General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A question for older DUers and those who study history: Were repubicans always this nuts? [View all]northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)Absolutely NOT were Republicans always this crazy. There were always a few, and a few crazies in the Democratic Party (especially from the South) but there were always leaders who were reasonable, affable, who worked across the aisle, who put the country first. In general, the old GOP were more wealthy, comprised of professionals, the banking and wall street community, and their central viewpoints came from that place in the world. But they also favored such things as clean water and air, public safety, research - medical, space, computers, etc.. They were conservative about debt, spending, etc. but not obstructive, in general.
In my opinion, the Republican party started it's decline when it went after the votes of conservative Christians. These people have taken over the party; they have included in their public "values" not only their social beliefs, but tax policy, the role of government, etc.... which really are not matters of faith. But they have made them keys of faith and defended them with their whole heart, not wanting to compromise not only their views on abortion, but all these other issues as part of their "religion". And the old GOP have "let" them, and encouraged them, to the detriment of the old type of what I call "country club" Repubs. who had certain viewpoints about the role of government, taxes, etc.. but did not consider them part of their religion. That, in my opinion, is going to really hurt our nation, because now they are taking on the idea of separation of church and state, and are trying to rip that away. It is really dangerous. I know these people, they are all around me, in my family, etc... It is why you cannot persuade, reason, with them; these issues are their faith, and they will die before giving up.