A few months ago, Ohio Governor John Kasich appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher. Like others political ‘comedy’ shows, this is a platform for the most vicious voices on the left, slyly hiding behind ‘it’s just humor’ when they go too far. Maher began with back handed compliment for Kasich, calling him ‘one of the good ones’ (among Republicans). This caused Kasich to beam with a bliss all through the conversation, despite Maher’s derisive questions and tone. Kasich is not the only one; GOP members such as Scaramouche, Spicer, McCain and even Huckabee have squirm uncomfortably on shows where ridicule is all they get.
So why do establishment Republicans strive for approval of those who despise them? Perhaps they see it as a way to maintain ties with the media establishment. Perhaps they want to connect with the opposite side for the sake of ‘unity’. I suspect they know, deep in their hearts, of the futility in entering the hostile territory. Is this a twisted version of the Stockholm syndrome?
The one thing that resoundingly works for the left is their absolute unity despite adversity or individual differences. They exhibit a pride for the cause to a degree of fanaticism. Theirs is a totalitarian view, you either embrace their ideology in totality else are you are worthy of scorn and every Democrat stands by the code. Never do not seek the approval of their opponents. In defeat, they are defiant. In victory, they are intransigent, pushing their agenda such as Obamacare or tax hikes without any concern for the suffering public.
The left has most of the mainstream media, the political establishment and the entertainment industry on their side. Together they relentlessly drive the perception that they have it all. They claim to be fervent advocates for the rights of women, children and minorities. They want to confiscate your owned guns for your safety. They claim they care about climate change and the environment. They say they have the intellectual heft and the pizzazz factor.
Perhaps this perception is the reason that establishment Republicans rush to attack their own for minor follies, while they give the Democrats a pass for major scandals. They are eager to be ‘one of the good ones’ ignoring the fact that they too were accused of bigotry, racism, sexism and incompetence as during their electoral run. Do they realize they are useful idiots for the left, who love them for attacking their own? Are they overwhelmed by the seemingly formidable left?
So let measure the left’s claims against their actions. Sexual predators such as Democrats Polanski, Spacey, Weinstein, Franken and Clinton were venerated despite preying women and the under-aged. Their films and TV continue to objectify women and portray minorities as stereotypes. Climate change advocates pollute the environment as they fly private jets and own multiple properties. They oppose gun ownership but have armed bodyguards. Most opposed the border wall have fortress like walls around their properties. Calling this hypocrisy is a colossal understatement.
Clearly there is no actual belief in the cause, they merely following each other like a flock of sheep. Despite public disgrace, there is no remorse, concession or shame. In fact, there is insolence. They will not hesitate to use violence if they do not get their way, knowing they will get a pass from the liberal media. The members of the GOP hence live with the assumption that they is no choice but be silent.
However, a revolutionary change occurred in November 2016, when Donald Trump was elected President. He is the only candidate to be elected despite fanatical opposition from every corner of the political establishment. He is a rarity in the GOP in that he is he is confident in his being and does not crave for approval of the left. In fact, he relishes going after his opponents when they attack him unfairly. Above all, the attacks on him, has not caused him to moderate his stand or his conduct; probably what infuriates the left the most. The Trump movement was founded by Trump and the people and hence it cannot be destroyed by any third party.
Most do not know how to handle loss, but establishment Republicans do not know how to handle with victory. They follow the Democrats as they investigate Trump for Russian collusion, despite no basis or proof. They hesitate to repeal Obamacare and cut taxes. In their mind, the liberal establishment is still invincible. If they did care to think, they could form their own establishment by joining the Trump movement. Trump also demolished the myth that big donors win elections.
During his campaign, Trump had promised to drain the swamp in Washington. With the many sex scandals from decades ago and corruption cases coming to the forefront followed by punitive measures against the perpetrators, this certainly seems the beginning of that movement. This is a crucial juncture for several key GOP members who have been hesitant to embrace the Trump agenda. They have two choices, either they continue to live as cowards and serve as useful idiots for the left only to be abandoned later. The other choice is to join the Trump movement, serve the people and remain in power for decades together. Does not seem like a difficult choice to make, does it?
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The author can be reached at rajanlaad@gmail.com
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The author can be reached at rajanlaad@gmail.com
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