Comments on: Why don’t moderate N.M. Republicans speak out? http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out New Mexico news and politics Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:15:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Roland http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-23531 Roland Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:38:41 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-23531 Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power. Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power.

]]> By: Roland http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-18825 Roland Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:38:41 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-18825 Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power. Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power.

]]> By: rolandwagner http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-9496 rolandwagner Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:38:41 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-9496 Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power. Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power.

]]> By: rolandwagner http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-8315 rolandwagner Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:38:41 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-8315 Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power. Good points, Arthur. One of your critics above counters your article by calling it “hysterical hogwash!,” which simply bolsters your main point about the sad state of political dialogue in our country today. Another of your critics notes that he is a Republican and your description doesn’t apply to him. Well, you obviously were not not saying that “all Republicans are alike.” The thrust of your article was a critique of the Republican party as an organization and at its current political philosophy and strategies as articulated by its leaders and spokespersons. Any reasonably objective observer of the current political scene will note that hyperbole and emotionalism have all too often taken over the debate. Rather than rational discussion of issues such as the need for health care reform, we hear endless replays of idiotic sound-bytes such as “Obama-care will pull the plug on grandma” and “your freedom is in danger.” This abdication of restraint in the national debate is taking an alarming turn. We hear stirring exhortations about how it is time to “water the tree of liberty” (apparently with blood?). The ditto-heads on the right-wing talk shows are on a non-stop orgy of morphing Obama into various incarnations of evil – first he was a crypto-Muslim, and now lately he is alternately either Adolph Hitler or a Soviet dictator (the inconsistencies in those political philosophies apparently don’t register in the mind-set of the lunatic fringe, all that counts is the emotional “Rush” of the moment). In the recent town-hall meetings we witnessed orchestrated protests and all too often the protesters weren’t open to information that didn’t validate their paranoid fantasies. One woman was interviewed about whether the response by the Senator satisfied her concerns, and she replied that she didn’t even recall what the Senator said because she was “too upset to listen.” Another woman shouted that she wanted “to take her country back!” Whose country was she talking about, and just what exactly made her think that she and others of her political persuasion “own” the country? Why don’t Republican leaders speak out against this befuddled emotionalism? Rather than addressing pressing national issues, their priority is to inhibit, undermine, and demonize any positive role that government might play and to cook up sound-bytes as a strategy to regain power.

]]> By: arthuralpert http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-8256 arthuralpert Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:51:57 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-8256 Re clues and body counts and danger to the Constitution:<br>Dr. George Tiller, 67, a doctor who performed late term abortions, was murdered as he entered his church in Wichita, Kansas, May 31, 2009. Reportedly, the suspected killer, Scott Roeder, was associated with at least one far-right organization in the 1990s.<br>Stephen Johns, a guard, African-American, was killed June 10 at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. The suspect, James von Brunn, has a long record of anti-Semitic, racist and anti-federal government beliefs and associations. Reportedly, he was a "birther," too.<br>The body count is two. So far. This year.<br>As for the Southern Poverty Law Center, it is guilty of strident advocacy for the poor and the black among us, as well as Constitutional rights in general.<br>Yes, I had a clue when I warned that the Republican Party isn't rejecting the far right. <br>But I have more than a clue - real evidence - as to the source of danger to Constitutional government today. It's right-wingers who commit or advocate violence as a political tool. <br>And right-wingers who scream "hogwash" in face of facts, like body counts, do not comfort me.<br>Arthur Alpert Re clues and body counts and danger to the Constitution:
Dr. George Tiller, 67, a doctor who performed late term abortions, was murdered as he entered his church in Wichita, Kansas, May 31, 2009. Reportedly, the suspected killer, Scott Roeder, was associated with at least one far-right organization in the 1990s.
Stephen Johns, a guard, African-American, was killed June 10 at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. The suspect, James von Brunn, has a long record of anti-Semitic, racist and anti-federal government beliefs and associations. Reportedly, he was a “birther,” too.
The body count is two. So far. This year.
As for the Southern Poverty Law Center, it is guilty of strident advocacy for the poor and the black among us, as well as Constitutional rights in general.
Yes, I had a clue when I warned that the Republican Party isn't rejecting the far right.
But I have more than a clue – real evidence – as to the source of danger to Constitutional government today. It's right-wingers who commit or advocate violence as a political tool.
And right-wingers who scream “hogwash” in face of facts, like body counts, do not comfort me.
Arthur Alpert

]]> By: stevescroggins http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-8233 stevescroggins Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:12:38 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-8233 SPLC's Reputation as Frauds and Conmen Grows - Commentary by J.A. Davis & Steve Scroggins <br>What a bunch of hysterical hogwash!! Militias behind every bush? What's the bodycount? What about those rabid NRA members? And the Christian right? What about those who oppose illegal immigration? And abortion? And who believe in the Constitution and the 10th Amendment? THose who want lower taxes...and the teaparty people? How many overturned cars? How many buildings burned? How many people assaulted by the "protestors" ? NONE? My my....how can that be when the SPLC has reported such a rise in violent "right wingers" ? Sir, why don't you get a clue before you speak out? SPLC's Reputation as Frauds and Conmen Grows – Commentary by J.A. Davis & Steve Scroggins
What a bunch of hysterical hogwash!! Militias behind every bush? What's the bodycount? What about those rabid NRA members? And the Christian right? What about those who oppose illegal immigration? And abortion? And who believe in the Constitution and the 10th Amendment? THose who want lower taxes…and the teaparty people? How many overturned cars? How many buildings burned? How many people assaulted by the “protestors” ? NONE? My my….how can that be when the SPLC has reported such a rise in violent “right wingers” ? Sir, why don't you get a clue before you speak out?

]]> By: ElmerChavez http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-8215 ElmerChavez Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:23:43 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-8215 The fiscal conservatives were apparently taken behind the White House and shot, mostly during the Bush administration. As a result we have wacko extremists running the show. As a result, we'll be bouncing off the guardrails like a drunk driver from a political perspective for some time to come. It's a weird world when the moderate Democrats and Republican are the most villified. The fiscal conservatives were apparently taken behind the White House and shot, mostly during the Bush administration. As a result we have wacko extremists running the show. As a result, we'll be bouncing off the guardrails like a drunk driver from a political perspective for some time to come. It's a weird world when the moderate Democrats and Republican are the most villified.

]]> By: JoMa http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-8212 JoMa Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:21:02 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-8212 Arthur,<br><br>Had you asked the question posed by your headline in really open way, you might actually get a few moderates. But no. Your article, dripping with sarcasm, only restates tired old "facts" that attempt to prove your point that anyone that hangs a (R) after their name, no matter how well intentioned they might otherwise be, are anti-everything and unwilling to help solve problems.<br><br>Even Ted Kennedy, the "Liberal Lion" understood that working with Republicans might, just might, result in some constructive ideas, and if nothing else, would provide political cover if legislation passes and then doesn't live up to all the hype. I happened to note that the hated George Bush was at his funeral. Most liberals don't want to remember that Kennedy and Bush worked together to get the "No Child Left Behind" act passed and even Obama plans to continue it and improve it - much to the disdain of the Moveon Crowd and the teachers unions who just want to be left alone while they destroy the competitiveness of the U.S. in the world.<br><br>You lefties have what you wanted - total power and control. Why should it matter to you that "moderate Republicans" don't speak out? Why should they endure the sneering and demeaning hate evident in your article?<br><br>You guys can take ALL the credit for what is happening to the State and the National economy. Arthur,

Had you asked the question posed by your headline in really open way, you might actually get a few moderates. But no. Your article, dripping with sarcasm, only restates tired old “facts” that attempt to prove your point that anyone that hangs a (R) after their name, no matter how well intentioned they might otherwise be, are anti-everything and unwilling to help solve problems.

Even Ted Kennedy, the “Liberal Lion” understood that working with Republicans might, just might, result in some constructive ideas, and if nothing else, would provide political cover if legislation passes and then doesn't live up to all the hype. I happened to note that the hated George Bush was at his funeral. Most liberals don't want to remember that Kennedy and Bush worked together to get the “No Child Left Behind” act passed and even Obama plans to continue it and improve it – much to the disdain of the Moveon Crowd and the teachers unions who just want to be left alone while they destroy the competitiveness of the U.S. in the world.

You lefties have what you wanted – total power and control. Why should it matter to you that “moderate Republicans” don't speak out? Why should they endure the sneering and demeaning hate evident in your article?

You guys can take ALL the credit for what is happening to the State and the National economy.

]]> By: eastofeden http://newmexicoindependent.com/35122/why-dont-moderate-n-m-republicans-speak-out#comment-8211 eastofeden Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:11:12 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=35122#comment-8211 Wow, thanks for the slam, old man. I am a Republican, but none of the things you described Repbulicans as being apply to me and my family. Perhaps you should get out more and actually try and meet regular people who are Republicans. We're actually nice people, who do care about people. The things my party has done over the past few years have disgusted me and baffeld me all at the same time. But since they have the money and media attention not much gets done. I think if you talk to any Democrat, they might feel the same way about his party. Regular folks are locked out and can make little change in the party structure. Wow, thanks for the slam, old man. I am a Republican, but none of the things you described Repbulicans as being apply to me and my family. Perhaps you should get out more and actually try and meet regular people who are Republicans. We're actually nice people, who do care about people. The things my party has done over the past few years have disgusted me and baffeld me all at the same time. But since they have the money and media attention not much gets done. I think if you talk to any Democrat, they might feel the same way about his party. Regular folks are locked out and can make little change in the party structure.

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