If you are for rights, freedom, and personal responsibility, you want to get as far as possible from the Republican party in America.
If you consider their rhetoric (words), sure they're for it. In fact, I agree with most of what they and the Tea Party SAY. However, if you consider their actions and legislative votes, you get an entirely different story.
House roll call on Gramm-Leech-Bliley (repealing Glass Steagall): 57 no votes; 51 Democrats, 5 Republicans
Senate roll call on GLB: 8 no votes; 7 Democrat, 1 Republican
House roll call on 2006 extension of Patriot Act: 138 no votes; 124 Democrat, 13 Republican
Senate roll call on 2006 extension of Patriot Act: 10 no votes; all Democrat
House role call on 2011 extension of Patriot Act: 153 no votes; 122 Democrats opposed, 31 GOP. By extending the measures through June 1, 2015, lawmakers codified a compromise with Republican leaders who preferred a permanent extension.
Senate role call on 2011 extension of Patriot Act: 23 no votes; 18 Democrat., 4 GOP Four Republicans.
The states with the highest % of people on food stamps are the red states. Mississippi is #1. The others, two through ten: Oregon, Tennessee, New Mexico, Michigan, Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maine, South Carolina. Hmm; more 'red' states there than not. OK, let's try federal tax dollars:
States Receiving Most in Federal Spending Per Dollar of Federal Taxes Paid:
1. D.C. ($6.17)
2. North Dakota ($2.03) Red State
3. New Mexico ($1.89) Swing State
4. Mississippi ($1.84) Red State
5. Alaska ($1.82) Red State
6. West Virginia ($1.74) Red State
7. Montana ($1.64) Red State
8. Alabama ($1.61) Red State
9. South Dakota ($1.59) Red State
10. Arkansas ($1.53) Red State
States Receiving Least in Federal Spending Per Dollar of Federal Taxes Paid:
1. New Jersey ($0.62) Blue State
2. Connecticut ($0.64) Blue State
3. New Hampshire ($0.68) Red State
4. Nevada ($0.73) Red State
5. Illinois ($0.77) Blue State
6. Minnesota ($0.77) Blue State
7. Colorado ($0.79) Red State
8. Massachusetts ($0.79) Blue State
We've slashed government assistance programs, and made our tax system less progressive, since 1980. How's it working out? The 'red' states also have the highest rates of obesity,, lowest high-school achivement stats, and highest rates of drug use and violent crime. So, basically, they ARE who they hate: sponges off the government, fat, dumb and wasted. Talk about cognitive dissonance! |
