Welcome to the normalization of extortion politics

[housewolf]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_07/extortion_politics_a_new_form031209.php

...
Republicans aren’t just radicalized, aren’t just pursuing an extreme agenda, and aren’t just allergic to compromise. The congressional GOP is also changing the very nature of governing in ways with no modern precedent.

Welcome to the normalization of extortion politics.

Consider, for example, the Republican decision to reject any and all nominees to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, regardless of merit, unless and until Democrats accepted changes to the agency’s structure. Traditionally, if the GOP wanted to alter the powers of the CFPB, it would write legislation, send it to committee, bring it to the floor, send it to the other chamber, etc. But that takes time and effort, and in a divided government, this “old fashioned” approach to policymaking probably wouldn’t produce the desired result.

Instead, we see the latest in a series of extortion strategies: Republicans will force Democrats to accept changes to the agency, or Republicans won’t allow the agency to function. Jonathan Cohn wrote a good piece on this a couple of weeks ago, noting the frequency with which this strategy is utilized.

more...
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_07/extortion_politics_a_new_form031209.php

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. 30 years and going strong.

:shrug:

[dgibby]

2. Who needs John Goddi when you've got Republicans.

A mob is a mob is a mob.

[AndyTiedye]

3. It Only Works Because the GOP controls the Media

[BadGimp]

5. you are Correct Sir

[blkmusclmachine]

4. You ain't seen nothing yet, baby!

The beatings will continue until morale improves.