One of the things I find amazing about Republican goals is the world they will create if they are successful. DO THEY REALLY WANT TO LIVE IN THAT WORLD?
We have tried arguing human rights, civil rights, the woman's right over her own body, etc. THEY DON'T CARE. We have argued about guns, the school curriculum, etc. They don't care. They just keep fighting for smaller, do-nothing government.
But I can't help but wonder whether they would really want to live in the world they seem to want to create.
Do they truly want to live in country whose infrastructure has so been weakened that they can no longer trust going over (or under) bridges, through tunnels, ride the subways? What about clearing roads after storms (either of snow or debris)? Do they want to live in a city with reduced garbage collection?
Do they want to live in a country where a gun and a bible are the only tools for survival they'll have?
Ignorance is NOT bliss - it is simply ignorance. When I was 13 the braces came off my teeth. The orthodontist came me a retainer which was ugly and uncomfortable. I naturally asked him if I had to wear it. His answer? No, I did not HAVE to. So I didn't. Now, if he had told me that by not wearing the retainer my teeth would move back to their former position, I probably would have put up with the discomfort and ugliness, but he didn't. I was given what appeared to be a simple choice.
My mind is wandering a bit, but I wonder whether there might not be a different way of getting through to the Republicans - not just reminding them of the (abstract, to some) value of unions, infrastructure rebuilding, etc., but to paint them a picture of what will happen if they get their way. (Here I am reminded of the fact that most people are in favor of the individual elements of the Afford. HC Act, even when they parrot the idea of repealing the whole thing.)
And meanwhile, we should INSIST on civics and critical thinking courses at all levels in school.