re: #28 Obdicut

Yes. But as well as reaping the benefits, they’re legitimizing bigotry and telling their constituents that bigotry is acceptable, even desirable. In addition, I think it would be foolish to think that this bigotry will stop after this election; I think the members who have been elected with endorsement of bigotry will be compelled to cater to those bigots, to the anti-science brigade that dominates the GOP, to the ‘no compromise’ radicalized base. I think, if the GOP does with the house, we’re going to see a very embarrassing era for the GOP, and a very harmful one for the United States, as they attempt to use the mechanism of government to prosecute their crazy-ass, bigoted agendas.

They’re already targeting the EPA, for example. You can expect to see tons of Obama administration officials forced to come before congress and defend, well, science and sanity. More crap like when Dr. Chu was forced to endure a young earth creationist lunatic asking him how the oil got there.

You know where I stand, politically. No secret there. I’m not a huge Obama (his economic policies) fan but I actually like the guy. He’s done some bang up work.

Further, I admire his efforts in trying to deal with what are usually third rail issues.

I’m hoping you are wrong about the GOP House. I’m hoping they will come to their senses and boot the lunatics out. That may or may not happen. If it does, great- if it doesn’t, the Dems will have a deserved field day.

That said, while the Tea party may not be fully formed (read: mature) when it comes to ideas, make no mistake - they have touched a nerve with many Americans, even those who won’t identify with them. They represent a frustration with Washington’s business as usual crowd. It is true there are elements that have attached themselves to the Tea Party, but those elements do not represent the vast majority of frustrated voters.

Calling these voters racists may have a short term benefits but in th elong run I believe it is a mistake. You have to distinguish between Tea Party voters and the politicians and agendistas who manipulate and benefit from the voters frustrations.