This week on the Sunday talk shows someone, I think it was David Brooks, said that Republicans run a bloodier, winner take all primary system because of social dominance.
Once in a while Brooks can be insightful, and this time he hit the nail on the head.
There really doesn't seem to be a better description of the Republican beliefs than to say they get off on social dominance.
What's most important to a Republican? Taxes and trickle down economics.
Now don't get me wrong, Democrats like to make money too. But Republicans see wealth as a way of leveraging the disparity in economic standing. It's like they put more importance on being wealthy than on merely having money.
åSuddenly I can't help notice how pervasive this mindset is in Republican culture. I think you can point to the conservative side of any argument and make the case that there is evidence of social domination there. It's their raison d'être.
Think about it.
War. National Religion. Gay Marriage. Privatizing Social Security.
It's all about establishing a pecking order. None of it points to leveling the playing field.
If this isn't a novel epiphany then it's worth repeating.
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In my mind I'm producing a YouTube video ... cue a crowd chanting "All we are saying, is give peace a chance..." Pan scenes of Democratic activists, civil rights marches, gay rights marches.
Then cut to the Republican hecklers outside the Florida vote count.
Cut to Democratic GOTV and other symbols of inclusiveness. And cut back to those jerks shouting in Florida.
Then a group of voices:
"DEMOCRATS. It's What We Believe."