Hi folks! I was hoping for an intelligent, civil discussion on what I see as some major problems with the Republican party in the modern age (say, Reagan through Trump). Yes, I think Democrats have problems. No side in US politics is without hypocrisy, fault, and the like. Maybe I'll do another thread about that, but for now, this one is focused on the GOP.
See, I grew up respecting Republicans even though I was a Democrat. But I'm struggling these days to find that respect again. IMO, here are those major problems.
1. Doctrinal Purity: I'm worried by the trend towards policing Republicans for being ideologically impure. The GOP used to be a big tent party, but these days, I see too many RINO accusations. It seems like any Republican who deviates from core principals like low taxes or pro-life can be considered a traitor to the cause. I think this is why the GOP has been unable to change and adapt, such as reaching out to Hispanics.
The Rinos have been increasingly assholes. The issues are reaching tipping points that require desperate action. Citing the failure of the GOP to reach out to Hispanics in an environment of massive and constant race baiting by the left is not acceptable.
2. Rejection Of Research And Science: I get that facts can be slippery and that studies, stats, etc. can be skewed. But there seems to be a growing trend in the Republican Party to outright reject research and science. Global warming is not a question, yet many Republicans deny it. Evolution and the Big Bang are valid theories that work, but Republicans often reject both. I just don't get it, and I cannot see how the GOP can effectively lead by demonizing science.
Your post reeks of partisan bias and confirmation bias.
3. Fiscal irresponsibility: Back when I was young, I held two idea: Democrats spend like crazy, and Republicans tighten budgets. But in recent years, I've seen the opposite. Republicans sometimes lower taxes, but they rarely decrease spending. In fact, the best changes to our national debt and deficits have come under Democratic presidents. These days, I fully expect Republicans to spend like crazy.
If you were serious about this, you would note that the conservative "panic mongering" over the impact of Social Security on savings and government budgets has been completely borne out.
Your desire to undermine republicans by wanting to see them try to address this Third Rail of your creation is noted and rejected. The budget is in free fall and will remain so until it crashes. We aren't throwing ourselves on that grenade for you.
4. Valuing Winning Over Morality: Whether you agree with Trump's policies or not, one thing is factually accurate: Trump is not a good person. He's not evil, but he bragged about sexual assault and lies very often. Even his "straight talk" is suspect and bullying. Compare him to Reagan, and you'll see what I mean. But not only did he win the GOP nomination, Republicans continue to support him no matter what he does. It seems to me that The Republican Party values winning elections over being a good person.
Do you agree that these problems exist? As usual, respect will be returned. Due to this forum's rules, disrespect will simply be ignored.
He did not brag about sexual assault. This post is invalid.[/QUOTE]
1) Sorry, but it looks like you're blaming others for your party's failure. Hispanics are Americans, too. Just because they're not white doesn't mean you can ignore them under the guide of "race baiting".
2) "Reeks of partisan bias"? Maybe. That's why I wanted a discussion and civil debate on it. I could very well be wrong. But if you don't want to participate, then just don't post.
3) AFAIK, Social Security would be just fine if Congress didn't raid it to patch budget holes. And it's hard to take "panic mongering" about the budget seriously when they add to the problem with spending increases and tax cuts.
And I'm not asking anyone to touch a third rail or grenade for me. I asked for a debate. Again, if you cannot handle that, I respectfully suggest you stay quiet. But then again, this is a public forum — you are free to do what you want.
4) Trump: "I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.” That's bragging about sexual assault. Case closed. But if you'd like to discount that point, there's the larger and more important one of Trump's behavior being ignored because he won.[/QUOTE]
1. The fact that you can POST "they let you do it" while thinking that you are supporting an accusation of sexual assault shows you to be unable to see or hear even what your are saying, though your partisan filters.
2. The GOP has not ignored Hispanics. We are the victims are your sides, successful race baiting. It is poor form to inflict a wound and then blame the entity you injured for their hurt.
3. Social security and other entitlement spending are not fine. A program that counts on generations of politicians not touching a big pile of money with no oversight is a fatally flawed program.
4. And yes you are, Asking Republicans to take the hit for fiscal responsibility.