I propose a new term: LaTourette's Syndrome

[bleever]

LaTourette's Syndrome Noun: la/to͝oˈrets/

{fr. Steve LaTourette, U.S. congressman from Ohio} A neurological condition afflicting Republican politicians who experience the realization that the GOP has been commandeered by extremists, and feel obligated to leave the services of that party.

Often preceded in its early stages by involuntary and inappropriate utterances of the truth.

E.g.: Sen. Hagel was a decorated military veteran who served the state of Nebraska and later succumbed to LaTourette's Syndrome.

[bleever]

1. Retiring Rep. Steve LaTourette: You have to ‘hand over your wallet and your voting card’ to extremes

Rep. Steve LaTourette, a key ally of House Speaker John A. Boehner and one of a dwindling number of congressional GOP moderates, issued a broadside against an increasingly polarized House on Tuesday, as he formally announced he will not seek a 10th term.

/snip/

“I have reached the conclusion that the atmosphere today and the reality that exists in the House of Representatives no longer encourages the finding of common ground,” he said.

LaTourette told reporters that to rise in party ranks, politicians must now hand over “your wallet and your voting card” to party extremes and he was uninterested.

LaTourette is one of a number of lawmakers who have retired this year and voiced similar concerns about increasing partisanship. In February, Maine Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R) announced she would not seek another term in the Senate, indicating Washington’s poisonous atmosphere was making it increasingly difficult to get anything done. Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson (D) offered similar complaints when he declined to run again, as did Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/2chambers/post/retiring-rep-steve-latourette-you-have-to-hand-over-your-wallet-and-your-voting-card-to-extremes/2012/07/31/gJQA1XtqMX_blog.html

[enlightenment]

2. That's really pretty insulting to people who have to

live with the real Tourette's Syndrome.

I understand that you're just trying to make a point, but this is a little too close to the reality of many. Perhaps you could find something else to work your word play? Please?

[bleever]

3. Why is it insulting?

I don't have intent to make fun of people with Tourrette's Syndrome.

It doesn't say anything negative about them.

I'd be interested if DUers who suffer from or know people who suffer from it find it to be derogatory. I don't consider any of my own afflictions sacrosanct, but I'd be open to hearing from people with direct experience who might think this is unkind.

[enlightenment]

4. In retrospect,

I guess you're right.

I have an uncle who lives with Tourette's and even after a lifetime (he's in his 80s now), he still struggles not to feel embarrassed.

I was responding emotionally instead of thinking critically about what you wrote. My apologies.

[bleever]

5. Thanks.

I appreciate your response.