Well, here is another incidence of party politics at its extreme. The Tea Party Nation has now put out a “Hit List” on five Republicans because they have dared to cross the line and work with Democrats. As a staff writer for RTT News reveals, “Tea Party Nation named Sens. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, Scott Brown, R-Mass., and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., as Republicans that need to be sent into retirement, accusing them of being Republicans In Name Only, or RINOs” ( 2010, December 27).
That’s right, because these Republicans, refusing to toe the party line, supported issues they believed to be in the best interest of American citizens regardless of their party’s agenda, now face ostracism. Because they have dared to think for themselves, they are being banished from the fold. “Tea Party Nation blasted [Representative Olympia] Snowe for her votes in favor of the health care reform bill, the START Treaty, and the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,’ while the group called Brown ‘the biggest disappointment of the last year.’”
Is this an indication that separation and antagonism between the two parties is to increase? Is this the beginning of a trend toward ultra-extremism, and will it envelop both parties?
With more and more Independents separating from the two major parties, will the Democrats and Republicans begin to set out a very clear, specific set of guidelines for membership? If you are to be allowed to call yourself a Democrat, you will have to be for abortion, subsidies for the poor and gun control in absolute measure? If you are vehemently against all these positions, only then may you be admitted into the GOP family? Will party members have to sign a contract that they will follow all party precepts or face expulsion, or even worse, civil action?
Is this an indication that separation and antagonism between the two parties is to increase? Is this the beginning of a trend toward ultra-extremism, and will it envelop both parties?
With more and more Independents separating from the two major parties, will the Democrats and Republicans begin to set out a very clear, specific set of guidelines for membership? If you are to be allowed to call yourself a Democrat, you will have to be for abortion, subsidies for the poor and gun control in absolute measure? If you are vehemently against all these positions, only then may you be admitted into the GOP family? Will party members have to sign a contract that they will follow all party precepts or face expulsion, or even worse, civil action?
We must beware this trend for party ideologies may become more and more extreme as well as polarized to draw a greater number of constituents. The two parties may attempt to allow no wiggle room in setting their agenda and so will create severe positions for themselves, creating a concise, clear-cut program. They will set themselves at the extremes of the liberal/conservative spectrum and the American citizen will be the victim in the middle – or rather, even more so than he is today.
Take note, Americans, these are dangerous waters our policy makers are entering; waters that could drown the welfare of American citizens throughout the nation.
Take note, Americans, these are dangerous waters our policy makers are entering; waters that could drown the welfare of American citizens throughout the nation.
References
Staff Writer. (2010, December 27). Tea party group reveals Republican targets
for 2012 [Newsgroup message]. Retrieved from RTT News:
http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1514850
for 2012 [Newsgroup message]. Retrieved from RTT News:
http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1514850
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