LOL! Gee, what part of losing the election finally got them to smack their foreheads and declare that they are finally ready to move forward?

The super duper big question is this: Moving forward in what direction?

Sticking the "Wonder Bread Boys" up front and center is not the correct path, Righties!

Aww, sweet miss piggy!

There's no way they can appeal to the general (and young) populace while at the same time catering to their religious fanatics. There is no middle ground between a side that wants civil freedom and one that oppresses it.

“It's idiotic to look at the election night results and draw gigantic conclusions that the end of the world is here,” said Dave Carney, a Republican consultant who served as Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s chief strategist.

Oh, yeah? So who are we going to believe - the Mayan civilization, or a guy who served as Rick Perry's chief strategist?

Two weeks from tomorrow, people - make your reservations NOW for the End Of The World blowout at the Dew Drop Inn on December 21st!

Oh, and gotta love this from Australia PM Julia Gillard:

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/06/15719214-australia-pm-julia-gillard-jokes-mayans-were-right-end-of-the-world-is-coming?lite

Here is a hint G.O.P. discuss the impact that the traitors of the tea party has had on any vote that you have taken in congress for the last two years. Then apply it to this election and its result and you just might be on to the biggest part of your failures. Conservatism really don't mean the backwards robin hood that has become the teapublican party. Taking from those that need it most or raiding S.S. or Medicare isn't a good platform to run on. Working with president Obama instead of against him and America didn't bode well with the American voter either.

I just love pork. ...that's all, folks!!

BACON... BACON... who doesn't ♥ BACON? lol

Pigotry - I'm flattered AND surprised! Thank you, merci, gracias, danka!

Okay, I'm in on the Bacon! LOVE Bacon!!!!!

They need to contact Celtic1. He can tell them why they lost and how to attract more than just their rabid base.

Well, I'd say the GOP is off to a good start. DeMint is leaving the Senate and Governor Haley may appoint another pointy-headed member of the Tea Party from the House to replace him. Hmmmm do we think Governor Haley might appoint HERSELF to take the Congressman's place? It could happen.

Or......they could hold a special election and we might have a really slim chance of getting a Dem or at least a more moderate republican elected. Yeah, you're right, probably not.

Then there's that whole immigration thingie they're going to have to work out. Oh, and the fact that they've done everything they can to alienate the black community. Oh yeah, and that whole voter ID/Voter suppression thingie is going to be a bit sticky. Then there's the whole thing about redistricting. They thought they had gerry-mandered the country into bullet-proof GOP favoring districts only to have the wheels come off in Texas and that darned Kenyan won ANYWAY!

Wow, I don't think they can undo all of that in just four short years do you?

Pigotry

GOP stands for Goofy Oxymoronic Party

HA!!!! Your on fire today! that's a good one, can I use it too?

Pigotry - sorry but I have to stick with Grumpy Old Perverts!

They're going to learn to talk the talk, but they'll never walk the walk. Focus groups to (Pardon me Pigotry) put lipstick on the pig.

"They're going to learn to talk the talk, but they'll never walk the walk. Focus groups to (Pardon me Pigotry) put lipstick on the pig."

Democrats are experts at talking the talk. And, "buying" votes with unfunded promises. That is how they stay in power. It's not rocket-science.

So much easier to be a Democrat politician, than to be a Republican.

Forward? I don't think so.... While Rubio can say 'middle class' as many times as he wants, it's not a 'magic phrase' that's going to hypnotise the voting public into not recognizing the same old bait-and-switch tactics. They still think that the problem is they're not 'articulating' their message well enough, but until they understand it's the message stupid, things won't get better for them. That, and actually having economic plans that don't have faulty math when they're forced to reveal the numbers.

It does appear at least that they do know they need to deal with the far far right baggers and god zealots, but it remains to be seen if they can offset the loss of that support (or fool them yet again) and attract enough moderates back into the fold. If there's even any dem-voting GOP moderates left at this late date; the Democrats have swung so close to the center, most moderates don't see the GOP point anymore.

Ah, so many comments both insightful and humorous.

A good start would be pulling Ryan and his ilk from the front lines. A misogynistic frat boy will sway no votes to the GOP.

I rather like Ohio state senator Nina Turner's twist on GOP ~ Get Out of my Panties.

notevenclosetofunnygirl - oh yeah -that's why the more educated populace voted for President Obama. Progressives walk circles around the far right in intelligence which just drives you crazy doesn't it?

Try again or don't. No one cares!

Gee where do we start with helping the republicans repair their brand?

Don't negate your oaths of office with signed pledges to a Lobbyist.

Don't make your number priority as an elected official in service to the American people to make sure that the newly and duly elected president of the USA (by an electoral landslide) is a one term president.

Don't let a media outlet that is recognized as representing your party spew what most people consider to be utter nonsense presented as fact 24/7 for four years.

Cut your ties with the birthers, the flat earthers, and the Obama is a terrorist sympathizer, Communist, Socialist, Marxist, and a Nazi smirthers, people know none of that is true, and you look insanely ridiculous insisting it is.

Separate your religion from your politics.

You are going to have tell the truth and work hard, the brand is damaged beyond fixing it with some new talking points. The American people no longer trust republicans to bargain in good faith or do the right thing. They are not listening anymore, they will now judge you solely on your actions, you need to produce some sensible and useful policy and legislation. You can no longer just come up with some new talk it's past that point now, you better come up with a new walk as well.

Lastly I will remind you what your mother told you when you went off to kindergarten: Look both ways before you cross the street, share, mind your manners, work well and play well with others, and don't run with scissors. That is still damn good advice.

I got a start for them to "re-fashion itself as a more broadly appealing party". Quit cow-towing to the 1%ers. Recognize that the income inequality between the rich and the middle class is growing at an astronomical rate. Quit pushing Trickle-down and the notion that increasing taxes on the rich will hurt the economy. And start celebrating success with everyone...the doom and gloom that Rash Limpbaugh and Faux News has been predicting for the last 4 years is not materializing, and the only thing keeping us from further progress is obstructionism.

We want to help out. Republicans, please start with reading the posts here on this site written by Feisty, AlaskaGirl, SeekingSanity, for example

With this, Pigotry, you are showing your intelectual ignorance. But, I do consider the source.

In the end, it will be like everything else with the right wing. Nothing will really change. They will simply believe they are more "broadly appealing," because they say they are "more broadly appealing." They can't seem to keep themselves from believing their own B.S..

"Republicans start process of moving forward after election defeat"

Yeah right, their moving from the 16th century to 17th century. The current Republican/Tea Party is the most worthless political party in the history of our country............. Instead of moving forward they should just move to Somalia; The type of politics practiced by Republicans would fit right in with the other terrorists groups already there.

Hi, Comment #1.24,

Yeah, the GOP is Shiwrecked, if you know what I mean.

You see...with posts like Pig, this is why people loath liberals. They "believe" that they are more intellectual, but in fact, they are more immature and show less class than the average working person. Being humble and being modest are two traits that you should learn in your life... Just remember, in four years, after you have had your day, people will quickly realize that they are in worse shape from a Democratic leadership.

notevenclosetofunnygirl - oh yeah -that's why the more educated populace voted for President Obama. Progressives walk circles around the far right in intelligence which just drives you crazy doesn't it?

Try again or don't. No one cares!

Responded to my post as a child would. No, the more educated populace didn't vote for Obama, but the takers did. But you should have said: Progressives walk in circles, and I'd agree with you.

So you want to raise the investment levels for the upper 2% now. You never informed everyone just what that investment will pay for, and when the funding is over, who will be next to be invested? The 2% money won't be around for less than a week. Where will King Obama I find the money to fund his other ideas?

Do you really believe spending up economics, with other peoples money, will be the solution to get the country out of the problems we have?

When do you want to answer my questions about budgets and P&L there honey? Come on Dukester.

Ryan needs to re-fashion himself with his loonies and Rubio can go back to Cuba !!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey JK, did you recycle that post from 4 years ago? Immature is calling people names because you disagree with their politics! The truth is we are far better off than we were 4 years ago, and we will probably be way better off 4 years from now as the Republicans have nothing to gain by trying to ensure that Obama fails.

The first provides a line or two of humor, the second appears to be out too much huntin' for fish, for her comments stink, and the third has just lost her mind while seeking something that elludes her.

Yes funnygirl, your own post is certainly very mature, lol. As to intelligent, the word you wanted was eludes. You're right, you really are a funny girl

"Republicans start process of moving forward after election defeat"

Folks, when I read this statement, I chocked on my beer!!!

In particular, the word "FOWARD" caught me by surprise folks, didnt see that one in coming...

So I had to get the Republican's so called "Party Manifesto" and believe me folks, aint nothing on this book with the word "FORWARD"...

Foward aint even a word a Republican could use on daily activities.

To them FORWARD is a liberal "term", some even call it a socialist word...

Out of the whole manifesto, the term "BACKWARD" is the only one spelled correctly and appears more than any character...

So you damn right I chocked on my beer...this is news folks!!!

"I just love pork. ...that's all, folks!!"

Awww... now I'm all lonesome for my lil pork-fritter, JAS.

Speakin' of which- there have been recent posts about all the various cows, sows, bitches and nanny-goats no longer posting on First Thoughts. Ever notice how the 'collapses' have pretty much ceased, too?

The republicans have to kowtow to the 1%ers as they made them a huge promise of no tax increases ever for all those millions in donations to lie to the American people. To please the republicans millionaire cash cow money base the republicans have to screw America instead.

As you may have noticed the republicans have no problem with taxes going up on the working poor and middle class. The republicans don't seem to even pretend to care about jobs or our rebuilding America that was so damaged by Sandy.

The republicans are even planning a return to damaging our credit and wrecking our economy to fight for the 1% with the debt ceiling hostage event to get their own way of hurting America.

You can't run a country based on a pack of lies the republicans and faux repeat daily. I see that the republicans don't want to lead our country they just want the power. The last time that they had power they used it to lie us to war, give tax cuts during war and create the largest deficit in our history all the while claiming deficits don't matter.

You know republicans are lying their a$$es off to get the power again. The bad part is that their ideals will drive America into another recession. While the republicans are always warning we should not be like Europe. The republicans austerity ideals are what Europe put in place and austerity is also why they now have 25% unemployment. Do you really think austerity works?

And what does John Boehner and the crazed republican tea party want, nothing but austerity and tax cuts for the rich.

The republicans spend so much time lying to themselves about how great their ideals are they refuse to even look at the clear evidence of the damage of austerity in the recession in Europe.

The republicans are this bad and they lost the election, think of what they would be doing to us if they had won?

Americans First- I heard Boehner the other day say something to the effect of: Take money from the rich's pockets via closing loopholes in the tax code. Don't take that money by raising rates- that's a job-killer".

Now- what the hell matter does it make HOW you take that money out of their pockets? WTF? Is this more gobbldy-gook GOP-speak, utttered in hopes no one would realize they are talking complete, empty, nonsense?

Again.

(Still?)

dave,

I WAS responding to pigotry's post. But since you decided to join the fray, when you start the post with name calling be prepared to have it thrown back in your face. You "claim" that we are better off, right? How about the STILL 23 million people that are employed fours years after Obama has taken office? The left likes to jump up and down that the unemployment rate is less that 8%, but you easily forget those that have fallen off the radar. As as for your excuses, yet again, we hear the same ol excuse from the left that nothing could get done because of the right. Gee...how about this, how about Obama sit down with both sides of Congress to work out our problems instead of jetting off to Virginia to whine about the 2% again. He is like a dog with a bone on that issue. Give him the 2%, and still watch his house of cards fall when he doesn't bother to talk specifics about entitlement reform, spending cuts...you know those things that REALLY matter...

Drive-by: " Ever notice how the 'collapses' have pretty much ceased, too?"

Actually, they turned off the collapse feature here on FR several weeks ago - you should come around more often! (no, really, you should - we miss you!)

Can't speak for your favorite little fritter, but last we heard, NoJoe had given up on working for her ideals and principles in favor of treating herself to a new coat made of a whole bunch of furry little dead critters. But hey, I don't want you to get too lonely for your girls (that includes Spanky, of course), so:

Obama Shelved in 2012!

Epic Fail!

Your messiah could strangle a puppy on live tv and your dwindling cult of loony liberals would stand there and cheer!

Good times, eh?

(Oops - just realized this is actually an NBC Politics thread, where collapses may still thrive - beware!)

Jeekers, JoAnne- not sure which to frame and display: "Epic Fail" or "good times, eh?"

God- that post of yours just now has the same effect on me as someone playing a damned-good oldie on the DDI beat-box!

I miss you all too.

A lot.

(Or more.)

It's disappointing- though not surprising-that the thrust of the 'pugs brainstorming is "how do we get back into power?" rather than ," what are our core values and are we out of touch with America?"

JK1963 ... You seem to think 4 years is plenty of time to recover from the worst economic situation since the great depression. That's foolish. Had McCain won the country would still be struggling. No one could fix the situation in just four years.

Add to that a Congress that made it a priority to block anything and everything it could to try to make Obama a one term president and I think the country is doing quite well ... considering.

Our problems are many. The solutions are difficult. Now if our elected officials remember WHY they are in Washington and what their job is supposed to be ... we may actually be ok.

I'm not holding my breath.

Republicans are obsessed with making the rich, richer, they are obsessed with the reglious fanatics ( their reglious belief is against everything) They are obsessed with the very far right (they are against everything period) So what new path are the republicans going to take? If they get rid of just the top 3, they would have to change their name to Democrat, because democrats want nothing to do with any of them.

I would offer up the "Greedy Old Party" for the GOP logo.

One apparent problem is that they couldn't sell the lemon the last time around. So, if they keep the lemon and repackage it, like slapping lipstick on a pig (forgive me) they can keep their insane policies and, well.....

There was a political candidate in the 60s whose campaign sticker was simply "I am not insane". Unfortunately, he lost. No room for sane politicians, especially sane women politicians. They take all the fun out of egomaniacal power struggles.

yes! The GOPiggies move forward. They defeated a treaty! In other words, they crapped in the proverbial hat and pulled it down over the country's face.

Common,

You seem to have a crystal ball or something to know how the country would have turned out if McCain had won...I congratulate you! Might I remind you that this mess was caused by BOTH parties, contrary to your mantra of blaming Bush. And even four years later, and people such as yourself are making excuses for him by claiming that "no one" could have fixed the economy in only four years. Obama was given every chance to focus on the economy from day one and guess what?? He spent his time with Obamacare. Why? When Republicans were marganalized by the likes of Pelosi and Reid, it's no wonder why they kept up their defenses. I don't agree with everything that the Republicans have done, but I surely believe that Obama missed his greatest opportunity by focusing on Obamacare rather than the economy.

How can the party make progress when they have our Wisconsin congressman, Paul Lying Ryan , speaking out? He had to walkout of his town hall meeting when he couldn't even explain his figures for his Plan to Ruin America that the Voters rejected as well as him. He usually won his House seat by gaining 65% or more of the vote. I think once it was 70%? This year he was able to get 56% as his views are so out of touch with reality, like the whole of the republican party. Oh, Fox's Approval Poll has Obama gaining 1% more in the poll today to be up by 7% now. If it is that high and approval on the FOX Poll in reality it is probably 10% of more higher than that? Keep it up you right wing nuts. You're helping the left and creating anti-republican feelings.

1funnygirl, I agree there are some very smart conservatives out there (although I'm not sure you would qualify with all your "boinking" talk). The problem is that their minds turn to mush when confronting a conflict between the facts and their cultural beliefs. This idea that those who voted for the President are "takers" is an example of one of those mushy beliefs. Many conservatives just love to believe that half the country are lazy louts trying to take their hard-earned money (in particular those who's money wasn't all that hard-earned - think Romney or Trump). The fact is that if the economy gets trashed, it's going to be hard for the poor and the middle class to get by without some help. If conservatives don't like it, they shouldn't have put policies in place that created the mess. Or they could renounce their US citizenship and just move to one of the countries where their outsourcing takes place.

Republicans may be trying to re-invent themselves, but at the end of the day there are certain constants among Democrats and Republicans, and little has changed since 1999, when Leon Felkins penned the following primer:

How to Tell a Democrat from a Republican

Conservative, n. - A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal, who wishes to replace them with others.
-- Ambrose Bierce

Many of you have expressed great confusion, in these troubled times, in trying to tell a Republican from a Democrat. Sure, we know what they say they are; most of them have well displayed nameplates. But could you tell one from the other in a blind test? That is, without prior knowledge and access to his/her nameplate, could you determine which was which simply by his/her actions? Probably not. The purpose of this essay is to assist you in making such an identification. In the following paragraphs, I will list the major issues of our times and clearly identify the differences between the Republican and Democrat approaches to these issues.

Abortion

Democrats are generally for abortion. Unwanted pregnancy is -- like addiction to drugs or alcohol, tardiness, and procrastination -- an affliction and therefore needs to be treated by the government.

Republicans are generally opposed to abortion unless of course it is one's own daughter that got knocked up, in which case the decent thing to do is to ship her off to some distant city where private but expensive medical care can be provided and the local community is spared the details.

Animals

Democrats believe that wild animals should have all the rights of humans, protected from any harm and allowed to die slow and agonizing deaths like most of the world's humans do.

Republicans believe that wild animals were put here for the sport of hunting, provide a little expensive but gamy and tough meat, and an occasional fur coat for the missus.

Both think that domestic animals and the raising thereof need massive government support. This often results in an excess of such animals, which are then killed, burnt or buried instead of being shipped off to starving humanity around the world because to do so might upset the local economy.

Capital Punishment

Because Democrats are genetically compassionate, they are opposed to capital punishment especially if it is someone who has tortured and molested 27 women and children to death as it is self evident that such a person has had a bad childhood, probably having his pacifier forcibly taken before he was nine years old. However, Democrats do make an exception to this opinion, if the victims were actually a close friend or part of the family. That family includes the family of government employees such as those that were blown up in Oklahoma City. In cases like that, the guy ought to be hung out in the sun by his testicles and left to die a slow death.

The Republican's position on this issue is clear and is based upon the Judeo/Christian bible: an eye for an eye. That we are not always completely sure that we have the right dude before we send him on his way to St. Peter is not really all that serious of an issue. "God will sort it out" is their most commonly stated rationale for slaughtering a group of people that from their very looks it is obvious that they are guilty -- of something. Actually God really only gave us a hint as to the real possibilities: how about a lopped head for a mashed finger, for instance? That certainly should work even better. I understand that there are now over 50 offenses for which you can be given a quick dispatch to meet your maker.

The Children!

Democrats love children as a group but find individual children a pain in the butt. "We do it for the children" is an extremely effective slogan for the populace whether the particular program at issue is robbing the tobacco companies or grabbing more land in Colorado. The annoyance of individual children is easily appeased by hiring illegal aliens for house nannies.

Republicans love individual children but find supporting the class of children as not part of God's plan (see Jeremiah 18:21: "So give their children over to famine; hand them over to the power of the sword.")

Crime

Democrats know that when someone commits a crime, it is society that has failed and should have to pay -- in the form of higher taxes and reduced freedom.

Republicans believe that every person inherently knows right from wrong, whether they were raised by harlot on the mean streets of East St. Louis or by a wealthy Episcopal minister in the ritzy 'burbs of Germantown. They know that the solution to violent crime is to beat the hell out of the perpetrators.

Drugs

Democrats have no qualms about about recreational drugs. In fact they think the use of such drugs is cool. However, medicinal drugs are another matter. Since they think of the general populace as children, they want these drugs highly regulated.

Recreational drugs are absolutely verboten according to the Republicans. It is rumored that many folks actually have great fun with such drugs, therefore they are opposed, of course, as it is a basic principle of Conservatism that having too much fun is bad for the character.

On the other hand, Republicans would allow you to prescribe and buy medicinal drugs without constraint as the drug industry is quite profitable. If you use the wrong drug or a bit too much, then the subsequent repairs to your body will again raise the national income just a bit.

Republicans support the consumption of vast quantities of alcohol even though it kills more people by a factor of ten than all the "illegal" drugs combined. This makes sense because while it may get you high and out of control, technically it is not a "controlled substance".

The Drug War

Strangely, while Republicans oppose the use of recreational drugs and Democrats are much more tolerant, they both support, with great enthusiasm, the so-called War on Drugs (WOD). That is because the WOD has little to do with drugs but is big business with large profits and incentives as well as an expression of political agendas and control.

Making a distinction between Republicans and Democrats with regard to the WOD is difficult for several reasons that are fundamental to what government is all about. I list a few:

1.The WOD allowed that time-honored tradition of governments -- the seizure of private property -- to be re-instated (amazingly, with citizen approval!). History tells us that in ancient times, governments satisfied their desire for accumulating wealth by simple and honest plunder and property seizure. As governments got smarter, they organized the theft, provided a stable environment for its culture and labeled it "taxation" (See Mancur Olson's essay, "Dictatorship, Democracy, and Development", American Political Science Review, Sept. 1993). I quote Olson (discussing the successful evolution of Chinese warlords): "The warlords had no claim to legitimacy and their thefts were distinguished from those of roving bandits only because they took the form of continuing taxation rather than occasional plunder." (In these modern times, the plunder sometimes has even more sophisticated titles such as "surcharge" as used by the recently imposed fee on anyone who has more than one telephone line.)

2.The WOD allows the meddling in the affairs of small defenseless countries at will.

3.The WOD provides another great opportunity to collect and spend great quantities of taxpayer's hard earned cash without any serious opposition. The reason for this is that the Drug problem is very close to being a natural disaster -- which governments love as they can spend freely without complaints.

That said, there are small but helpful differences:

The Democrats, as well as the Republicans, support the WOD, if for no other reason, because to do otherwise would result in the loss of votes. However, Democrats also support the concept as it allows the U.S. to act as the world policeman. Socialism is never going to work without one-world government.

The Republicans love the WOD because it allows us to build up the military, throw a lot of people in jail that don't come around to the prescribed religious/moral values, and is very profitable.

Education

Democrats are for universal government provided education and to make it fair, all educational institutions must be equally bad. Of course that only applies to the general population -- politicians send their own children to private schools so that when they graduate they might actually be prepared to make a decent living and they will not be biased against the values of public education for the masses.

Republicans support private education but do not see any reason why the institutions shouldn't be government funded. They particularly like the idea of religious or military schools that are better equipped to teach a state of perpetual obedience.

Environment

Democrats see the "environment" as another means to control the masses. Even if "Global Warming" only exists in the heads of some out-of-work pacifists, it is certainly a powerful tool to keep the masses towing the line. Further, it is an unbelievable sink hole for public funds. Have you ever looked at what the asbestos scare cost?

Republicans were a little late in appreciating the merits of environmentalism and have therefore had to live with some bad press. However, someone finally showed them how much money could be made by simply declaring Freon 12 as the main cause of Global Warming from which billions were made developing and selling a new coolant. This brought them around and now they frantically trying to find the next common household product to ban -- like toilets that use too much water.

Government Spending

Democrats make no excuses about massive government spending. For the government to provide a happy, healthy, shameless, and even exciting society, for everyone, regardless of their personal means, requires a massive amount of cash from the citizens as well as all you can borrow. Further, to make sure that no citizen gets into trouble and is in bed each night at a reasonable hour, a huge government staff is a necessity. This, in turn, requires every dime the public can spare and just a bit more.

Republicans, in their hearts, and especially at campaign time, really would like to cut back on government spending -- especially such luxuries as the social, environmental, and health programs. But there are necessities that it would be irresponsible to avoid. Such things as National Defense, which requires a military budget far greater than any we have had in any major war, can no more be cut back than you can cut back on helping the folks back home that need a superhighway to the new park out in the country. These are essential expenditures unlike the "feel good" stuff of the Democrats. When Iraq threatens our shores by such hostile actions as flying one of their planes over the southern half of their country, we better be ready for action.

Individual Liberty

Democrats are great believers in the concept of Liberty for all of humanity. It's just that individual humans need to be restrained -- for their on good of course. It would be irresponsible to let an individual endanger their health by eating greasy theater popcorn or drinking water from a mountain stream that some fish has peed in (and hasn't been tested by a government agency). Sadly, when you face the reality, every aspect of human activity must be controlled by the superior knowledge of the government bureaucrat. That government bureaucrats themselves are sometimes accused of being human is a fallacious argument as their holistic association results in superior knowledge.

Republicans would like to give people lots of freedom especially those that are economically active such the officers of large corporations and farmers. However, some aspects of human nature just cannot go unpunished. There must be law and order. Violence must be stopped if we have to kill every one of the sorry bastards. Republicans feel that they have the monstrous responsibility of enforcing God's word. It is not a matter of public vote. People who have unapproved sex, get high on anything (including testosterone) except approved drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine, don't regularly go to an approved church, allow their kids to kiss before they get married, and talk smart to policemen that are dutifully beating the hell out of them, must receive appropriate punishment.

Military

Democrats are very fond of the military as it is a vast receptacle of funds and the defense industry has the reputation of being basically a giant welfare program for mostly engineers and scientists, without which millions of them would have to get a real job.

Republicans also love the military for its capacity to absorb unbelievably large quantities of money. Even more they appreciate the importance of importing American Justice to sometimes unreceptive countries by means of our military.

Privacy

Democrats believe in the sacred right of privacy as guaranteed by our Founding Fathers. Unless, of course, it involves money, children, or your conversation on the phone (it is well known that phones are sometimes used by terrorists).

Republicans see no particular reason why you would want privacy. What's the matter: You got something to hide? If you are not doing anything criminal, then privacy should not be a concern, according to them. Too much privacy is a real hindrance to getting every one in jail that ought to be there.

Private Property

Democrats believe that all property should be shared equally among the people and enough to the animals to ensure their welfare (which they can't do for the people as there is just not enough). To insure the proper usage of property, the government, of course, must be the actual custodian of the property. What you think is yours is actually only on loan to you and may be recalled at any time. The whining of property owners that lose up in the millions of dollars when the government declares that a piece of property is needed for R&R for traveling geese is misplaced as it never belonged to these so-called property owners in the first place.

Republicans, on the other hand, definately believe in the right to private property as clearly enunciated by our Founding Fathers. But there is one small catch: The Bible is older than the Constition and trumps it. The bible points out very clearly, "When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned; the flesh may not be eaten. The owner of the ox, however, shall go unpunished", Exodus 21:28. That means that if your house or your car or your bank account is in any remote way associated with a crime, then it must be "stoned to death". The modern translation of "stoned to death" is "given to the government".

Surprizingly, an amazing amount of property is in someway related to a crime. For example, let us say that some pot dealer is driving down the street and decides to turn his car around using your driveway. It is obvious that your property has now aided in a crime for if it had not been there, the druggie's auto would have fallen into a bottomless pit. Case closed.

Racial Issues

Democrats believe all "minority" races to be "disadvantaged" and to need government help. An exception is made for the Orientals because they stubbornly insist on doing quite well for themselves and refuse to suck up. They see minorities mainly as large block votes at bargain prices. Classes should not be encouraged to mix as we need to retain each of their cultures.

Republicans have always been fond of the people of color as they have been very well behaved house servants ever since Lincoln freed them from slavery. Classes should not be allowed to mix as an inferior offspring will result. Some claim that hybrids in the animal world are usually superior to their parents but this is easily answered as humans obviously are not animals!

Religion

Democrats think religion is cool especially if it is "New Age", ancient Native American superstitions, Far East shamanism, or African witch doctors. What they can't stand are the low class, red neck religions like Church of God and Southern Baptists.

Republicans are in full support of religion and see it as every citizen's duty -- as long as it is "main line". The definition of "main line" is left up to the politicians, of course.

Sex

Democrats are in full support of sexual activity, especially if it is a little kooky. The concept of the old fashioned "male-female" sexual interaction is best left to the lower animals.

Republicans know that the purpose of sex is for procreation and not pleasure. If you must have pleasurable sex, which by definition would be outside of the marriage, then for God's sake have the decency to lie about it!

Smoking

Democrats consider any form of smoking of tobacco that is produced by the large corporations to be evil. The only material acceptable for smoking is marijuana or Native American ritual tobacco. If you are invited to the home of one of your cool friends and are handed a joint, do not think you have to eat it just because there is a sign on the wall that says, "Thank you for not Smoking".

Republicans think smoking is fine as long as it provides the opportunity to ship large quantities of money to the subsidized tobacco farmers and producers. Of course the smoking of any "controlled substance" is not permitted even if tobacco kills far more people. Because, it is the law, you idiot. Republicans are for law and order. Lots of both.

War and other "World Cop" Activities

Democrats, the "Peace Party", are strongly against war and other police actions and will attempt to create legislation to limit presidential powers and to influence public opinion -- during Republican administrations. Of course, if the Democrats happen to be in charge, then such activities are OK because their purpose is to stop violence and to "prevent further suffering and bloodshed".

Republicans, on the other hand, have no hesitation in bombing any recalcitrant country (those that refuse to accept aid in return for submission to U.S. control) "back to the stone age", unless, of course, the Democrats are in power. In that case, they are opposed to such acts because Democrats rarely have a decent "exit strategy". ("Exit Strategy" is a term often used in discussions of sexual activity. It is sort of the opposite to "foreplay".)

Wealth

Democrats believe in the concept of "equal distribution of wealth" even if they happened to be hoarding quite a pile of it. They justify this by the fact that to do their job requires that they live in a certain high class style that allows them to associate with the influential.

Republicans believe that hard work and the economic "invisible hand" will make sure that anyone who deserves it gets it or the reverse as the case may be. By definition, if you are broke and living off the street, you deserve it.

JK, I certainly haven't forgotten the 23 million that have dropped off the rolls, and like you I don't accept the 8% figure as legitimate. However, while you can deny it all you want, I can only imagine how much worse it would be if the trajectory established by a decade of favor the rich, conservative, supply side policies had been allowed to continue. It is amazing that Obama has been as successful in turning the economy around, as he has, while the republicans stated priority was ensuring that he was a one term president ( a priority at which they failed I may add). I also understand that had conservatives like Ryan been allowed to cut the social safety net which is bailing out the who suffered the consequences, people that conservatives refer to as the 47% and consider to be lowlife worthless scum, things would be even worse. As far as sitting down, it is the republicans who have to agree to really sit down. They need to sit down and listen to the majority of people in this country who want fairness brought back to the American system. They want a return to the day when everyone had an equal shot and the system wasn't rigged in favor of an elite few. If the republicans are serious, let them put capital gains on the table. Let the 2% pay the same rate on their income as a person who works to earn their money. Eliminate the special exemption for capital gains so those who have money already are paying the same as everyone else.

JK ... If you look, you'll notice I didn't blame anyone, or mention either party. I simply pointed out that no matter who won the election the economic mess wouldn't have been "fixed" in four years. It doesn't take a crystal ball to know that decades of poor government isn't going to be reversed in a short time period.

I know who is to blame. It's the people, for not standing up sooner and demanding our government work for us. We keep re-electing people who obviously are not serving our interests.

So many of you talk as if President Obama stepped in on day one to begin building on a solid economic foundation with a nation at peace. It was the man that you put in office 8 years before that stepped into office on day one with a solid economic foundation and a nation at peace. I don't believe that your memory is at fault and I understand your reluctance to admit such a horrible mistake in placing your trust in Bush 43. Still, it's been four years. Isn't it time to finally man up and quit making excuses for President Bush? Instead, you point fingers of blame at those that truthfully and steadfastly acknowledge that the Bush administration allowed and actively participated to bring us the second worst economic disaster in American history.

Your party then selected John McCain and Sara Palin as their choice to become the next leaders of the free world with the very same policies as Bush 43. Is it any wonder that the American electorate rejected them and elected President Obama? Your party leaders in office then had four long years to reform their platform and work hard to help rebuild this nation. Doing so may have persuaded the electorate to give them another chance at the helm in election 2012. What did they do? The powers in your party held a secret meeting on 1/20/09 and later declared their single goal was to make the duly elected President of the United States a one term President. Should not their single goal have been to help put America back on her feet to prosperity? Was that not their sworn oath of office to faithfully serve the nation?

Four years of stubborn and solid obstruction to any and all proposals saw your party nominate Romney/Ryan. Again, the same tired old proposals of "trickle-down" economics as the cure-all that Bush 43 used to put us in this hole.The lies, distortions and preposterous false accusations flowed like wine. President Obama was a Muslim, a socialist, a communist, a foreigner not born in the U.S.A. A man determined to destroy his own country. Can any of you honestly remember any candidate, any nominee or any sitting President at any time in American history that faced such atrocious abuse from the competing party?

Your party leaders were absolutely convinced that all of their obstructionism that held the President only to modest(but steady) gains in recovery would allow them back in power. Romney/Ryan were so convinced of victory that they refused to disclose the methods or math of exactly how they would accomplish their many proposals that simply did not add up. Just trust me was their only reply to valid questions. They refused even those questions in the final weeks of their campaign.

The electorate proved not to trust them. It may have been due to the all too obvious obstruction for four years that held the entire nation hostage. Perhaps it was because of the comedy of the three ring circus called the Republican primary. Might it have been the constant back-peddling on the once strong views supposedly held by both Republican candidates early on.

I really think it goes back to the trust issue. A winning team rarely succeeds with strict obstruction, a selection process that elicits laughter and jokes in place of meaningful dialogue, mean and cruel false distortions of the opposing team as well as bold, broad and promising solutions with absolutely no explanation of how to implement those solutions.

Many of you are very angry about the results of this election. Some of you because you were not bright enough to see thru the smoke and mirrors manufactured by your own party and Fox "News" (do you really believe that a man of Rove's cunning actually walked downstairs to see the numbers before agreeing with them? That was his very best performance to cover his ass for all of those billions of donations solicited as he pocketed his own piece of that humongous pie). Then again, some of you because you always root for the home team despite their incompetence and losing record. That explains the insane and futile talks of secession or armed revolution. You are nuts.

Most of you are sincere patriotic Americans with conservative social or fiscal views(perhaps both) that only wish to build a stronger and better America for all. The Republican party rightfully belongs to you. You are a crucial element to maintain balance and order thru intelligent debate and compromise (when necessary) to keep this precious ship of state afloat when in treacherous seas.

I hope your anger is addressed at your own party for not one, but two terrible marriages of convenience. The Christian Right and the Tea Party are both holding your party hostage to extremist policies that threaten the demise of the GOP. As a registered Democrat that has sometimes voted Republican in years gone by (because of extremists in my own party), I wish you the best of luck in taking back what was always yours. We truly need you.

Ryan and Rubio? Didn't we just publicly reject somebody who publicly rejects Mitt Romney's privately held, elitist beliefs, while secretly harboring them? I think his name was Mitt Romney.

dave,

If we are talking about all those "special" interests like capital gains, why don't we eliminate mortgage interest deductions for homeowners? I mean folks that don't own property aren't entitled to that deduction, nor the deduction for property taxes. The 2% that Obama wants to keep harping on pales in comparison to amount that is not collected by those deductions alone. So while I agree that capital gains could a candidate for a tax discussion but other less deductions should be considered as well.

I have an idea, how about the GOP start by not lying to the American people. How about Fox News actually reporting the news in reality instead of what they want the republicans to hear. How about getting rid of the crack head Rush and replace him with someone who actually says the truth. How about the GOP start working for the American people who put them in office instead of the Rich. Also, how about the GOP realizing that there are different races, sex, and sexual preferences out there besides the Rich good old boy white cronies.

Put them all on the table JK. But you can't keep expecting the ones who can afford it the least to bear the bulk of the cost.

GOP wants to go FORWARD....too?......

My thoughts exactly, Piggy.

Perhaps the GOP has seen what it takes to win an election (basically, get the majority of the votes, duh) and now thy are mouthing the words they think they need to mouth to win?

Notice how Romney began to talk about the middle class near the end of his campaign? Now Ryan and Rubio are pretending to care about the middle class too.

They're not fooling me.

I would like to express my concern about the blog moniker "JK 1963" which appear to me to be drawing attention to the last President who was assassinated and the year the crime was committed, John Kennedy, 1963.

What is this blogger attempting to do? Suggest that someone assassinate the current President whom he/she have featured in an insulting, photo-shopped avatar appearing to promote himself to a group of children.

There are a lot of offensive blog monikers and avatars out there but I believe this one crosses the line. Unless this blogger's name in Jim Kincaid and he was born in 1963 or some similar reference I believe he should be banned or politely asked to change his blog moniker at the very least.

wow. there are two words I never thought I'd see in the same sentence again...

Republicans and Forward

If we are talking about all those "special" interests like capital gains, why don't we eliminate mortgage interest deductions for homeowners?

because this is virtually the only deduction of substance most of the middle class has. For the wealthy it's just a little tiny cherry on top of their huge sweet deduction cake.

You must be a shill for the Koch's. No one from the Middle Class could be as clueless as you seem to be.

Or you could be 15 sitting in mummy and daddy's basement thinking they are rich because to you anything over 20K is HUGE amount of money

I am not sure how much the Republicans will need to retool after the nation endures four more years of crushing liberal policies. Obama isn't just determined to redistribute the wealth here in the United States, he plans to redistribute this countries wealth around the globe. Wait until his cap and trade plan goes into action, and the price of energy skyrockets. Wait until he feels the nation is sufficiently fooled into believing he has restored some fiscal sanity. Wait until he picks sides in the Middle East. Wait until he cancels the missile defense in Europe. Wait until he brings Gitmo prisoners to the US. Wait until he expands gun control by going around congress. Wait until he grants amnesty to all illegals. Wait until States have to increase their tax burdens to keep pace with federal mandates. The Obama agenda for a second term he never spoke of in public, is set to emerge.

Rick, how do you manage to type in a straitjacket? That's quite a feat.

Wait until you are released from the asylum to comment again please.

Rob-523523 - I just want to commend you on your post, the only one on here that lacks b.s. Thank you, for telling it like it really is. Too many folks on here root for "their team" and refuse to acknowledge the $h!t in both parties.

Rob-523532 - The only one that lacks BS? Really? Wow, your mentality is limited.

Sure can Dave...and why not? People have for years had the advantage of taking mortgage interest and property tax deductions. They have been draining the Treasury of needed funds for years just as those that are more wealthy. Why is that so hard to understand?? ALL people have to contribute... If you are against that, then you are just another "bash the rich" crowd which doesn't solve any problems.

Brenda: "Wow, your mentality is limited."

With extremists, always with insults...

Rob,

Your long list of differences between Democrats and Republicans posted above certainly puts everyone in a neat little box. Only problem with that list is the fact that there are tens of thousands, if not millions, of American citizens that don't fit in those boxes.

For instance, there are many Democrats that voted for President Obama that are professed Christians who do not support gay marriage or abortion. But, they also believe in separation of church and state, and do not try to force their beliefs on other people.

To label everyone who votes Democrat or GOP as being all one way or the other way is ridiculous, and is not the real world.

"For instance, there are many Democrats that voted for President Obama that are professed Christians who do not support gay marriage or abortion. But, they also believe in separation of church and state, and do not try to force their beliefs on other people."

I suggest that's not a good example. Please provide instances where Republicans are trying to combine church and state. For example, Republicans I know aren't trying to get abortion banned, they just don't think taxpayers should pay for it. They argue it's the Democrats who are pushing to force their beliefs on taxpayers...

Just quoting your post above is argument enough:

"Republicans are in full support of religion and see it as every citizen's duty -- as long as it is "main line". The definition of "main line" is left up to the politicians, of course."

That, of course, would be combining church and state.

"That, of course, would be combining church and state."

Not sure the extension is that obvious, though I suppose rights imposition can often be equated with rights protection. Don't get wrong, I agree with you're ultimate point. I only question your assertion that Democrats "believe in separation of church and state, and do not try to force their beliefs on other people" to support your point, when Democrats clearly believe that anti-abortion taxpayers should help pay for abortions.

You have missed the point entirely because you have apparently only skimmed my posts and not really read them.

I said "many Democrats" are Christians and believe in separation of church and state, etc...."

Not "all Democrats."

The main point was DON'T PUT ALL DEMOCRATS (OR REPUBLICANS FOR THAT MATTER) IN THE SAME BOX.

I didn't miss your point at all - I agree. Perhaps I misunderstood your statement "they also believe in separation of church and state, and do not try to force their beliefs on other people." I thought you were implying that's a position in the Democrat "box," and that was the reason such Christians vote Democrat.

Either you all missed Rob's point, or I did, but I didn't get anything really specific out of it other than, "dems and repubs both have their pros and cons"

Branda - the biggest sign of a mental midget, is accusing others of being dumber than you. The sign of a limited mentality, is refusal to open one's mind, yours is clearly closed, if you can't see the $h!t in both parties. I bet you only focused on the parts that were disparaging to "your team".