The Republicans are very principled.

[grytpype]

They are too principled to let Obama save the country they wrecked.

That's how principled they are, and you have to admire that. On a principle scale from 1 to 10 that's about a 25.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090217/ap_on_go_co/republicans_stimulus

GOP tries to restore image of fiscal discipline

WASHINGTON – Seeking political traction, Republicans are using the economic stimulus package to try to restore an image of fiscal discipline tarnished by a free-spending GOP Congress under former President George W. Bush.

The GOP's strategy of emphasizing its so-called bedrock principles — restrained spending, limited government and deep tax cuts — comes as the party works to rehabilitate itself after eight years of Bush's leadership and rebound from back-to-back elections that saw Republicans lose their grip on Congress and the White House.

...

But once the economy turns around, Republicans could easily be cast as modern-day Herbert Hoovers who wanted to do nothing — even though the GOP presented its own stimulus plans, which were heavier on tax cuts and lighter on government spending.

Republicans also leave themselves vulnerable to criticism that tax cuts on the GOP's watch contributed to the recession. And they could invite charges of hypocrisy, given that government spending ballooned when Bush and his GOP were at the helm.

Nevertheless, House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio downplays any notion of a political risk.

"Standing on principle and doing the right things for the right reasons, on behalf of your constituents, will never get you in trouble," he said.

But Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., predicted the GOP will be punished.

"I really don't think that the position that they've taken politically is good for the nation — and I think the nation will speak out against it," he said.

[jobycom]

1. When have the EVER showed fiscal restraint? Reagan? Bush W?

Good God, they are small children trying to describe the world when they've never been out of their own house.

[mwb970]

4. The "small children" description is particularly apt.

Since the election, I have noticed republican "leaders" and commentators increasingly behaving like 3rd-graders at recess. Wails of "It's not fair!" rend the blogosphere. Now they are in their "we will hold our breath till we turn blue unless you cut more taxes" phase. When caught out, they lie just like a child, transparently and obviously, leaving the adults smiling behind their hands. ("Aren't they cute? They think we don't notice.")

I would be so ashamed to be a republican now. How did the party of Eisenhower (wrong but respectable) turn into the Party of Limbaugh (wrong and childish)?

Small children is right. And small children do not belong in government - that's for grownups. I don't think even we realize how many republicans will be thrown out in the 2010 elections. They are just awful.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. The only relationship between principles and Republicans is the bedrock part - as in rock headed!

The last eight years will cement (or put into bedrock) Bush's reputation amongst the bottom. And the behavior of the Republicans in this financial crisis should weaken them as a party for many, many years. They've rendered themselves completely irrelevant, if not just plain laughable.

[Enthusiast]

3. Smoke screens and obfuscation

is their MO. That is what the Republicans and their corporate masters are all about. If they say they are the masters of fiscal discipline, and say it enough, that will be the reality citizens accept. Already their propaganda is having an effect. Again, it is the media that is doing this for them.