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StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:20 AM May 2019

I really dislike the term "Rethuglican"

and other names some use to describe our political adversaries. It makes us sound childish to engage in the kind of petty name calling that they do.

It was funny to see in a other thread people complaining about "Rethuglicans" using the term "Democrat" as an adjective. If we're going to name-call, why do we complain when they do. (And "they did it first- we're just responding to them" isn't a sufficient justification).

We have big things to deal with. We shouldn't do it by making ourselves smaller.

97 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I really dislike the term "Rethuglican" (Original Post) StarfishSaver May 2019 OP
I agree. I use the term pukes. mobeau69 May 2019 #1
Republipukes? ProudMNDemocrat May 2019 #5
I really like the term "Rethuglican" .... AND I WILL USE IT IF I WANT TO. trueblue2007 May 2019 #85
I don't mind it. It's cathartic. java108 May 2019 #2
We learned name-calling from the Presiden't! (n/t) forgotmylogin May 2019 #61
Meh, they started it... Wounded Bear May 2019 #3
+1 Chin music May 2019 #53
I can call 'em repugs - the Dem leaders should not - big difference lame54 May 2019 #4
OK, this is real simple. *We*, here at DU--a discussion board--use "rethuglican"... First Speaker May 2019 #6
Hee hee. I love your response. They are crooks and cheats and deserve whatever. brush May 2019 #13
Alternatively, ReThugs. ariadne0614 May 2019 #86
I rec your post lunatica May 2019 #34
Oh, come now. Cartoonist May 2019 #39
Perfect malaise May 2019 #49
this. nt Baltimike May 2019 #56
Maybe if they stopped stealing shit, you know, like elections BeyondGeography May 2019 #7
Maybe, but context is all... TreasonousBastard May 2019 #8
Good point-I just call them assholes jcboon May 2019 #9
Democratic politicians don't name call, GOP politicians use Democrat as an adjective. AJT May 2019 #10
Honestly.. we're on the verge of fascism, if not there already nini May 2019 #11
"Honestly.. we're on the verge of fascism, if not there already .... LenaBaby61 May 2019 #27
We need the mindset we had in WWII when we fought those bastards back then nini May 2019 #35
On top of all of this shit happening today .... LenaBaby61 May 2019 #88
yep.. it's a war of our survival nini May 2019 #93
I agree - I call them Russiapublicans. lagomorph777 May 2019 #12
Bless your heart Rambling Man May 2019 #14
. lunatica May 2019 #36
They'll always be GOPpies to me. n/t TygrBright May 2019 #15
I agree with you LibFarmer May 2019 #16
How's stabbing them with sporks working out for you? durablend May 2019 #46
How's calling them silly names working out for you? TwilightZone May 2019 #67
I just call them "publicans", marybourg May 2019 #17
Well i would change just one letter. bluestarone May 2019 #18
I'm perfectly cool with calling people Takket May 2019 #19
Thank you! That's what they ARE. nt Duppers May 2019 #57
I don't like it because it attributes power to them. Maven May 2019 #20
I like it, along with Repuke. MoonRiver May 2019 #21
I generally call them PIGFUCKERS... Raster May 2019 #22
Too bad you missed the GWBush years here on DU. JaneQPublic May 2019 #23
Love that nickname. John Fante May 2019 #81
Johnathan Swift, Dorothy Parker, Charlie Chaplin... all threw pejoratives at their targets. LanternWaste May 2019 #24
I love the term ReTHUGs malaise May 2019 #25
pukes works for me Blues Heron May 2019 #26
I agree. PoindexterOglethorpe May 2019 #28
Agree. Debasing. Hortensis May 2019 #29
So do they. I guess that's why it's so "popular". NurseJackie May 2019 #30
That's what I think StarfishSaver May 2019 #33
Yeah, I like the shorter term better... tosh May 2019 #31
Yes, but domestic enemies of the Constitution is just so wordy Brawndo May 2019 #32
And "Retug" doesn't convey that they are domestic enemies of the Constitution StarfishSaver May 2019 #37
You mean like 'Retreaded Fascists Party' does? Ponietz May 2019 #70
That's about the nicest thing I call them. Vinca May 2019 #38
How about Refuckfaceicans? LuckyCharms May 2019 #40
All they do is hurl childish insults at us. It's how they win elections. Initech May 2019 #41
Welcome to DU. Hope you have enjoyed your three weeks here. lpbk2713 May 2019 #42
I have enjoyed my time here for the most part. Thank you. StarfishSaver May 2019 #44
How about if we Meowmee May 2019 #43
Well, we have to call them something, so what's the proper term for people who don't ooky May 2019 #45
I did not like it in grade school.. stillcool May 2019 #47
"Release valve" - exactly what it is. Duppers May 2019 #59
yeah...I don't do stillcool May 2019 #63
How about "RePutins"? lagomorph777 May 2019 #76
Forget childish. Act_of_Reparation May 2019 #48
This message was self-deleted by its author geralmar May 2019 #50
Here, Here! D00ver May 2019 #51
Then you sure came to the wrong political message board Submariner May 2019 #52
What an interesting response to someone expressing their opinion on this political message board StarfishSaver May 2019 #71
Yes, RepukelicKKKons is a much better descriptor!! InAbLuEsTaTe May 2019 #54
Holy shit...we will have to STRONGLY disagree Baltimike May 2019 #55
+100 Duppers May 2019 #60
"Cons" is a perfect description IMO budkin May 2019 #58
You are right! at140 May 2019 #62
Yeah, it's a double standard. It's also a losing battle. TwilightZone May 2019 #64
Using the term "Republican" is an insult to Lincoln, Grant, and Theodore Roosevelt. Red Pest May 2019 #65
The name calling reminds me of freerepublic folks. LiberalArkie May 2019 #66
fascist pigs works too. nt yaesu May 2019 #68
I think it's funny and appropriate. They act like thugs. pdsimdars May 2019 #69
Yea I dont like that word either..I like scardycat May 2019 #72
Since the Kavanaugh thing, I've been calling them "Rapepublicans" sop May 2019 #73
Me too. It's an insult to thugs. TrogL May 2019 #74
Its not like they've done anything to deserve the name, poor babies LiberalLovinLug May 2019 #75
Laughable bothsideism. John Fante May 2019 #77
An unqualified dumbass won the presidency through petty name calling IronLionZion May 2019 #78
Well, just keep above the fray lillypaddle May 2019 #79
We should distinguish between GOP politicians in thrall to Trump emmaverybo May 2019 #80
Yeah, the 3-4 Republicans who are sorta kinda opposing Trump John Fante May 2019 #82
I think it fits them properly. vsrazdem May 2019 #83
The "go high" MFM008 May 2019 #84
Not using silly, childish names is not going to cause us to "lose" StarfishSaver May 2019 #90
How about treasonous, racist hate filled rat bastards that deserve to fry in the hell they are Afromania May 2019 #87
Nazis didn't like the term ... GeorgeGist May 2019 #89
I agree if Joe Biden goes on CNN and says rethuglican TheFarseer May 2019 #91
I definitely prefer the term "repukes" Skittles May 2019 #92
How about Sleepy Creepy Republicans? lpbk2713 May 2019 #94
I am good with calling them names. pwb May 2019 #95
How about calling them "Murderers" "Rapists" "Terrorists" and "Hatemongers" clementine613 May 2019 #96
Nust call them criminals. SlogginThroughIt May 2019 #97

ProudMNDemocrat

(16,784 posts)
5. Republipukes?
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:27 AM
May 2019

I try to keep my anger down to a reasonable tone as well. Republicans are in the pocket of Trump.

trueblue2007

(17,217 posts)
85. I really like the term "Rethuglican" .... AND I WILL USE IT IF I WANT TO.
Wed May 8, 2019, 03:17 PM
May 2019

IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY ADJECTIVES REGARDING GOP'S ..... SORRY.

First Speaker

(4,858 posts)
6. OK, this is real simple. *We*, here at DU--a discussion board--use "rethuglican"...
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:28 AM
May 2019

...as an informal term to describe people who, indeed, are thugs. It is actual, "establishment" Republicans who use the term "Democrat" as an insult. McCarthy, I think, began it, and it's been used ever since by real-life pols, publicly and blatantly, for the specific purpose of humiliating and embarrassing the Democratic Party. When Pelosi and Schumer and Biden--folks like that--start using "Rethuglican" in public, then maybe I'll give a flea's fart about it. Or maybe not.

brush

(53,776 posts)
13. Hee hee. I love your response. They are crooks and cheats and deserve whatever.
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:33 AM
May 2019

I use "repug" quite often—short for repugnant. It fits too.

Cartoonist

(7,316 posts)
39. Oh, come now.
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:26 PM
May 2019
humiliating and embarrassing the Democratic Party
_

No one is humiliated or embarrassed. The only ones that should be embarrassed are the rethuglicans.

BeyondGeography

(39,370 posts)
7. Maybe if they stopped stealing shit, you know, like elections
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:29 AM
May 2019

and SC seats, that little problem would be diminished.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
8. Maybe, but context is all...
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:30 AM
May 2019

In an over the top screed it's perfectly OK and kinda cute, but in something claiming to be a rational discussion it is childish.

At any rate, it's becoming overused-- I personally prefer "Lying shit eating scumbags" but that's too much typing.

AJT

(5,240 posts)
10. Democratic politicians don't name call, GOP politicians use Democrat as an adjective.
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:31 AM
May 2019

That is the difference.

nini

(16,672 posts)
11. Honestly.. we're on the verge of fascism, if not there already
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:32 AM
May 2019

I'll call those fuckers anything I want.

Angry and action is what is required now, not worrying about looking nice.

LenaBaby61

(6,974 posts)
27. "Honestly.. we're on the verge of fascism, if not there already ....
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:06 PM
May 2019
I'll call those fuckers anything I want."

Same here, and to ME they're RETHUGLICANS

Angry and action is what is required now, not worrying about looking nice.


THIS 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

nini

(16,672 posts)
35. We need the mindset we had in WWII when we fought those bastards back then
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:17 PM
May 2019

I'm sure we didn't worry about what we called them then.

LenaBaby61

(6,974 posts)
88. On top of all of this shit happening today ....
Wed May 8, 2019, 05:55 PM
May 2019

thuglicans are once AGAIN trying to get rid of the ACA, and replace it with NOTHING or with tRump Care which = NOTHING.

Now, if people want to "play nice" as they're having their health care RIPPED AWAY from them/their families which could literally mean DEATH, then I have NO use for people like that in my life who want to go OUT like that on their KNEES. I've lost 3 decades-long friends because I told them that this administration of thuglicans hates us, and wants us to DIE. So, I said that I can't wait for them ALL to get theirs, and all 3 ex-friends in their own ways told me that something's happened TO me, and that I'm becoming as evil as the people I'm wishing ill will on in waiting to see something happening to them. I told them that they may as well get on their knees and prepare to DIE then, because thuglicans are once again coming for their health care (ALL 3 suffer from various types of health issues in which they need lots of medications and they of course needs DOCTORS to treat them to the standards where they CAN, you know, take a stab at trying to LIVE with some type of quality of LIFE With tRump-care, they'll be told "Here's a band aid, now go home and DIE muthafukka ).

I haven't spoken to any of them in almost a year.

I don't have any use for WEAK ASS, Marquess of Queensberry Rules people in my life like those 3. Hell, I'm fighting to LIVE and they're waiting to DIE.

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
12. I agree - I call them Russiapublicans.
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:32 AM
May 2019

They would not feel insulted by this term, since they worship Russia's authoritarian regime, and its US representative, Donald J. Trump.

 

LibFarmer

(772 posts)
16. I agree with you
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:36 AM
May 2019

name-calling reduces the force of the argument and shows that we are unable to debate.
(although I can appreciate the anger behind such usage)

TwilightZone

(25,471 posts)
67. How's calling them silly names working out for you?
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:13 PM
May 2019

Neither is terribly effective unless one wants not to be taken seriously.

marybourg

(12,631 posts)
17. I just call them "publicans",
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:37 AM
May 2019

removing from their name two letters, the same number that they remove from ours.

Takket

(21,563 posts)
19. I'm perfectly cool with calling people
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:40 AM
May 2019

Who support ripping children from their mothers arms and housing them in cages “thugs”. That isn’t name calling. It is honesty.

Maven

(10,533 posts)
20. I don't like it because it attributes power to them.
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:41 AM
May 2019

There are plenty of people in this country who like a "thug", as long as he's their "thug". That is Trumpism in a nutshell.

I prefer RepubliCON, Republiscum or some other variant.

Raster

(20,998 posts)
22. I generally call them PIGFUCKERS...
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:45 AM
May 2019

...but the majority of my porcine friends tell me fucking a rethuglican would be beneath them.

JaneQPublic

(7,113 posts)
23. Too bad you missed the GWBush years here on DU.
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:50 AM
May 2019

We created a list a mile long of sobriquets for Dubya.

By the way, how do you feel about "MAGAts" for Trump supporters?

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
24. Johnathan Swift, Dorothy Parker, Charlie Chaplin... all threw pejoratives at their targets.
Wed May 8, 2019, 11:52 AM
May 2019

And could yet still deal with "big things" without a reduction in size or stature. They also recognized self-righteous posturing when presented to them.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,853 posts)
28. I agree.
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:07 PM
May 2019

I think this place often descends to childishness, and it doesn't serve us very well.

People who use derogatory names for Republicans in general or any specific Republicans have no right to ever complain about anything similar thrown back.

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
30. So do they. I guess that's why it's so "popular".
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:12 PM
May 2019

I don't use it myself... the letters "GOP" convey what they are equally well.

 

StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
33. That's what I think
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:15 PM
May 2019

They used childish names because they don't have any substance.

We have the facts, law, and morality on our side, so we don't need to stick out our tongues, stomp our feet and make faces.

 

StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
37. And "Retug" doesn't convey that they are domestic enemies of the Constitution
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:19 PM
May 2019

It's just a silly perjorative.

Why not just call them by their actual names and then explain why they are domestic enemies of the people? "Rethug" coveys no information to anyone except that you don't them - and no one who doesn't already share your feelings will learn anything from you.

Ponietz

(2,966 posts)
70. You mean like 'Retreaded Fascists Party' does?
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:17 PM
May 2019

Last edited Wed May 8, 2019, 08:11 PM - Edit history (3)

ReThugs works for me, too, though.

If this were April, 1863 would you be complaining that rebel bastards ought to be called Confederate soldiers? If it were November, 1932 would you be complaining that Nazi scum should be referred to as National Socialists? Who are you helping with these posts criticizing Democratic supporters? Isn’t that the number one rule, not bash Democrats? We’re all Democrats, maybe. You are either too naive or too savvy. Framing means nothing to you after two years? You don’t know what a concern troll is?

Either way, you’re too much.

lpbk2713

(42,757 posts)
42. Welcome to DU. Hope you have enjoyed your three weeks here.
Wed May 8, 2019, 12:57 PM
May 2019



If it's alright with you I'll just stick with simple minded mouth breathing lying idiots.

Thanks in advance for your understanding in this matter.

 

StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
44. I have enjoyed my time here for the most part. Thank you.
Wed May 8, 2019, 01:03 PM
May 2019

I've especially appreciated the DUers who have sincerely welcomed and engaged with me and who don't assume that DU is a cool kids clubhouse where the amount of time someone has been a member is directly proportional to the value of what they have to say.

ooky

(8,922 posts)
45. Well, we have to call them something, so what's the proper term for people who don't
Wed May 8, 2019, 01:14 PM
May 2019

care about babies being taken from their mothers and caged? "Republican" doesn't seem adequate. I'm not sure it can really be name calling if the name suits the behavior. Take your pick I guess. Personally I have just started thinking of them as asswipes.

stillcool

(32,626 posts)
47. I did not like it in grade school..
Wed May 8, 2019, 01:26 PM
May 2019

and I still don't...and yet I am very fond of curse words, and I love when someone comes up with an original slur. I think that's the key for me..originality. In these times, any kind of release valve that isn't harmful, should be employed as often as needed. If name-calling helps, its fine by me.

Duppers

(28,120 posts)
59. "Release valve" - exactly what it is.
Wed May 8, 2019, 01:55 PM
May 2019

I stay so explosively angry with them and feel they no long deserve *any* respect.

They behave like thugs, so that's how they shall be known.

stillcool

(32,626 posts)
63. yeah...I don't do
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:10 PM
May 2019

the tv news shows anymore because I used to have to get up, go over to the tv, and give my middle finger to the person on the screen. As close to the screen as possible and yelling Eff You, etc.,etc., Come to think of it, probably good exercise.

Act_of_Reparation

(9,116 posts)
48. Forget childish.
Wed May 8, 2019, 01:27 PM
May 2019

It's just stupid. Puns that work are irritating enough. Puns that don't should be shot into the goddamned sun.

Response to StarfishSaver (Original post)

 

StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
71. What an interesting response to someone expressing their opinion on this political message board
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:18 PM
May 2019

FYI, I intend to stay for a nice long time, so I don't expect my stay to be brief. But thanks for the welcome, anyway.

Baltimike

(4,143 posts)
55. Holy shit...we will have to STRONGLY disagree
Wed May 8, 2019, 01:47 PM
May 2019

with one another.

This is a coup. And they go low, I *WON'T* back down.

Fuck them. Fuck every Rethuglican out there

at140

(6,110 posts)
62. You are right!
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:09 PM
May 2019

Which is why I try my best to avoid childish sounding terms. There are plenty of points which are easy to outline against Republicans without using high school backyard style words.

The single biggest issue I have right now is the Republican tax cut. Lion's share of tax savings went to top 5% highest earners. Middle class got a bone thrown at them.

This is a winning issue for Democrats because majority of voters saw little or no benefit. In reality it was a money transfer from middle class to the richest.

TwilightZone

(25,471 posts)
64. Yeah, it's a double standard. It's also a losing battle.
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:10 PM
May 2019

I complain about idiots using "Democrat" as an adjective, so it would be rather hypocritical to use grade-school-level nicknames in return. I've never found "I know you are, but what am I?" to be a terribly effective debate strategy.

I think it's also a very quick way to get one's entire point summarily dismissed in any discussion.

But, that's just me. Clearly, most people here don't see that or have a problem with it.

Red Pest

(288 posts)
65. Using the term "Republican" is an insult to Lincoln, Grant, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:11 PM
May 2019

We can call those that align themselves with and support Trump "Trumpists" or "Grifters".

sop

(10,167 posts)
73. Since the Kavanaugh thing, I've been calling them "Rapepublicans"
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:21 PM
May 2019

If you say it quickly enough, without emphasis on the first syllable, it sounds like you're just another deplorable with a southern drawl. But if you really emphasize the "Rape" part, it sends Trump followers over the edge.

John Fante

(3,479 posts)
77. Laughable bothsideism.
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:39 PM
May 2019

The Republican party leader is pushing a fascist agenda white nationalist agenda while the underlings pursue a plutocratic one... don't call these people names! That's makes you just as bad as them!

lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
79. Well, just keep above the fray
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:42 PM
May 2019

by not using those terms. My biggest problem is knowing which one to use. Repukes? Rethugs? Assholes?

emmaverybo

(8,144 posts)
80. We should distinguish between GOP politicians in thrall to Trump
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:45 PM
May 2019

and his extremist followers, and Republican Party members, among whom are many conservatives decrying and resisting Trumpism.
We should not make enemies of people we can make common cause with.

John Fante

(3,479 posts)
82. Yeah, the 3-4 Republicans who are sorta kinda opposing Trump
Wed May 8, 2019, 02:51 PM
May 2019

are OK. The rest of them (along with the 63 million idiots who voted for Trump) can eat a shit sandwich for all I care. Hold the bread.

 

StarfishSaver

(18,486 posts)
90. Not using silly, childish names is not going to cause us to "lose"
Wed May 8, 2019, 09:17 PM
May 2019

any more than using the names will give us any advantage at all.

Afromania

(2,768 posts)
87. How about treasonous, racist hate filled rat bastards that deserve to fry in the hell they are
Wed May 8, 2019, 03:29 PM
May 2019

they are trying to create here in U.S. because they don't really hate brown people, women, LGBTQ, the sick, the disabled, the poor. Rethuglican is just a cutsey little nickname to give people who are now just this side of evil. It' doesn't even BEGIN to describe the horrors of what they have done and are currently trying their absolute best to achieve. I know, let's ask the parents of those poor babies being caged on our southern border what they think of these people who STILL support trump.

lpbk2713

(42,757 posts)
94. How about Sleepy Creepy Republicans?
Fri May 10, 2019, 04:29 PM
May 2019



I mean after all, if our Chief Executive uses it for a sobriquet doesn't that
serve as a good example for the rest of us to use in common parlance?

clementine613

(561 posts)
96. How about calling them "Murderers" "Rapists" "Terrorists" and "Hatemongers"
Fri May 10, 2019, 04:35 PM
May 2019

Because that's what every one of them is.

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