The GOP’s History of ‘Hostage-Taking’

[Galraedia]

I found this analogy to be quite interesting:

"Since the 1960s, the Republican and Democratic parties have diverged in behavior – as well as over issues such as war and social programs – with the Republicans sometimes called the “daddy party” and the Democrats the “mommy party.” But if that analogy is followed, you would be talking about a very dysfunctional marriage.

More often than not in recent years, the Republicans have played the role of “abusive husband,” arriving home angry, busting up furniture and slapping around the wife and kids – before passing out on the couch – after which the Democratic “abused wife” tidies things up and tries to conceal bruises from the neighbors. Then, hubby arouses and the process begins again.

One might find this analogy unsettling, even unfair, but there is truth in it. Indeed, you could argue that the metaphor has sometimes moved beyond an abusive marriage to hostage-taking, as the Republican-daddy essentially takes the kids (America) hostage and demands capitulation from the Democratic-mommy.

Recently, the hostage metaphor has become popular in discussing how Republicans have dealt with Democrats during the Obama administration – for instance, last summer’s debt ceiling showdown used to extract concessions on spending and the past month’s obstruction of jobs bills with an eye toward a weakened President Barack Obama in the 2012 race. The h-word has even been used on the Senate floor by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada."

http://consortiumnews.com/2011/11/06/the-gops-history-of-hostage-taking/

[bluestateguy]

1. The Democrat Party* blew their chance to hostage take in 2007

They could have shut down the Iraq War once and for all by cutting off all funding; simply denying Bush's appropriation demands and letting the money for his wars dry up, thereby forcing the war to end and the troops to come home. Instead they capitulated.

*Label used on purpose because in this instance they deserved it.

[DJ13]

2. Sometimes mommy joins daddy in beating the kids

[krispos42]

3. k&r n/t