Lower Standards Apply To Republican Administrations
Republicans don’t like government, and they run on the idea that government is bad. Those who decry the whole idea of government are hardly suited to take the reins and lead a nation, even when they inherit a budget surplus with a sound and prosperous economy. After the Supreme Court decided in favor of the Republican candidate in Bush v Gore , Americans became tolerant of sub par governance and Republicans hardly try to act ethically or responsibly. Democrats, especially since Reagan, are held to a higher standard and the administrations of Democrats have had far fewer scandals. No longer liberal, the conservative-owned media is levels harsh criticism of any Democratic mistakes. With headlines like the IRS Scandal, Fast and Furious and Benghazi, the media created the red meat their TeaParty base needs to mobilize their voters.
In 2001, the Bush Administration and the NSA ignored the warning signs of an imminent attack, thus altering the course of history in ways never imagined. In retrospect, we know Congress and the American people were duped into a conflict in Iraq while futilely looking for Bin Laden in Afghanistan. This has been the longest period of war our military has experienced and paltry planning and funding for veterans has made so many of our heroes suffer due to George W. Bush’s hubris. Long gone are the days when the terrorists attacked Americans and we united as a country to fight them. While President Obama is in office and Americans are killed, the Republicans practically unite behind the terrorists and blame the President. The casualties resulting from the numerous embassy attacks that occurred on Reagan and GWB’s watch were far worse than the single attack on our Benghazi, Libya consulate. Scandals like Iran-Contra, outing a covert CIA agent and the malicious swift boating of military heroes were trivial by comparison if you listen to the media. The conditions at Walter Reed medical center for veterans were appalling, but the story received less coverage in six weeks than the Shinseki probe received in one week. The number of veterans doubled after 9/11, and in this alternate GOP Universe, Bush and Cheney are assigned zero responsibility for the current crisis in the VA.
Democratic vs. Republican Tax Structure (courtesy of the Washington Post)
The Republicans have had a sordid history of fiscal mismanagement and crisis and lately they’re focused on prohibitive laws that are based in evangelical doctrine. The Great Depression and the recent recession just happened to occur right after taxes on the highest income earners were at their lowest points in history. But history is something the anti-education Republican Party is averse to, like their denial of the science of evolution and climate change.
Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it, and America’s history of financial crises are generally caused by lack of fiscal responsibility. Why does this happen? Republican tax cuts for the wealthy lead to sharp economic downturns. When America had it’s highest taxes on the wealthy during the Eisenhower Administration (90% rate) we enjoyed unprecedented growth and prosperity. Of course that was when the GOP had a sense of true fiscal conservatism and responsibility, and today, their platform would be virtually unrecognizable. Reagan’s voodoo economics and Bush II embroiling the nation in two wars off the books has created the worst economic conditions, especially when President Obama took office. Seldom does our first black president receive kudos for turning the financial health of this country around. Anytime the White House lists an accomplishment, the right accuses the administration of “cooking the books,” no matter what the non-partisan CBO has concluded.
The right wing media has already declared a landslide victory for Republicans in the 2014 midterms as a way to discourage voter turnout. The only thing the GOP has learned from studying the history of elections is the fewer the number of total voters, the better the chances one of their far right fringe candidates will emerge victorious. Let’s get out and vote America in 2014, it is far too important to sit this one out.
Click here for reuse options!Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: VegasJessie
A resident of Las Vegas Nevada, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma as a Political Science major. Very motivated to get people to participate in the electoral process.
9 responses to Lower Standards Apply To Republican Administrations
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arc99 May 25th, 2014 at 21:00
Sometimes there is not much else of substance to add, except AMEN.
I have probably said this a hundred times, so let me make it a hundred and one. On 9/11/2001 when 3,000 died we were told it was time to come together as Americans
On 9/11/2012 when 4 died we were told that there must be investigations, resignations, perhaps even impeachment.
The very stark difference in tone is a microcosm of the monumental double-standard practiced by the political right. It is why I have believed and still do believe that this entire Benghazi sideshow is a huge load of partisan bullsh*t. Can anyone imagine the reaction if 3,000 had died on American soil on 9/11/2012? Does anyone think that the Rush Limbaughs, Mark Levins, Ted Cruzs and Sarah Palins of the world would be calling for unity?
This goes beyond disagreement on policy. The GOP and its base has been taken over by amoral opportunists with no moral core and no sense of fairness. 3,000 dead on their watch on American soil is to be forgiven. 4 dead in a foreign country ten thousand miles away is an impeachable offense.
Anyone who agrees with that hypocritical lunacy is unfit to govern. Let us work to make sure that those who would vote in support of that hypocritical lunacy, are a distinct and shrinking minority.
Anomaly 100 May 25th, 2014 at 21:05
I really wish i could upvote that comment more than once.
arc99 May 25th, 2014 at 21:00
Sometimes there is not much else of substance to add, except AMEN.
I have probably said this a hundred times, so let me make it a hundred and one. On 9/11/2001 when 3,000 died we were told it was time to come together as Americans
On 9/11/2012 when 4 died we were told that there must be investigations, resignations, perhaps even impeachment.
The very stark difference in tone is a microcosm of the monumental double-standard practiced by the political right. It is why I have believed and still do believe that this entire Benghazi sideshow is a huge load of partisan bullsh*t. Can anyone imagine the reaction if 3,000 had died on American soil on 9/11/2012? Does anyone think that the Rush Limbaughs, Mark Levins, Ted Cruzs and Sarah Palins of the world would be calling for unity?
This goes beyond disagreement on policy. The GOP and its base has been taken over by amoral opportunists with no moral core and no sense of fairness. 3,000 dead on their watch on American soil is to be forgiven. 4 dead in a foreign country ten thousand miles away is an impeachable offense.
Anyone who agrees with that hypocritical lunacy is unfit to govern. Let us work to make sure that those who would vote in support of that hypocritical lunacy, are a distinct and shrinking minority.
Anomaly 100 May 25th, 2014 at 21:05
I really wish i could upvote that comment more than once.
A J Jackson Gum May 26th, 2014 at 09:17
Republicans want smaller government, they want government to do its job – which is narrowly defined as protecting the citizen and treaties. Republicans want the people able to run their own lives without governmental interference or mandate.
How is any of this a bad thing for America?
VegasJessie May 26th, 2014 at 09:28
If that were true, your comment would be accurate. Unfortunately their version of smaller government means more states rights (code for discrimination of minorities), mandates demanding their intervention into how women deal with their OWN reproductive organs, bloated defense spending, giving INSANE tax breaks & subsidies to billion dollar-profiting oil companies, interjecting their religion into public schools etc etc. The GOP you’re referencing died with Eisenhower.
Bitterpeace May 26th, 2014 at 10:55
You have bitten hook, line, and sinker.
What they really want is a Plutocracy where the rich can lie, cheat’, steal, loot and pollute. All without any governmental oversight or regulations.
Very rich and well connected people wrap all of this up in the American flag, and sell it to rubes that then vote the way they want them to. Like you.
All you have to do is look at what Republicans talk about, then look at what they actually do when in power. They aren’t the same things. They always increase the debt and the power of government.
Wake up.
A J Jackson Gum May 26th, 2014 at 09:17
Republicans want smaller government, they want government to do its job – which is narrowly defined as protecting the citizen and treaties. Republicans want the people able to run their own lives without governmental interference or mandate.
How is any of this a bad thing for America?
Bitterpeace May 26th, 2014 at 10:55
You have bitten hook, line, and sinker.
What they really want is a Plutocracy where the rich can lie, cheat, steal, loot and pollute. All without any governmental oversight or regulations.
Very rich and well connected people wrap all of this up in the American flag, and sell it to rubes that then vote the way they want them to. Like you.
All you have to do is look at what Republicans talk about, then look at what they actually do when in power. They aren’t the same things. They ALWAYS increase the debt and the power of government.
Wake up.