What's the problem with the GOP?

[Calabrio]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/17/AR2010071702375.html?hpid=topnews

Former Senate majority leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.), now a D.C. lobbyist, warned that a robust bloc of rabble-rousers spells further Senate dysfunction. "We don't need a lot of Jim DeMint disciples," Lott said in an interview. "As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them."

But Lott said he's not expecting a tea-party sweep. "I still have faith in the visceral judgment of the American people," he said.

And this....
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/...of-reasons-for-a-conservative-to-vote-yes.php

“I’m (Lindsey Graham) going to vote for her (Kagan), and that doesn’t mean I’m pro-choice. I believe the last election had consequences and this president chose someone who is qualified, who has the experience and knowledge to serve on this court, who is in the mainstream of liberal philosophy and understand the difference between being a judge and a politician.”

 

[fossten]

They're part of the ruling class. Rubes and serfs need not apply.

It's really that simple.

 

[shagdrum]

In many ways, it is effectively a high school popularity contest but in the beltway/world of elitists. These Republicans basically want to be accepted by the "cool clique". The only difference is that this popularity contest enshrines an aristocracy of idealist fools in place with very dire consequences for the nation as a whole.

IMO, Graham's statement, especially, is an attempt to rationalize the cognitive dissonance he feels between the people who elect him/his political principles and his desire to be accepted by the leftist elites in Washington.

 

[fossten]

Dear Ruling Class,

May I join now?

Yours,

Lindsey Grahamnesty

 

[Calabrio]

In many ways, it is effectively a high school popularity contest but in the beltway/world of elitists.

I used to think that.... and there's an element of that.
But ultimately, it's really just about self-important, self-gratifying desire to increase and concentrate power.

There's that element of desire to fit in. But that's fleeting.
After that, there's the condescension. The idea that only "you," or people like you in office, are wise enough to fix the problems of the world, and in that pursuit you need MORE POWER.

Tea Party candidates contradict this. They are speaking about decentralizing power. Limiting power. Empowering individuals and localities.

And there's also the fundamental lack of understanding of the founding principles. The business of American government isn't to provide for business, or to do anything- EXCEPT protect our liberty. Not create special opportunity, or unnaturally level the playing.