SELF, PARTY, country. The order of importance to almost all modern day politicians on either side.

Anger and Frustration, especially at the RINOs that are killing our country | 2013/01/29 | ChiefJayStrongbow

[ChiefJayStrongbow]

1) SELF: Political survival is much more important than doing what's right for the country. In representative government, it's much more important to do what is popular to ensure that I get re-elected, even if my vote subverts the constitution and leads to the eventual demise of the country. At least I got mine. I need media attention and may take a seemingly tough stance on certain issues (that I really don't believe) in, and I will back down at the last minute so I can claim that I was on the right side of the issue, depending on to whom I am speaking/fundraising. Good God, I hope the media notices me. 2) PARTY: It's much more important to target demographic groups that will keep our party in power than to espouse the right policies. We should always slice and dice the demographics and take positions on issues, not based on their merit, but so that we can ensure that we carry a majority of the electorate. We can always screw 49% of the people. The next election cycle and our favorability rating among anybody that will show up at the polls is the most important thing (well second most important, next to me getting re-elected). .. .. 20) country: I don't believe the country will last, especially with the policies I'm putting in place. I've got my sweetheart deals and if the country disintegrates, it really doesn't matter. I've got mine.

[ChiefJayStrongbow]

.. that's why I'm voting for Amnesty (i.e. comprehensive immigration reform). The hispanics will LOVE me. Who cares if we're at about 16% real unemployment? Certainly not me.

.. that's why I'm going to vote to continue unemployment benefits, even though we're out of money.

.. that's why I'm NOT going to challenge the president on the illegal extension of welfare benefits.

.. that's why I'm going to play tough on the debt ceiling and fold like a paper airplane.

.. that's why I'm NOT going to withhold funding to DHS until they enforce existing immigration law

.. that's why I'm NOT going to reign in the spending on any other entitlement program.

.. that's why I'm NOT going to raise the retirement age

.. that's why I'm NOT going to defund the EPA because of their war on coal and oil

.. that's why I'm NOT going to mandate English as the official language of our country

[Citizen Tom Paine]

Many, many years ago, I was told by someone that knew- the purpose of a political party was to stay in office. Everything else was superficial.

[brownsfan]

We are outnumbered, and those we manage to get elected aren’t even on our side.

America was a great experiment, but as many predicted, it couldn’t last. Enjoy the coming communist rule.