Norway Says "No Thanks."

[downbeatplumb]

I don't think Republican automatically equals bat-shit crazy. That sort of demonization is a big problem here in America -- who wants to compromise with someone who has such a Manichaean outlook?

Yes and no.

My mom was a lifetime mostly voting republican. I didn't think she was "bat shit crazy" and that is a person I loved very deeply. BUT, I did think it was crazy, that when I asked her certain questions about economics and social issues, WE'D AGREE, and it bothered the shit out of me when she agreed, all I could think was, "Then why the hell do you vote for that party?"

This was a common political debate between us.

Mom, "Do you think the workers here at your retirement home make enough?"

Mom, "No, they do not make enough."

Me, "I agree."

Me, "Mom, do you think we make too many firearms and that they are way too easy to get?"

Mom, "Yes, I think we do make too many, and I do think they are too easy to get.'

Me, "Mom, do you agree that gays should be allowed to get married?"

Mom, "Of course they should be allowed to get married."

Me, " Do you think billionaires can afford to pay more in taxes?"

Mom, "Yes."

Me, "Do you agree with the right for females to control their reproduction?"

Mom, "Of course."

Me, "Do you want to keep your Medicare and Social Security?"

Mom, "Yes."

Me, "Ok, great, I agree with all of that, so explain to me why you vote republican."

Mom, "I don't want to talk about it."

^^^^^^ That is IN REALITY how most of our talk on politics went.

No she was not "bat shit crazy"

But, what is insane is allowing one party hold our nation hostage.

The truth is MOST of our population is either center or left, not far right. But one party has managed to, for decades to get otherwise reasonable people to vote against their own self interests.

There was a time when voting republican was not an insane choice and people have brand loyalty. Now to be a republican you have to ignore an awful lot of terrible things OR like those terrible things.

Remember, horrible people have a vote too.