Political reality check: Capitol Chronicles readers, please note

Susan J. Demas By Susan J. Demas
on December 05, 2008 at 9:23 PM, updated December 06, 2008 at 9:34 AM


And debate is a wonderful thing. But I've noticed that comments have been devolving into partisan name-calling as much as before the election. I had hoped that would dissipate a bit. Those on the right are even angrier than when it was clear John McCain was going to lose, which is understandable to a degree. But some folks should chill. Their usual comment is some variation of: "You're just wrong. I disagree with you so you're stupid. Don't ever write anything again. I'm telling my Mommy. Na-na-na-na boo-boo." (Don't believe me? I invite you to scroll through).

There's no denying that the Democrats are now driving the debate, as they're soon to be in power by big margins in both houses of Congress and in the White House. They've had two very good cycles, which is atypical, and are currently creaming Republicans in public opinion. So a word of warning: I will continue to write about this, rather than stick my head in the sand.

I'm not going to ignore the basic facts here and put out the conservative talking points that this is just a blip in history and most people still agree with the GOP. That's just not where the country's at. Republicans ignore reality at their peril.

This does not make me a Democrat or a liberal. Call me what you will, but it's a sloppy mischaracterization.

This is just part of the cycle of the right closing ranks. Dissent is not tolerated. Right now, Ambassador Ron Weiser is being smeared as a RINO by far-right devotees of Rep. Jack Hoogendyk (R-Kalamazoo), his competition for state party chair. Weiser helped Republicans get their act together to save at least three House seats, thanks to pulling together a half-million in donations. He's synonymous with the GOP in Michigan. No, really. His name is on the state party building, for God's sake. If Weiser's not a real Republican, nobody is.

So why wouldn't an independent like myself be savaged as yet another Dem? Par for the course.

In the aftermath of the election, I have spent a lot of time exploring where the GOP went wrong and how it can right itself. I do this as an interested party. I believe Americans should have at least two viable parties. We deserve choices. Give me a reason to vote Republican more. If you think you can kiss the suburban mom/educated professional vote goodbye, be my guest. And be prepared to never win Oakland County and therefore the state of Michigan again.

Few minds ever get changed in political debate. Few posters will feel the need to use more decorum, as this is an anonymous forum which makes everyone so much bolder. But part of the purpose of blogging is to involve readers in my process more. So that's what I'm doing. I look forward to more of your hate mail. Carry on.