I was reading the highlights on Newsbusters.org regarding Laura Ingraham's appearance on the Today. The blog suggested that Matt Lauer pushed the notion that the Democrats and GOP are equally hated.
I am a reliable Republican and I passionately dislike many Republican members of Congress. If I were answering a pollster, I might answer two-bit questions about passion that suggest that I equally hate Republicans as Democrats. "Q: Do you like or dislike Democrats? Republicans?" "A: Yes, yes.
I know that is not a fair representation of my thoughts. It's just my one-bit answer to a two-bit question.
In truth, I don't like many Democrat representatives as persons, politicians, philosophers, or any other way. I don't like many Republicans as politicians and philosophers.
Being a student of political science (since that is my minor and a law degree gives me different insights), many Republicans don't understand the history of the discipline as arising from the Progressive Movement and their desire to manipulate the populace. The discipline taught in school is about finding out what people think and making them vote the way you want them to. There is little interest in political philosophy.
I don't like Republican politicians because they have been bought and trained by members of the Progressive Movement and their progeny. Consequently, a movement that is built around the principles of Locke, Montesquieue, Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Madison, et al. is doomed to failure. These are philosophical ideals and systems with an abundant history of success. Since loving these ideas requires study and thought, people who gravitate to these ideas don't think about making them simple.
The common excuse is the ideas can't be put on bumper stickers. With most political science analysis relying heavily on polling, which in turn is built on simple phrases that are easily tested as multiple choice quizzes, the Republican movement has confused itself. It can't express its ideas simply, so its politicians don't even try regularly enough (a few ex-judges, doctors, Rep. Ryan and Bachmann aside).
The lack of effort to persuade is what creates my frustration with Republicans. They don't share a bigger, clearer vision, so little changes and stays changed. McCain had no idea what he wanted to do so he moved few to vote for him.
The Democrats of 2008 (especially Obama) made all sorts of noises about Hope and Change and big visions. I had no use for them because there were no specifics (without tunneling into their websites) and their promises were wildly contradictory. Now that the Democrats true desires have been exposed and tried, we know what kind of mess they are seeking. I can say objectively that I dislike the Democrat vision.
So, we can say clearly, for those of like mind to me, my dislike of Democrats is both as to the person, the political strategy, and daily tactics. The Republicans I dislike because of the lack of strategy and poor choice of tactics.
No, Mr. Lauer, it is not fair to say that both sides are disliked equally. Democrats can have a similar if opposite reaction. To reduce these complex thoughts down to being equal is sophistry if not down right stupidity.
