The Reasons Why

While reflecting on the GOP backlash over the recent Democratic Juggernaut, I contemplate what fairy dust attracted such rabid support for a party that, in recent history, has offered little to your average citizen. It wasn't Truth, Justice, and the American Way, nor was it heartfelt appreciation of the wisdom of the Founding Fathers, and it most certainly wasn't fiscal responsibility or even basic decorum.

Furthermore, what twisted psyche postulated the game plan that has resulted in the current state of the world? I attribute some blame to the rantings of such aggressive voices as Bill Kristol, The Enemy of Normal Americans Newt Gingrich, and the PNAC; as well as a legion of simpleton sycophants who haven't the ability to discern reality from the smoke and mirrors of spin and misinformation.

Or perhaps they can and did, but righteous, realistic solutions were simply discarded in lieu of pure avarice. Welcome to the United States of Amnesia, where we have seemingly forgotten the warnings of one decent Republican:
Dwight D. Eisenhower's exit speech on Jan.17,1961.
Warning of the dangers of the military industrial complex.

But there had to be a core factor affecting the average citizen that was somehow overlooked. To resolve this quandary, I held an impromptu Q&A session with my ex/housemate and concluded that apathy was the primary factor - people simply don't pay attention. Even though the quality of their lives depend on decisions made by the menagerie of elected officials we are afflicted by, few seem to notice or care exactly what politicos are up to, or whether their actions are based on truth, justice, or even morality - as long as they have things to consume; whether it be sports, merchandise, food, television, or even alcohol. Anything more than a 10 second sound bite or behaviours not mimicking Jerry Springer on steroids is relegated to the "Who Cares" category of their lives. And yet...

False religion and the demonization of an alien culture are the two remaining "talking points" that appear to rally zealous support. Coining hateful, yet nebulous new jargon such as Islamofascists, coupled with vivid portrayals of mushroom clouds, displaces realistic solutions in favor of what is tantamount to taxpayer funded attempts at genocide and war profiteering.

With this in mind, I offer this Islamic perspective from the Arab News: Bigotry in the Name of God and Religion

Additionally, here is an interesting Islamic view of American Democracy that more Americans should engage:

Over in Washington, meanwhile, the powers are now as separated as could be. For the first time in years, we can look enviously across the Atlantic at a political system with an inbuilt defense mechanism capable of punishing a rogue leader by shackling him to a hostile legislature.

As the next two years will illustrate, American democracy, for all its failings, remains a vibrant force for self-examination. There, a Democrat-dominated Congress will investigate the Iraqi casus belli to death, making his [Bush's] remaining time in the White House an abject misery for a president powerless to trot out the intelligence-insulting gibberish emanating from Blair last week that any inquiry would undermine troop morale.

Blair After Bush’s Collision With Democracy

I'm scared to death of these hidiously dangerous demagogues - NOT! There are crazies on both sides of this particular fence.

Liberty and the Right to Choose is a fundamental tenet of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The government and its agents are bestowed no privilege allowing interference with your right to self-determination - not in the USA, and not in Iraq. Even if your choices align with those of your self-proclaimed overseers, it remains a fundamental right to choose one's own destiny, and not be subjected to unwanted manipulation of personal affairs.

And therein lies the rub...

Newt Gingrich Discusses Theocracy. Or is that Hypocrisy?