For all the discussion of dis-unity in the Democratic Party, there has been surprisingly little discussion about the lack of enthusiasm and perhaps even dis-unity in the Republican Party.
Two items for consideration:
First, for all their demagoguery of the drill issue, it appears as though they are unwilling to come right out and say that the party stands for drilling everywhere:
The GOP’s presumptive nominee, John McCain, doesn’t support drilling in ANWR, and the majority of the committee’s members didn’t want to put the platform at odds with him, according to Congressional Quarterly.
So, the choice for Republicans is to put aside their love of oil drilling and support a candidate and a platform that simply does not reflect that love. Most Republicans in this area did not support John McCain (including Michele Bachmann) but have since put aside their distaste for him to shill for him. How many more principles are they willing to forego for the sake of the (R) behind a candidates name?
Second, there is the issue of anthropogenic climate change. While most sensible human beings have acknowledged that it exists, the base of the Republican Party is vehemently opposed to any and all acknowledgment of its existence. Yet, when they vote this November, it will be for a party now willing to accept the existence of anthropogenic climate change:
Second, there is the issue of anthropogenic climate change. While most sensible human beings have acknowledged that it exists, the base of the Republican Party is vehemently opposed to any and all acknowledgment of its existence. Yet, when they vote this November, it will be for a party now willing to accept the existence of anthropogenic climate change:
"Increased atmospheric carbon has a warming effect on the Earth," The Hill reported the draft document as saying. "While the scope and long term consequences of this warming effect are the subject of ongoing research, we believe the United States should take measured and reasonable steps today."
What will the deniers in the Republican Party do now? Will they give up their denial and vote for a party acknowledging climate change or will they give up another belief for the sake of the (R)?
