HTG:
I question the profitability of debating due to:
1. You didn't bother to read the article before posting. (Certainly your first post was written before mashing the link on through to the article.)
2. Reflexive defense of GOP actions before knowing the facts (see #1)
3. Misunderstanding and/or misconstruction of the base's points when they are critical of the GOP.
Hmm, problems similar to those exhibited by GOP "leadership" at the national & state level, of the sort that got us into this mess.
Anyways, I am so very glad I went to the district convention and had a hand in sending so many of the old functionaries home, rather than to the state convention they are used to attending. Makes me feel all warm inside.
Like I wrote above, the GOP does not need reflexive defense in the face of criticism from the base. It needs a good slapping around and some spine-stiffening.
That's the best response you can muster? So much for your so-called "debate".
I'll close the "debate" portion of our conversation by saying that the GOP needs neither reflexive defense
nor reflexive criticism. They've done exactly the right thing in response to this health care bill, opposed it all down the line with vigor and passion and at considerable expense. They deserve support for that, not the reflexive criticism I'm seeing here. For no rational or visible reason at all, some people expect that the Reps are suddenly gonna do a 180 and start supporting health care. Some are so convinced of their beliefs they're acting as if their beliefs have already become reality.
But no, those beliefs are not reality. However much you believe them, those beliefs are still groundless supposition, not reality.
The Republicans are not supporting health care, they are still opposing it 100%. Some may confuse strategizing effective ways to deal with the next election cycle with some sort of "accomodation" or capitulation, but it is nothing of the sort. When you're in a weak position, you do what you can to regain a position of strength. You do NOT mount a suicidal frontal assault when you know you have no chance of success.
The original article was written in a style intended to provoke precisely the kind of foolish assumptions and emotional responses some are giving it. They're playing you, and it seems to be working. This is not helpful.
Please, stop and think it through.