Realistically, what will probably end the GOP's iron grip on power?

Elections probably won't. I mean, we're in an eternal war on terra and we're only safe if the Republicans are in power, we can't have elections getting in the way, can we? I'm thinking the only way to get them out is either them dying naturally or Americans storming DC with torches and pitchforks and physically dragging them out.

and storm the castle.

Truthfully, I don't believe the GOP really has an iron grip on power. I think it's slipping through their fingers, and that's why they're so desperately trying to hold on tighter.

I believe the will of the People will prevail. Americans don't like to be controlled. Freedom is in our blood, it runs through our veins. The republicans are already going too far with their quest for power, and that's exactly what will backfire on them.

Every time any civilization has ruled by fear, it has ultimately failed. Because we all know that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, and none of us will stand to be victimized for long. Even the most sheepish of people will eventually have enough and fight back.

The GOP time bomb is about to explode.

Where's Princess Leia when we need her?

even to the mouth-breathers and knuckle-draggers, and their bullshit won't sell anymore...

than bribes and lying about wmds.

Since conservatives "know" it's a sin, they can be forgiven. When someone "permissive" slips up, woe unto him.

suburbanites. If married, white, suburban couples ever wise up, the Repugs are through. Something that directly costs them money is the only thing that will do it. Gasoline prices are close, but not enough.

I honestly think that the false thin facade is wearing away...groceries are going up....interest rates are going up....gas is going up....2500 dead soldiers...no clear plan for the war....

Democrats will clean it up and the cycle start over again. You are 100% correct in my opinion.

STAND UP FOR YOURSELF.

Look them in the eye..... and let them know you are NOT afraid of them. . If AND WHEN a Democrat has the courage to stand up to these bullies....AND the Republican-owned corporate media.....then , and only then, will the whole country rally behind them.

and putting something like--"2500 troops have fallen and your administration is having a picnic"

Whether it's instituting you-must-love-Jesus policies or destroying next year's crop of weed or starting yet a third war "because they can", it will be so distasteful to joe average that elections or none, the pitchforks will come out.

Since this country is nothing but Me Me Me anymore, I can't really think of too much more that would do the trick.

Shitting on the Constitution? Sure!

Torture, "rendition", the destruction of habeas corpus and the new age of the Americano deseparecedo? No problem?

Corruption, lies and an endless torrent of shiny happy bullshit? Morning in America!

But don't you DARE fuck with MAH MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then again, just one more Katrina right up the poop chute of the Houston Ship Channel would probably take care of all three items listed in the title, so who knows?

That will happen sooner than later.

You think our mouthbreathing freeprs are dumb thinking global warming is a myth? Well, those fuckers in China think nuclear winter is a fucking myth !

I suspect that the continuing crisis in this country will eventually reach a breaking point. If we Democrats can't end Republican control of Congress and the White House, I suspect that what might very well happen is that a homegrown neo-Peronist/fascist movement, one with scant regard for the niceties of constitutional government or for the give and take of a healthy representative republic, will eventually rise to oust the GOP from power. By such a point the Constitution of the United States may still be intact, but the Republic that many of us older Dems remember will have died under GOP control. The neo-Peronists will merely be finishing off the brain-dead corpse.

At that point, I suspect there'll be a lot of GOPsters wondering why I'd be rude enough to tell them to go (soothe)themselves when they ask for donations or other political help.

smacking into them.