patrick.net

Really? I don't think there is much difference in Republicans and Tea Party. They are all into one thing. Help rich hoard mo money.

Political parties die. It's not that big of a deal.

My prediction:

- Over the next 10-20 years, the GOP dwindles in numbers as they continue to lose support and move further and further to the right

- Fiscal conservatives who temporarily align with democrats will eventually decide that they don't like the deal that they've made. They split off and form a new party.

- Social liberals who don't care much about fiscal policy and just want things like gay marriage, abortion, and an end to prohibition split off.

- By 2030, we have a 4-party system, with two loose coalitions based on either social or fiscal positions.

Kevin says

- By 2030, we have a 4-party system, with two loose coalitions based on either social or fiscal positions.

Seems possible, but I don't know.

That could be bad for the most powerful interests, such as banks, big oil, and defense related businesses, etc....

It's in their interest to keep the religious right, gun freaks and racists on board, because it's their only hope for getting their politicians elected. It's true that this bargain with the devil has destroyed their party, but who knows how it plays out.

(note: I'm not saying all republicans are religious right, gun freaks, etc...just saying that they knowingly pander to these groups (to some extent) to win elections).

I think the way that political entertainment media evolves (OR NOT) will be the key. That is, what happens with the whole FOX NEWS phenomenon ?

Let's face it, continuing our education as adults is one of the beauties of life, for those us who have the time. As people mature, their interest in news, current events, and politics often grows, at least for many people.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone somehow learned to insist on coverage of events and stories that is at least somewhat balanced ? Back in the day, opinions ran strong on issues such as the vietnam war, but you could find legitimate debates between some of the most intelligent voices on both sides (eg "point counter point" )

Why isn't there a majority that insists on this type of media ?

IF only people weren't so vulnerable to propaganda.

I wonder how many republicans listened to Obama back in late 2008 and early 2009, and thought "this guy is pretty impressive, and I am kind of proud that we elected our first black president. I'm going to stay open minded and give him a chance."

(of course thinking this was probably already impossible because of the steady stream of hate based campaigning agaist him that they had already seen).

But if they did feel this way, good luck holding on to the view, if they liked to listen to FOX or talk radio. IT would have been entirely impossible.

I know, right wingers will say that Fox just gives them what liberals have always had, and that is news sources that spin things toward their political beliefs.

I can't really see that.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that doesn't mean that there isn't often a best answer to a given question, or a best course of action.

There's a famous quote about the uniquely American attribute of thinking that intelligence is irrelevant, and that a stupid or intellectually dishonest opinion has just as much value as as the most well thought out truth and facts based opinion.

We all know that isn't true, so why don't we demand programming that pits the very best on both sides (or all four sides) against each other, with a team of fact checkers as part of the show. IT could be on in two stages, an initial night, and then a follow up night after all fact checking.

I think we all know why this can't happen.

Or at least why this type of progamming and adult education could never be backed by our system. IT might be the best thing for American and americans, but hey, it might not be the best thing for business in the short and medium term, or for those who fund our politicians.

GraooGra says

Tea Party Is Still Strong

Yes, they are retard strong and for the same reason.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZRxH__fweDA