The solution is to ENCOURAGE the Republicans

To be as extreme as they want to be.

The first step is to push hard for a balanced budget. Scream it from the hilltops. Align with moderate Republicans who agree that W's spending is out of control. Then Norquist the government to balance the budget. Things must get much worse before they get better.

More...

Then, encourage privatizing Social Security. This can't be done without cutting seniors' benefits. Sorry, but they voted for Bush (60 and older, 53%/46% for Bush). You can no longer rob Peter to pay Paul (balanced budgets and all). Therefore, first cut COLAs entirely. Then we'll see how much more we need to cut to offset the private savings accounts. Remember, the young voted for Kerry (18-29 year olds, 54%/44% Kerry). Why should they support the old fogies who voted for Bush? Now, I know that you'll say, "They worked for it, they earned", but it's not like they weren't warned (what do you think 'private savings accounts' means?). A few years eating dog food might make them reconsider 'Moral values' as their top issue. Sorry, but things must get much worse before they get better.

Medicare? You get a set amount of cash. Once you exhaust that, f***ing die already.

Welfare (AFDC)? Medicaid? On the chopping block. Transfer a small amount to faith-based programs. This will hurt our core Democratic voters a lot, but again, 36% of those making under $15,000 a year voted for Bush.

Overtime pay? Unions? You should be grateful to have a job (38% of union members voted for Bush).

Bankruptcy? Not on your life. Unlike the federal government, you have to pay your debts.

Dept. of Education? Elliminate it. Education is a local issue.

NASA? Gone. NASA doesn't in any way bring us closer to Jesus Christ.

Etc.

Let the people see what small government looks like. Things must get much worse before they get better.

•  I sadly

  agree with you.

  by Rhett on Wed Nov 03, 2004 at 10:24:49 AM PDT

•  unfortunately i agree too.

  let the people have the kool-aid poison pill they so desperately want.

  Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln

  i heard bill clinton say something quite perceptive some time ago. he said that the reason we have so much religion in our country is that we have never had to live under the thumb of a politically powerful church,
  unlike the fairly irreligious europeans.

  so give them what they want. they will self-destruct. but i hate to be here to see it and have it happen to me, too.
  

  by maskling11 on Wed Nov 03, 2004 at 10:53:04 AM PDT

•  And tax cuts

  Saw a Repug talking about really cutting taxes, and I thought, "Go for it, guy. Cut 'em. I can't wait to see the budget you come up with afterward. Funding the war and some bit of homeland security and.... well, I guess nothing else."
  Let 'em cut it.
  Let's see what it's like to live under even more Repug tax cuts.

  by teresahill on Wed Nov 03, 2004 at 10:56:41 AM PDT

•  The Only Question Is

  How to do this in a way that the Repubs can't blame the Dems later for the disastrous results of rightwing policies.  Abstentions?  I'm tempted, like you, to say: "you like your Christofascist empire? You eat it."  But the thing is, after their ideology is exposed for what it is America will be so militarized and hamstrung by debt that there will be little means left to build a rational society.  What to do?  I'm thinking secession.  Let Kansas slither back to the 18th century--progressive states own the future.

  by YoloMike on Wed Nov 03, 2004 at 11:07:25 AM PDT