There have been lots of political changes in the US since the modern Olympics were established in 1896. Yet, never before have people tied support for the games -- either as hosts or competitors -- to partisan politics. This was because Americans have traditionally embraced the principle that partisan politics stops at the nation's shores. International events, regardless of the venue, clearly enjoyed that same treatment.
That tradition, like many others cherished by generations of Americans, is under attack. These attacks are relentless and increasingly audacious. There have been too many recent examples to ignore the fact that Michelle Bachmann was right. There are people -- even some in congress -- who oppose this traditional American value. The party guilty of this needs to be named for all to see.
I give you ...The REPUBLIC Party
The Republic Party is not simply the opposition to the Democratic Party. They are inherently anti-democratic. They are quick to challenge the patriotism of anyone who disagrees with their position du jour. Yet, they are the quickest to advocate and defend behavior that undermines the very principles that make this nation a successful and stable democracy.
The Republic Party is anti-democratic. The party of Lincoln would be hard pressed to embrace the notion that the 14th amendment was intended to provide equal protection for American citizens and multi-national corporations. The party of Colin Powell would be hard pressed to disavow his claim that we are "the oldest democracy" on the planet.
The Republic Party is opposed to the rule of law. The party of Eisenhower would be hard pressed to embrace torture as an American value. The party of Richard Lugar would be hard pressed to embrace American Exceptionalism. The party of Elliot Richardson, John Dean, and Earl Warren would be hard pressed to embrace the Unitary Executive.
The Republic Party is anti-American. The party of Teddy Roosevelt would be hard pressed to embrace the notion that our natural resources are here to be plundered without any regard for future generations. The party of Margaret Chase would be hard pressed to embrace the notion that dissent is unpatriotic. The party of Rev. John Danforth would be hard pressed to embrace the notion that there is a "higher law" than the Constitution.
The Republic Party doesn't have members. It has true believers. These are people who refuse to let facts get in the way of their arguments. These are people who do not need to listen to dissent or contrary points of view because their principles are articles of faith that are impervious to change. They are not a serious political opposition. They are Zealots. Anyone familiar with Roman history knows that zealots will never succumb to reason. There is only one fate zealots accept. Complete and total victory or annihilation.