The radical right is gaming the system and holding America hostage to achieve their agenda.

The whole debt ceiling debate is just one example. They took an essential act, something necessary for the continuation of our government and the world's economy, something that in the past was considered routine housekeeping, and turned it into a debate over taxes and entitlements.

Regardless of their goals (which I of course strongly disagree with) they have set a dangerous precedent. One that could lead to constant repeated threats to our economy, our infrastructure, and the well-being of the American people. They've decided that their ends justify any means.

And we let them do it. The problem is, how could we have stopped it? Certainly we could have tried harder for a better deal, but that really misses the point, doesn't it? We shouldn't have had to make a deal. This should have been the standard housekeeping bill it always was. The other issues should be debated separately. Otherwise we no longer have a representative government. We have a government of threats and coercion. "Do what we want on issue A or we'll crash the world's economy." "Do what we want on issue B or we'll put grandma on the street with no medical care." That's not good government, that's extortion.

Now they're holding the FAA hostage to their anti-union goals. Will they succeed with this blackmail also? If they do where does it end?

Oh, they will bluster and bluff and put up a great facade of righteous indignation, then fold like a cheap suit.
Scrooed, blooed and tatooed.

With some notable exceptions, it would seem that anymore the main difference between the Dems and the Rs is how quickly each would allow us to be dragged back to the 19th Century when there was no safety net or worker protections.

The Democrats were not the ones who wanted to make the routine raising of the debt ceiling into a national debate.

The radical right is holding essential government functions hostage. THAT is the problem. Yes, the Democrats could have tried to hold out for a better deal, but they shouldn't have had to hold out for any deal. There should not have been any debate to start with.

Democrats who do not hold firm to Democratic party goals are not worthy of their offices. They need to be turned out into the cold along with the teabagger-loving Republicans.

My point is that there never should have been a debate. There never should have been an opportunity for Democrats to cave. If you want to discuss how the Democrats should have debated this, start a thread about that. This one is about the hijacking of the system by the radical right. It's about difficult to counter tactics that are a danger to the country as a whole.

even more vividly.

by threatening to crash the economy in the future.

* Federal criminalization of abortion at all stages of pregnancy
* Nondisclosure of personal finances of all candidates and officeholders
* Mandatory salute to the flag at all public events (traffic court, public works meetings, teachers meetings)

Think of any unconstitutional law and it can be promoted as a bargaining chip in the future by Congress.

Everyone else, so far, is jumping on the "the Dems are willing participants" bandwagon and missing the point entirely.

Where are the memories guys. Karl Rove laid our
their plan in detail shortly after Bush won the
Presidency. Remember PNAC.

Since the Republicans have a real party--their
Activists are part of the party and constantly
updated. They never stop working toward their
goal. The Tea Party saved them by putting them
back in power. They are working night and day
on their Agenda. Conservative Country with
Conservative Rule. PNAC never went away just
not so open and in the Public eye.

This is a very dangerous precedent.
Thanks for your post.

Now that caving has escalated to the point where T/publicans can actually set major policy by threatening everyone, they'll be back again for more. And be back again. And again. And again...