Back in 2000 George W. Bush had successfully aligned the Republican ducks in preparation of making a run for his Party's nomination for president. It was to be a carefully choreographed, decisive showing for only the second son of a president to seek that office. There was just one problem. The Republican Party's official black sheep, John McCain decided to make a run too. "Didn't he get the word?" I'm sure was what was on the mind of Team Bush. "That damned loose cannon McCain is going to muck up the works." And the Rove machine went immediately to work and quickly smeared McCain's run for the nomination right out of existence.
Eight years later and we have a new and improved John McCain who does not look much like the 2000 model. It's pretty obvious that McCain had learned a valuable lesson from his experience 8 years ago. And that lesson was that if you want to win the Republican Party's nomination for president, you had better toe the Party line. And for 8 years McCain has been "evolving" into an acceptable Republican. He has switched his positions on the Bush tax cuts, abortion, gun control, immigration, campaign finance reform, and most recently, offshore drilling for oil. In fact, he has done so much over the last 8 years to make him self look like President Bush, few have not heard the phrase, "a McCain presidency would amount to a Bush third term."
A lot has been made of just how much animosity McCain has for President Bush in regards to how low Team Bush stooped in smearing the Arizona Senator back in 2000. But I think the anger George Bush fostered over McCain daring to challenge him went far deeper. 
I looked at as many pictures of photo ops depicting McCain and Bush. And almost without exception, every one looked like McCain was the over excited groupie. And President Bush looked like he could barely tolerate McCain's presence. It may be just a gut feeling. But I get the sense that Bush hates McCain a lot more than McCain hates Bush. Either that or McCain's ambition is so intense he's willing to compromise his integrity.
I think that for Bush to switch policy on discussing a time "horizon" i.e. timeline, with the Prime Minister of Iraq and engaging in talks with Iran without giving McCain a heads up is a prime example that Bush seems to care less whether McCain wins or not. Considering the devastating effect this news has had on McCain's campaign, you'd almost believe Bush was deliberately sabotaging McCain. When you combine this with statements coming out of Iraq like the Prime Minister stating that Barack Obama's plan for troop withdrawal was most in line with the Iraqi position. And a statement that Iraq wants a full withdrawal of U.S. Troops by 2010. Well, it makes McCain look like he's stuck in the past.
The bad blood doesn't end with the Bush administration though. Despite McCain's metamorphosis, a lot of die hard Republicans do not like John McCain. The wounds his "maverick" style has inflicted on his own Party run deep. And they're the kinds of wrongs people do not easily forget.
In conclusion it is this correspondent's opinion that McCain's campaign thus far has amounted to nothing but a series of wrong turns and poor judgment. His mutation into a Bush clone was his first and in the end I believe his most profoundly bad decision. And if the presidents recent attitude towards his former rival is any indication, I think we can assume McCain will get the rug pulled out from underneath him again before it's over.
*************
Devin Barber, Politics Correspondent
Devin's column, "Left Of The Right" published weekly or more to Gather Essentials: Politics is a Blue Collar Democrats take on current political news.
Devin was raised by proud Roosevelt Democrats. Being the son of parents counted among the throng of Americans displaced by the Great Depression has given Devin a deep rooted passion for causes dealing with the poor and the working class.
You can find all of Devin's columns at http://gather.com/leftoftheright
You can keep up with Devin's postings and his Gather activity by joining his Gather network. Just click here: http://kiwina58.gather.com and then select the orange "Connect" button on the left-hand side of the page.
You can find Devin and other Political Correspondents, plus celebrity content and plenty of other politics experts at Politics.gather.com.
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Comments: 62
They lose the election and leave it for the Democrats to do all the dirty work, raise the taxes, take the war to a loss, and mix up some bad regulations that do nothing but make people made ... in another 4-8 years with the help of right-wing radio we'll be ready to vote in another Republican and hang any Liberal from the nearest tree again. ;-)
There is so much money out there supporting this mess that there seems to be little chance to clean it up. How you find the real dedicated people and keep them while firing and fining the ones who have participated in this I do not know. It is like an incurable parasitic infection.
The basis of this power though as I see it is the tons of money that has been collected to prop it up, somehow we have to take back our money supply and make sure we know what every dollar of money means, that is backed by legitimate work and not stolen, embezzled or black market.
Extreme wealth is poison to Democracy, and fertilizer for fascism, even if most wealthy people are not bad people, and some are driving forces of nature. They knew that back them, and have since been co-opted and bought off until yeah, government is the problem, the government not run by the people.
When you say 90% tax rate you might want to put the word marginal in there because that rate was only ever in force on very large amounts of money.
And that means that he wants to solve the financial mess caused by the collapse of the housing market. Take the money out of Iraq.
He has no time for McCain
I saw poll results in USA Today on Monday concerning how people in other countries would vote - and its overwhelmingly for Obama. The more McCain tries to please the Bush camp, the more he secures Obama's victory. The rest of the world knows - they want Bush and his minions OUT. Hopefully, the American people will see it the same way.
Also agree with Devin that the influence of the Christian right is on the wane, with a lot of evangelical groups moving toward softer positions. I'm thinking of the growing number of "green" evangelicals who want us to be good stewards of the planet.
McCain has flipped on so many important issues that he is very closely aligned with his former tormentor...for political reasons. Obama is moving out of left field as well. As someone once said, superheroes don't get elected: politicians do.
Devin, let's hope for 60+in the senate!!
One of the many questions the American people want to have answered is: will the current administration ever be called to account for their role in steering the country into a war, weakening/subverting/ignoring the Constitution, and otherwise breaching their oaths of office (C'mon, Religious Right, I thought oaths were supposed to be sacred!!). I doubt McCain will be the person to lead the charge to justice for these criminals.
I for one don't want McCain in office...this country is already in bad enough shape...
:O\
I honestly think I'm sitting this election out I am so disgusted. "
Yay Russell! I am with you.
It is clear that the war will be a non-issue this election. If it comes down to the energy crisis, it will truly be a jump ball. Maybe Bush is doing McCain a favor, maybe the inmates are running the asylum. In any event, Russell and I will probably sit this one out.
The Dems have shown themselves in the last year no better than the Repubs of the last 7+, the only thing changed is the pork is flowing more strongly towards districts with 'Ds'. The unions will call in their chips; forced unionism without the secret ballot will be the norm, and if the Repubs try the same tactics the Dems showed them, our courts will remain undermanned.
Since neither party really cares about the Constitution, gridlock is our only chance and that won't be for another 2+ years.
Dubya is not smart enough to hate someone, so I think it has to do with McCain's VP selection.
He must have told bush who he was going to pick and Dubya didn't like it.
Dubya just hopes no hurricaines happen between now and Jan20
A Republican telling us everything is ok. Why don't I feel comforted by that?
It's very early, however, and therein lies the rub. If he's bottoming out, he has nowhere to go but up. That's a big "if" of course, but one very powerful group that wants him in the presidency real bad is the cadre of neocons who've been controlling our foreign policy.
The chances of an "October surprise" are not slim, in my judgement, but I have to agree with you 100%. His campaign so far has been a disaster, and Bush certainly didn't help it this past week.
First of all when you have as slim a mojority as is the case now, you don't just get your way on everything. Combined with an oppositional president waving his veto pen in the air, you realize why they would rather bide their time than spin their wheels on doomed legislation.
In a nut shell, expecting the current House and Senate with a tissue paper thin Democratic majority and a Republican president to have any chance of realistically tackling the issues they want to, is like expecting a headless snake to catch a mouse. Not gonna happen.
9%. Hhmmm, let's see; that makes it a 91% DIS-approval rating. It took the entire history-timeline of the car before petrol reached $2.47/gallon. Pelosi managed to nearly DOUBLE that in two short years! As wealthy as she is, it seems that her "formula" is rather effective, wouldn't you say?
There is no difference between Dems and Reps - NONE! Look at the voting!
Obama/McCain have the same master - it's just a popularity contest now.
It is obvious how McDumb doesn't have a cue about any of the issues - it's all about "win the war" "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran". Unless he is READING a monitor, he cannot put a coherent sentence together. Remind any one of Dubya.
But it is even more scary when you hear Obama speak about "change" and "hope" and I will be whatever you visualize.
You be the change you want to see - take ownership of your own life!
H.R. 1302: Global Poverty Act of 2007 which Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL], introduced Dec. 7th, 2007 - track it here: www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1302
NEW TAX, NO GUNS, thanks to O’Bama
More Power to the United Nations
Leaders of the U.S. Senate signaled that they are intent on giving more power to the U.N., including the power to impose taxes, paving the way for ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty. Wednesday, February 13, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed by voice vote the Global Poverty Act (S. 2433), sponsored by Senator Barack Obama (D-IL). (HANG ON TO YOUR WALLET!!!)In addition to seeking to eradicate poverty, that declaration commits nations to banning "small arms and light weapons" and ratifying a series of treaties, including the International Criminal Court Treaty, the Kyoto Protocol (global warming treaty), the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The U.S. should have nothing to do with these awful treaties or the UN Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST). One of the worst aspects of LOST is the mechanism for imposing a global tax by requiring companies to pay a portion of their profits to the International Seabed Authority.
TAKE ACTION and call your legislators and request they uphold their oath to the Constitution and maintain the sovereignty of our United States and OPPOSE these two pieces of legislation. Also request we withdraw from the U.N. immediately.
When you hear Obama say, "I am my brothers' keeper, I am my sisters' keeper", get ready for MORE Globalization and one world government, with additional power to the UN, WTO, NAFTA, CAFTA, NAU, SPP, NWO, FISA, Real ID (aka National ID) not only have they passed a law mandating chipping ALL animals - even fish - NAIDS (so they can control food supply), the mark of the Beast will be coming your way shortly.
They are already "marketing" the "chip" for newborns, by using fear. "Chip" your baby (like your dog) so in case someone takes it, they can be found.
Marketing to elderly so they will have all their "financial, health information, and their will" so their final wishes will be kept.
Is their any doubt we are in fascism? "Papers please!!!"
I'd rather have freedom than security, because without freedom, there is no security!
Obama - "old boss meet your new boss" The elitists plan, which is almost complete is only better known today because of vehicles like these. He's going to bomb Iran, same as McInsane. There is NO CHANGE coming from either presumptive nominee - the ones chosen for you by the govt., corporate lobbyists, and the old media - ALL PROFIT FROM THE WAR!!!
Do your own research - turn off TV and be skeptical of anyone who says this is a "conspiriacy" theory. Fact is stranger than fiction, and we don't know what we don't know. Do your own research, PLEASE!
I checked out H.R. 1302 and S. 2433 and found nothing even remotelt related to your claim these bills include anything about "banning "small arms and light weapons" and ratifying a series of treaties, including the International Criminal Court Treaty, the Kyoto Protocol (global warming treaty), the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child." So. I don't know what your talking about.
The Law of the Sea treaty was a convention and 155 countries have signed that treaty with the exception of the United States because the Senate has yet to ratify it. But the treaty has absolutely no authority to tax or levy fines or anything of the kind. So again, what the hell are you talking about.
And why do you fear a world government? I happen to believe that if humanity doesn't grow up and come together under a unified goevernment, we are doomed to fail as a civilization.
Here's where part of my research came from in my letter to the editor (which is what I copied here)
http://www.newswithviews.com/Kincaid/cliff207.htm
You will have to click on his links to other info to find it all.
Devin,
Not surprised by your question on fear of one world government. I don't fear anything and choose to live here, under the Constitution of the U.S., not the North American Union, or under the control of the U.N., or anything like it.
The last time anything resembling a Department of Homeland Security existed among a free people was with the German SD (the Security Police--Sicherheitsdienst). This was the intellgence service of the SS, used to monitor and control the German public prior to the Nazi campaign to take over the world.
The SD investigated the loyalty and reliability of state officials (H.B. 1955 Homegrown Terrorist Act), evaluating them by there complete devotion to Nazi ideology (Patriot Act) and the Hitler leadership. Behind the scenes, the SD spied upon the German people in their daily lives (FISA) - on the streets, in shops, and even within the sanctity of their churches (Bill which authorized 26,000 pastors to infiltrate churches to get special consideration if Martial Law is declared in exchange for them to encourage their congregations to give up their guns and children and go peacefully to one of over 800 FEMA Concentration Camps throughout the U.S.) http://www.freedomfiles.org/war/fema.htm & http://www.mindfully.org/Reform/2004/FEMA-Concentration-Camps3sep04.htm & http://www.abovetopsecret.com/pages/camps.html
It is quite important to understand how a madman could lead a nation of well-educated, religious, community-oriented, and generally well-intended people to follow him in a quest for world dominance at the expense of so many innocent people.
Guess you would have loved your world government under Hitler, right? The Nazi's were not eliminated, they moved to the U.S. Bushes' grandfather (Preston Bush) did business with the Nazi's.
Hitler was a philosophical socialist, basing his strong German nationalistic pride and desire to take over other territories on the teachings of Karl Marx and Freidrich Engles. His solution to control, was not to grant more rights to people, it was to concentrate power in a central govt.
And what about the rise of corporate globalism? The driving force that connects the people of the world is the trading of goods. Profit in generated by producing goods, trading goods, and financing production and trading. Various political and economic philosophies have sought to explain the best way to do this.
In general, the forces driving globalism have very little to do with human rights, solving the world hunger, or world peace - other than to make issues worse.
The primary reason for Globalization is to enable the elite multinational companies (Corporatists) and bankers to profit at the expense of hardworking people, and not have to deal with governments that are trying to protect the rights of their citizens.
Does that answer your question on world government?
Does that answer your question?
Even you, Devin, can see where we are headed!
We can see how "humanity" would benefit from your unified, world government. Who do you see leading this effort?
LET'S HOPE SO!
GT
It just seems obvious to me. We have Nancy Pelosi out here in California, wife of a millionarie in the gaming industry, daughter of a big Chicago corrupt politician with Mafia connections.
She does nothing but play the role of the worst most dysfunctional incompetent leader, her and Harry Reid, surpise, from Nevada!
Her ties to Gavin Newsom, the mayor of San Francisco who has turned the city into a big disgusting joke. Dragging out gay marriage on que right before the last two elections, and now supporting this sanctuary city and protecting an illegal alien murderer.
With friends like these in the Democratic party, who needs enemies?
There are lots of faux Democrats and the idea that celebrities are all Liberal is window dressing for a public image.
Where is there a real intelligent public figure who can explain politics and has a coherent policy and can get past all the forces that want to present anything meaningful getting close to the American public to vote on.
Dems and Republicans are not the same, but the ones who have been turned are coming into the majority and they are outside both parties.
We want to take back our country before we concern ourselves with "the planet". Who are we, or Nazi Germany, or any other country to believe we should dominate and control the world. Aren't they entitled to their own choices in the country in which they choose to live? I cannot believe you do not see our leadership - Dems & Reps are on the same path.
If Oama's speech in Germany did not open your eyes to his plan to continue the New World Oder, nothing will. You can join reality or remain in the organization of the brain-off, collective ignorant. If you want the NWO, then come clean about being a Fascist.
Bush/Clinton/Bush/Obama/McCain - ALL ON THE SAME PATH. You only blame the Reps because you are a Dem. Check the treaties. Check voting records. Research some history is all I am asking.
This did NOT all happen under Dubya's watch, surely you can see that? Thanks to the internet and access to REAL news from around the world, the truth is out there to anyone who truly wants to make impact society.
Bruce asked: Where is there a real intelligent public figure who can explain politics and has a coherent policy and can get past all the forces that want to present anything meaningful getting close to the American public to vote on.
Why don't you do some research on one of the only Statesman and a Constitutionalist, who gave up a lucrative career in medicine, to give back to his country. His name is Ron Paul.
He does not take any benefits (perks) from the Federal Govt. His children did not take Fed. money or grants to complete college (three out of five children are doctors too) He gives back part of his alloted money to operate his offices as a Congressman EVERY YEAR. Accepts NO money from lobbyists. Accepts no favors. Doesn't take expensive "junkits" or free plane rides. Votes according to the Constitution only. Believes in free capitalism, NOT corporatism.
You hear very little about him by fascist design. THEY want to choose your president. Listen to the news, isn't it obvious it will be Obama? You will not learn what is going on in this country from within this country.
Dennis Kusinich is another figure to research.
Forget about the Republicrats - vote for the person, their philosopies, and check their voting record.
I like many of your idea's and belief's...however, Paul is responsible for 900M in "earmarks," and has a very large racist following. I appreciate his "Constitutionalism," but he is a fool in so many respects. And, he is a bit "daft."
In addition Linda, you just must be stupid, since I have explained to you before Ron Paul's attititude towards national parks/forests. Ron Pauls says that national forests are not a legitimate function of the government, and that if he had things the way he wanted them the government would sell off places like Yosemite. He said the companies that buy these places could cut every single tree if they desired, and if they wanted to it would be OK to keep a small number of trees and charge people admission to see them. Why don't you respond to this Linda, is that what you want.
If not, quit your shilling for Ron Paul or at least be honest and mention his true colors when your advertise for him.
A common thread in your posts is name calling - not respectful. An intelligent person would not have to stoop to that level to try to give their opinion validity.
The "presumptive" presidential war mongers are salivating at the thought of pushing the red button and you talk about National Forest? This is the best 'ya got? The Bush group and Obama group and McInsane group and Clinton group, and their Socialist and Fascist friends fear the message of freedom and prosperity is resonating with those who choose to stop, look, and listen. The r3VOLution will not be stopped, regardless.
The threats facing our nation today are perhaps the most serious ever witnessed. How about we address them???
The issues I would put at the top, would include out of control federal spending; the expansion of the size, scope and cost of our government continues to roar onward at an ominous rate; massive devaluing of the dollar, growing crisis in banking and housing industries (including doubling the National Debt by bailing out Mae & Mac, adding $5Trillin dollars); skyrocketing energy prices, and continuing threat of ever-escalating war in the Mideast. ALL threaten to culminate in a "perfect storm" which could result in the kind of financial and political crises our nation seldom, if ever, has seen before. I would put the National Forest towards the bottom of the list.
But, since you INSIST at making National Forests an issue, as it appears it is at least something of which you have some knowledge; my take on the National Forests, would be called freedom from Federal mandates. These parks and forests should be controlled by the states, and by the vote of the people who live in these states, just as the Constitution intended.
The Federal Govt. has no place in our lives, except as noted in the Constitution - protection. STATES should control what happens in their states, by their elected officials. We the people should be in control. The govt. should fear us, not the other way around.
You equate my creating value here only with Ron Paul, shame on you. Obviously you did not read my messages of freedom and prosperity, identifying and following time honored principles, becoming a Producer instead of a Consumer, encouraging and teaching people to be self-reliant, to understand self-interest (NOT selfless or selfish), that force destroys freedom and prosperity, and collective action has no unique moral authority (aka Democracy).
And, this does APPEAR to be a Political article? Another poster asked who was an honest person of principle they could support, and I noted to check out Ron Paul. His actions supports his
platform.
So, what is your next put-down to try to make yourself feel superior?
Some people are just un-teachable; I can see why Steve Bachman gets frustrated here on gather. None one reads and thinks; they read and concern themselves with being "right" and try to appear intelligent. Namely you Bruce K. and Devin Barber. Steve should gear his posts towards a seventh grade reading level so his message is understood.
Creating value for those who do not understand or appreciate is a apparently a waste of my time.
Thanks Mark-John. Please do not listen to old media and how they present him. Do some research for yourself. If you really listened to Ron Paul, or watched some You Tube videos when he is allowed enough time to get a point across, you would see shat I see. Their only goal was to margenalise, and they were successful AT THE TIME. Thousands of people are waking up each day, as everything he said would happen regarding the economy, the empire building, and burning the last thread to the Constitution is taking place now. Fanny Mae/Freddie Mac $5 Trillion bailout - but old media reports $800 Billion - more lies!
For real news, there are dozens of news sites (outside of old media, who all profit from the war and fascism).
Go to dailypalu.com and read, and post your opinions and questions. When there is breaking news, I/we/they post it there along with the link so you can verify. There are some covert posters there, but they are almost immediately identified. It is called freedom of speech.
Seems he's once again following Bush decisions regardless if they are flipflops.
I wonder what James Dobson will receive in return for his complicity?
Perhaps a hugh grant from the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives?
Saturdays daily tracking poll had Obama 47% and McCain at 41%. Not exactly dead even from where I stand. In Fact, according to NBC's political director Chuck Todd, a 6% win in the general election would amount to an electoral landslide. So much for your delusion McCain could win. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Having said that, I agree with you that Bush is doing a poor job of cooperating with McCain in the matter of getting mcCain elected. Bush is still baffling in some ways. Is it that he is just bascially stoopid? Or that as someone said above, his own legacy is the only thing on his mind? Or that he would rather saddle a Dem to take the heat for the mess he has created than have a Republican follow him?
It is possible to give Bush too much credit for thinking when it is not his best skill.
Thanks. May I caution you, in a friendly manner?
You are confused about how I source my "news;" and that isn't a prudent way to proceed. What I've said about Paul is True; and my sources are quite excellent and reliable. If those who knew me, personally, read of your "advice" to me, I'd certainly have to call the Trauma center. So, some friendly little advice from 'me' to 'you'...don't assume what I know, or don't know...let Wisdom and foolishness speak for themselves.
Now, as I have said; Paul talks a great "Constitutional" game, and I appreciate that Constitutionalism. I appreciate, also, the overbearing influence of the Fed in the Peoples' affairs, and the importance of States Rights. Thus, I appreciate some of Paul's positions.
However, my previous statements were accurate, and True: many of his supporters are an un-savory lot; and he is laden and guilty with one of the most disgusting practices being perpetrated on the People...earmarks. No, Linda...YOU do some research.
He also makes one very large error (UNPARDONABLE for me) where his interpretation of the Constitution is concerned...he mistakes "Protectionism" for PACIFISM...and that will merely accomplish one thing; it will get us all KILLED. He doesn't understand the importance of the United States where World-Leadership is concerned. Like it or leave it, we are saddled with the incredibly difficult responsibility to police the World...I don't LIKE the fact, but it is indeed an un-avoidable FACT, nonetheless.
It is best that the Greatest Power be in the hands of those who do the Greatest Good.
Good to know the same tactics don't always work for other "evil doers"
How can Obama say on one hand that he wants to fight terrorism, then in the same breath say that we need to leave Iraq asap? The soldiers are saying there are still terrorists in Iraq that need to be dealt with and we need to leave victorious.
Why, if Dobson backs McCain, do you call it "duplicity?" Would it be correct, then, to call you "duplicitous" for backing a Leftist?
> Bruce,
> A common thread in your posts is name calling - not
> respectful. An intelligent person would not have to
> stoop to that level to try to give their opinion validity.
You're right, I don't have to, I choose to. But I do
disagree that it is a common thread in my posts and
if you want to be truly discerning and perceptive,
look for the common thread of why I might choose
to in context.
> So much for your delusion McCain could win. HA HA HA HA
> HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
> HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Polling differences of single digit magnitude mean nothing
at this point in the election cycle. There is a long way to
go. Obama is getting villified for all the things everyone
knew he would be in the right wing media. I'm voting Obama
and I hope Obama wins, but it is not a foregone conclusion,
neither one of them has chosen a VP or had a chance to
debate yet. Either could slip up or land a knock out blow.
The Republicans, at least those in the inner circle are moving to a carefully planned long-range strategy in my opinion. They have a unwavering goal to return this country to before the time of Roosevelt, and I mean Teddy Roosevelt. Basically they want a ruling elite that can control the masses using technology to disinform people and force to handle any problems. They have almost all the money, they control the money supply, the energy supply, and can diddle the food supply if they want. The have a private army, totally illegal ... do you think anyone in Congress on either side is going to stand up and say that Blackwater or any of the others needs to be disbanded?
This happened before in American History. Some key pillars of finaance, Averel Harriman and Prescot Bush amassed money and influence by trading with Hitler and handling Hitlers investments through a man named Fritz Teason and tried to force a coup against Roosevelt. There was a Congressional hearing on the called the "McCormack-Dickstein" commitee ... read about that here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Plot
People really should understand this.
If Republicans want or expect the Democrats to win, or if Republicans lose the election, they go into covert mode and make enroads in building more influence and co-opting the Democracts. Many Democrats at this time are really knowingly or unknowingly supported by this machine. Lots of Republican money went to Ralph Nader in 2000. A Democrat Gavin Newsom in San Francisco began marrying gays right before the 2004 election resulting in the alarming and mobilization of sufficient numbers of the Christian right to get out and vote. What are the chances that this issue would come up again right before the election by the same person in the same way for the same reason if he was not primed in some way to do it?
Power derived from force, influence, money, jobs, levers of power, and right now in America all of that is in the hands of Republicans and the best the people can do is to hope they are benevolent ... pretty funny huh?
Good God, how can you talk about eroding rights when you want to give them all away but just to a different group of your own choosing?