I’m at a point in my life, where in recent years I’ve become more attentive to politics. I can’t say officially, “I’m a _____” because neither of the two major parties really provide enough. Often I lean more left on social issues and foreign policy and bounce back and forth some on economic issues. Overall though I’m flexible and if any one party were able to offer at least a largely worthwhile platform, I wouldn’t be opposed to claiming that.

One of my greatest disappointments in the time that I live is the lack of actual information coming from the Republican side. I know that know not all of them subscribe to it (the extremist position), but generally speaking the party has been hijacked by crazies. I know there’s probably at least a few republicans who have good ideas and not the extremist rhetoric that we see too often today. I really do want to hear their ideas but the worst part about this age in politics is that the crazy voice of the GOP is louder, and seems to have taken over the party. They don’t even try to hide it anymore either! In Texas, they’ve even outright renounced critical thinking! (Pg 12, under knowledge based education). Anyone who falls out of line with this ideology is often treated as a pariah. Ron Paul is an example of this. While I don’t agree with him on all things, I believe he’s at least  on the right track in that he utilizes critical thinking and can actually participate in a discussion. My parents are hardcore republicans, in the modern sense of the word, and I’ve heard them on multiple occasions talk of how Ron Paul is “crazy” and needs to get out of the way. I know better than to try to argue their statements though… you can’t have a civil discussion with people guided by extremist ideology.

The worst attribute of the modern GOP is the extremist “with us or against us mentality”. You can no longer disagree or have a discussion many times, because they too often interpret it to be attack on them or their freedoms somehow (thus avoiding the original topic entirely).  I was thinking about this with or against mentality today and realized that this is the same ideology that the Islamic terrorists use. They also try to force their views on others, and if disagreed with at all they take it a step above the GOP and resort to actual violence. I think the largest reason the extremist that have taken over the GOP don’t use violence is not because they don’t want to–I’ve seen seen plenty threats of violence from their side on many issues–I believe they refrain simply because it’s much more effective to use and manipulate the system we have. Citizens United was a shining example of this. Money now equals “free speech”, thus those with more money are now able to speak more loudly than those without.

The fact is if you outright refuse to compromise with “the other side” all the time, you’re not doing your job. Us vs. Them will always do nothing but cause destruction within a nation. Both sides have representatives who were elected by United States citizens. For one politician to refuse all discussion with the other side is to disregard the very Americans that voted that person into office. Additionally, when you’re priority, above all else (ignoring things like the economy, foreign policy, etc), is to remove a politician you disagree with–then your priorities are fucked and you no longer serve the American people and should resign from your office immediately. Militant adherence to party lines will destroy that party and the nation.

I know I’ve made generalizations but I’ve done so only as a response to what has been displayed most often. I know there are still decent, respectful, intelligent republicans. If you’re one of the few sensible republicans who can still operate on critical evidence based thinking, please speak up! There appears to be so few of you left! I want to hear what you can offer!

***EDIT – For a more detail review of the Texas GOP party platform, please click here.