Republican Rule By Fear

CNN - Fear fueling Republican extremism - Article By: David Frum

Republican Rule By Fear - Daniel Cimon

            In a CNN article by David Frum, he reviews a new claim by Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein that to be blatant “The Republicans are the problem”.  Now personally as a democrat, I’ve been saying this for years! But what gives this claim merit is Mann and Ornstein’s reputation. They have studied congress for over 40 years and have built a reputation for their “non- ideological independence”. These are some of the most veteran congressional watchers whom are know for their objectivity saying that the Republican extremism is the root of much of the congressional problems we face today.

            In the article they argue: "The GOP has become an insurgent outlier in American politics. It is ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition.” This extremism and distance from the mainstream makes efficient politics almost impossible. Constructive and progressive policies are almost impossible to reach because compromise cannot be achieved because of the GOP’s lack of respecting the legitimacy of its opposition. For example when George Bush proposed his nominations in 2002, by Memorial Day only 13 waited for approval. But for Obama’s administration there were 108 waiting for approval. This was due to the GOP’s refusal to accept the legitimacy of the Democratic Presidency, and their stall tactics. This kind of action does not belong in politics.

            According to the article The GOP feeds off the fear of the elderly that in today's economy, any enhanced social programs will greatly hurt the support that they receive through programs like Medicare. They are also supported by the wealthy whom have an inherent fear of tax increase. The use of this fear has built a strong base for the GOP motivated by fear, which is a very powerful motivator.

            The article basically has said what I’ve been thinking for years, except these people saying it actually gives it some legitimacy. It raises some questions, like how can we change socially so that the base of the GOP becomes more sympathetic and understanding of the plight of poverty and lack of employment that faces many Americans today? Why does the democratic party not become more aggressive in calling out of the GOP’s fear tactics? One thing I know, is that it was nice for me(personally) to see this coming from an official voice rather than in my own thoughts. 

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