Forum: Election creates a scary movie script
For two years, Republican leaders, both elected and self-appointed, have been in America's cellar concocting political potions and trying to design invincible politicians who would help them in their fight against the "evil empire" ruling the country.
They defined their "enemies" as socialists and fascists, blocked or tried to block every initiative of the current administration and were determined to turn the nation's political map blood red again.
Over and over we heard them say they wanted to "take our country back." Yet, many of us felt that what they really wanted was to take our country backward - to about 1950.
Armed with a load of distortions and cloaked in a mask of deception, they set out to characterize their opponents with unshakable negative labels while redefining themselves as defenders of the Constitution, protectors of individual liberty and the personal ambassadors of God sent to deliver the people from the liberal devils trying to destroy them.
Their recruiting strategy was based on fear and anger, tapping into the anxieties and the impatience of individuals already frightened by the economic slowdown, high jobless rate, record number of foreclosures and diminishing 401(k) and pension funds.
Relying on others' short memories of just how bad off this nation was 24 months ago when it was on the brink of economic disaster, the GOP "leaders" separated themselves from the causes of the turmoil, did little to offer corrective remedies and figured out a way to blame the new administration for the current conditions.
The new recruits to the conservative movement, however, brought their own brand of politics with their tea parties, steeped in nonconforming rhetoric and spiked with an intolerance and prejudice for those who didn't see things their way.
To the surprise of many, the tea partiers also targeted members of the Republican Party as they waged war on incumbency and Washington in general. The word "moderate," regardless of party, became a dirty one and served as a target on the back of any politician who dared wear tha
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Forum: Election creates a scary movie script
For two years, Republican leaders, both elected and self-appointed, have been in America's cellar concocting political potions and trying to design invincible politicians who would help them in their fight against the "evil empire" ruling the country.
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