Apocalyptic views hinder constructive political debate (Report from the Beck rally)

Washington Post ^ | 8/29/10 | Robert McCartney

[Libloather]

Apocalyptic views hinder constructive political debate
By Robert McCartney
Sunday, August 29, 2010

**SNIP**

Instead, these people think our morals have sunk so low and our political leaders have become so unresponsive that the rule of law is breaking down in America. In interviews with members of the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial, I found that many shared such an apocalyptic view of a country on the wrong track.

But when pressed for evidence of such severe deterioration, they didn't offer very compelling examples. Basically, the "tea party" thinks the moderately liberal social agenda pushed by the Obama administration is just a short step away from, say, Communist East Germany.

This kind of exaggerated thinking, encouraged by Beck, contributes to the toxic tone of contemporary political debate. It's hard to have a reasonable discussion about the proper size and role of government in a modern society with people who think 234 years of democracy is ending.

Consider the following:

-- Ryan Townsend, 35, of Parkersburg, W.Va., said he came Saturday because, "I'm not going to sit idly by while tyranny and socialism replace our Constitution."

Why did he think that was happening? Townsend said he was unhappy that the Environmental Protection Agency sometimes issued rulings that hadn't received explicit congressional approval, such as to protect forests. He also was worried that the EPA might rule that "lead is a toxic substance, so you can't defend yourself with lead ammunition."

[Libloather]

Global warming not mentioned - because we all know that's real.

[cripplecreek]

” moderately liberal “

LOL

[newfreep]

...the moderately liberal social agenda pushed by the Obama administration...

Socialism/Marxism is far more evil than "moderate liberalism". These journolistas are either extremely stupid or just liars. Or Both, I guess.

[cranked]

Yeah, I was getting ready to say....how many times has the Left, to include the lameass, libtard, idiot-ridden, and hypocritical mainstream media — to include WaPo —, run with “apocalyptic views” articles and such concerning if the Stimulus is not passed, Global warming gloom and doom garbage, if ObamaIdiotCare is not passed, etc., etc., etc.

Here’s a thought WaPo: STHU?! =.=

[stumptalker]

So he evaluates the merits of the rally by talking to a few attendees. Did he do the same thing at the Sharpton event? ;-)

[LibLieSlayer]

compost is a ****ing commie propaganda arm of the kenyan/marxist regime. FU compost.

LLS

[ckilmer]

most people think that crumbling boarders same sex marriage, godless schools, broken marriages, inflated currencies and bankrupt governments are signs of decline

[EagleUSA]

The ONLY people suppressing serious political debate are the radical Marxist liberals - the very people that do not PERMIT debate. This fool is either that, or just another left wing liar, in lock-step with the radical leftist regime.

[gussiefinknottle]

i suppose letting millions of illegal immigrants flood country
and stay, doesn’t give feeling of lawlessness. or letting
ruling elite skip out on their taxes. i’m sure this reporter
is only reporting the lamest answers he received.

[tsmith130]

Yeah, I stopped reading right there.

[sauropod]

Bird cage liner.

[sauropod]

Hey Mr. McCartney,

How about the proposed EPA rule to ban lead in ammunition?

Second amendment, what second amendment?

[hosepipe]

Easy to have Apocalyptic views(on various scales/degrees) when Cloward-Piven tactics is not tin foil stuff but reality being perpetrated..

Sedition treason and espionage in Washington D.C. has been fine tuned to an art since President Wilson.. The FBI must be playing checkers all day long.. Is Langley(FBI) the main hive?.. What does the FBI do anymore?.. Is their an FBI?.. What is their budget?..

[Boiling point]

For his information, the “proper role of government” is to pave the roads and pay the military and that’s pretty much it!

[nomad]

Obama`s “moderately liberal agenda”, that says it all! This jack-leg would see confiscation of all firearms and an end to private property rights as a moderate liberal moves, and they wonder why we are at odds with them.

[Flag_This]

"Instead, these people think our morals have sunk so low and our political leaders have become so unresponsive that the rule of law is breaking down in America... But when pressed for evidence of such severe deterioration, they didn't offer very compelling examples."

If "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed" then a government that rules in direct opposition of that consent is unjust and unlawful. For evidence I would submit Obamacare, Amnesty, Cap and Trade and insane government spending - clear, compelling examples of a government acting in opposition to the majority of the citizens.

[muir_redwoods]

The freaking government took over 2/3 of the auto industry, all of the healthcare industry, the banks and a good deal of the insurance industry and we’re delusional for thinking it’s socialism.

[wjcsux]

More crap from the Washington Compost.

[loveliberty2]

Mr. McCartney's shallow evaluation simply provides a look into his own lack of understanding of the founding principles capsulized in the Declaration of Independence from an oppressive government, and implemented in a "People's" Constitution for limiting the powers of their own form of self-government.

[freekitty]

This author is spewing nonsense which is the norm for the MSM