too many characters to twit: the American way

[scarfman]

Two problems with the ultra conservatives, whether they label themselves Republican, Tea Party, Westboro, whatever.

They claim to want a return to the founding fathers' principles while at the same time they maintain hot button issues, issues on which they will not be moved. If you watch 1776 you see that one of the founding fathers' principles was to give way on hotbutton issues for the present when necessary for the greater issue on the table. The ones who give way are Adams, Jefferson, Franklin; the ones who won't be moved are Rutledge.

(As tiggerallyn twitted earier this morning in other words:) The Republicans in the current budget debate claim they're preserving the American way of life. The argument against their proposals is that they'd destroy the American quality of life.

Comments

[purpleranger.livejournal.com]

But what if the hotbutton issue(s) are the greater issue(s)?

[scarfman]

I think it's an apparent assumption of my argument that that's not a case being discussed.

[omorka.livejournal.com]

While I agree with the gist of this:

a) The WBC doesn't give a whit for the Founding Fathers, nor do they think they're preserving anything - they don't think anyone other than them is going to Heaven, and they don't think this is a new state of affairs. They're really more nihilists than conservatives.

b) I object to the characterization of women's health as not-a-greater-issue.

[scarfman]

I apologize for the implication. The issue I was attempting to drive at was the lack of compromise, in this instance and many others.

[dave-iii.livejournal.com]

The thing is, "The American way Of Life" is such an overused buzzword, that people really need to start asking, What does that actually *MEAN*? Mom, Apple Pie, Baseball? Superman? A square deal and a stopped buck? Two chickens in every garage?

I know what it means to me-- enough money after bills and necessities are paid for to have a healthy shopping splurge with, but for you? Or someone else? Pffft, I dunno.

My point is, they can wave that flag until they're blue in the face, and it will still only mean "What's good for *ME*", whoever *ME* might be.

[scalderwood.livejournal.com]

My favorite analogy of late:

The U.S. budget is like Oregon Trail. Spend all your money on ammunition then wonder why your wagon is falling apart and everyone is dying of dysentery.