September 17

The Crackpot Gap: Why It May Be A Boon To Democrats But A Danger To America

robertreich:

We’re not dealing with “extremism in defense of liberty,” as Barry Goldwater put it in 1964 (and even then, a large majority of Americans decided against him). We’re dealing with extremism that defies the principles undergirding our Constitution.

Some Democrats think all this is wonderful because it boosts the odds of Democratic wins, not only in the midterms but also in 2012 when the Republicans put up Palin, Gingrich, or someone equally bizarre. Even voters who are are unenthusiastic about Democrats will be motivated to turn out if they fear that crackpots will otherwise take over our government.

I’m not as sanguine about what’s happening. Political discourse in America is important. What candidates say can legitimize hateful or divisive views that would otherwise never see the light of day.

We’re in the midst of an ongoing economic emergency that requires clear thinking, intense work, and practical ideas. It also requires that we join together rather than be pushed apart. The loonies who are taking over the GOP pose a real and present danger.

I don’t really post too much about politics these days, mostly because every time I try to write something I end up banging at my keyboard and can only come up with gibberish. Reich is right. 

10:38 | Comments | 53 notes

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  1. tapisdorientpascher reblogged this from robertreich
  2. inmysights reblogged this from silas216
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  7. robot-heart-politics reblogged this from robertreich and added:
    Crackpot Gap: Why It May Be A Boon To
  8. riograndegorgeous reblogged this from classybroad and added:
    divide and conquer.
  9. classybroad reblogged this from bthny
  10. alexanderpf reblogged this from robertreich
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  12. bthny reblogged this from robertreich and added:
    really post too much...politics these days, mostly because every time I try
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  14. robertreich posted this