debts” thing in The Lord’s Prayer. I will, however, point out that as progress happens, pre-progress people may not benefit. That’s how it works: Progress progresses past the past. Social Security, medical breakthroughs. Automobiles. Indoor plumbing. Unfair to the previously born.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/schwab-cant-let-facts-get-in-the-way-when-inciting-outrage/