The damage done to workers' rights, women, the poor, middle class and

[cali]

to voters over the past few months, is breathtaking. It doesn't take long to tear down what took years of struggle to build.

here's a brief run down:

ALABAMA

Republicans control the Legislature for the first time since 1874 and have moved quickly to squeeze teacher and state-employee groups that have traditionally supported Democrats. Budget cuts that eluded fiscal conservatives before have passed, and state agencies have started layoffs.

ARIZONA

With two-thirds majorities in legislative chambers and a GOP governor, Republicans have passed immigration, abortion and gun rights laws that would not have been possible under Democratic former Gov. Janet Napolitano.

COLORADO

Elections gave Republicans a one-seat majority in the state House but the party has been able to do little with it. Attempts to push an Arizona-style immigration crackdown and to weaken public sector union bargaining fizzled, and the tea party movement is on life support.

FLORIDA

Conservative advances are under way on abortion, unions and more, with Republicans holding almost all levers of power. Gov. Rick Scott signed a merit-pay law for teachers that also ends tenure for new hires. Many abortion measures have been introduced, some likely to become law, and legislation is moving to force Medicaid recipients into managed care. Legislation would strip unions of their bargaining rights if they fall below a certain level of membership, weaken public sector unions and strengthen Florida's ability to challenge federal decisions.

<snip>

much more at:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hOjjku4quwYeSYJkcGktU4RWzJAw?docId=d062c6b2f0a34f2ea823f5ffc93c01d5

[Drale]

1. I knew there was a reason I liked Colorado

[Brickbat]

2. What's frustrating is that we'll have to go through those fights all over again to win them back.

Not through the courts, not through the elections. Through direction action.

[FiveGoodMen]

3. Beyond belief. And still America sleeps.

[virgogal]

4. America's not sleeping,it's just that most of it doesn't care. Sad.

[Newest Reality]

5. Corporatism

reigns free! Count Draco could be considered a Saint in their eyes. Death by a thousand budget cuts. Visions of private, debtor's prisons dance in their heads.

At least we know where we are. You can focus on a party or individuals, but that is distracting. Find a summit of understanding and survey the current landscape. The system is now at odds with the majority. A bifurcation point seems to loom on the horizon and we are all heading that way together.

Will we plunge into a dystopia of corporatism or respond as the circumstances now compel us to, considering the stakes involved?

[OHdem10]

6. One problem is most Americans do not understand what has

happened until the new laws actually go into effect.

Here is what I see as a good example.

For a year every cheered and praised Christie in NJ.
Now that some of his "changes" have taken hold, guess
what---Polls now show his disapproval rating equal to
his approval rating. 47 to 46(disapprove).

To be fair when Republicans present legislation, they have
a way of making it sound reasonable. No one, not even the
Media examines the legislation to see the realistic consequences
and unintended consequence. In other words just the positve
is presented. People find out after the fact when it his
hitting them in the keester.

Another example, rank and file Republicans never believed
that Republicans on the hill would really try to get rid
of the Entitlement Programs. Surprise. Many of them chose
to believe the Democrats were just being political.
Republican Legislators often would say, Do you really think
I would do something to hurt my own parents? This can be
interepreted many ways, but most chose to interpret this
to mean no serious changes. Politicians both parties are
guilty of doublespeak. Republicans are slicker at it.