So we know that Cracker Barrel and A&E did some soul searching, at least a couple of days worth, and decided that it's A OK to support homophobia and racism. If only Martin Bashir and the left had friends like this.
Then this morning, I'm watching MSNBC while I work on my computer, and I see some latest poll, CNN's I believe, that puts it like this: 49% of Americans will vote for the GOP in the midterms, vs. 45% who will vote for Democrats.
Now I know the mid terms are almost a year off and anything can happen between now and then, and it's only one poll, and one shouldn't get over exercised about it, and, and, and, but really WTF?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!?!?
Follow me below the fold to discuss why I'm so freaking angry about this, and questioning the sanity and future of this country.
OK. Deep breath.
Today I had to drive a bit, and got a chance to listen to an excellent Thom Hartmann program, in which a caller questioned what he called the "vilification" of the GOP.
Thom answered him by saying essentially, not talking "villains," just saying that the GOP is the party of the rich. They represent the rich and corporate America, and if you're OK with that, then that's how you should vote.
He went on to a very lengthy list of legislation that supports the middle class, all initiated by Democrats, even if each of those initiatives was not to the degree of change we wish it was. Then he asked the caller to name ONE piece of legislation in the last 20 years that the GOP had initiated that aided the middle class. CRICKETS from the caller.
But still, this country is neck and neck when it comes to whether we like what the GOP is up to. Of course, I know all about an acquiescent ratings hungry media, corporate influence and money, deep furrows of existing racism, FOX and ALEC and the Koch's and, and, and.
AND, I know some here will say that it's all Obama's fault. If only he were MORE progressive, we wouldn't have these pesky problems. But you know, I just can't buy that, whatever you or I think about the president. I don't buy it based on logic and what I see happening. The president and the Democrats push for an increased minimum wage, a jobs bill, more modern infrastructure, food stamps, continuing long term unemployment benefits, and last but not least, at least, an improvement in health care costs, AND THE GOP GAINS POPULARITY.
NO SIR. This country is freaking rotting in the underbelly of capitalism---the idea that capitalism is equal to and the same as Democracy and community--- and fighting change like any dysfunctional family fights change. It's epic and way beyond Obama or any one politician. And that bums me out more than any disagreement I have w/Obama.
What terrifies me is that there seems to be no hiding from the fact that half this country is as crazy as today's GOP. What terrifies me is this is possibly WHO WE ARE...a greedy, F you, I got mine kind of place. A place desperately fighting for the elitism of whiteness and the rich, even when it screws most all to hell. A place destined ultimately, to fail. Hello Mr. Dickens, I understand the time you lived in better than I ever wanted to.
Progress? Yeah, when it comes to our technology and devices, it's awesome, if you don't want to talk about the trade off in privacy. Otherwise, I've NEVER seen my country headed so backwards, and that's sayin' something, as I'm no spring chicken.
OK, I said I was discouraged, and I welcome and thank anyone who wants to talk me out of it tonight. But, I will say that if any of you think the GOP is imploding, think again. If any of you think the mid terms aren't going to take every bit of sweat and drive and money we have, think again. If any of you think this is a war where you have all kinds of choices, think again. War is not so much about choices, as it's about either/or. And if any of you think we can't be as immobilized in our own bubble as those we disdain, think again.
If the republicans keep the house and take the senate, Obama's presidency will be over. So while we chew on all our disappointments, we must consider this and what it will mean---which is at the very least, 2 more years FAR WORSE than what we've seen so far. Oh yeah, that's exactly what we're talking about, so let's be very clear on that.
The way I see it, this country is at a tipping point, and not the first one in our history. I guess so far, we've been lucky to the extent that we're still here, and we've survived our "tipping points" but these days, we're seriously dragging butt, unexceptional in so many ways too many in this country don't want to face.
I have no answers. But I am willing to say, it's scary as hell out there and we here on this site, those of us who consider ourselves activists, are all are going to have some very hard decisions ahead. I hope we're up to it.