50% of American voters, more or less, vote for Republican candidates. However, Republican candidates who are elected tenaciously underwrite the interests of the 1% most wealthy Americans and very frequently act against the interests of the other 49% who voted for them. Frankly, I don't get it. Why do the 49%ers consistently vote against their own interests?
In a recent conversation about this, my wife suggested that it is all about the social agenda. While people may claim that the economy is their biggest issue, today, they still vote according to the social issues as they see them. And Republicans have consistently and successfully built their case on the social issues. Look at their voting record in the House, this last fall. They have spent far more time voting up ridiculous social agenda items that will never pass the Senate or escape a Presidential veto, far more than any sensible approach to the economy. Why? Because it is in their best interest to keep the 49% thinking they are represented on their favorite social issues.
So what are these issues? Life should be defined as beginning with conception after proper insemination --- preferably in the "missionary position." Abortions of any kind, therefore, should be absolutely illegal no matter what the conditions are. Sexuality should be permitted only after age 18 between racially paired males and females only. Sexuality of any other form and at any other age is a perversion. Hence, of course, marriage is not to be permitted for lesbians and gays. Well, let's see what else. Oh, education should be guided by local government counsels. History texts should be censored and rewritten so as to indicate the excellence of the Reagan and Bush years and the corruptions of Democratic administrations in any form. Science teaching should be restricted to the faithful discussion of Creationism only and reference to evolution, Darwin, etc should be eliminated. Current scientists should be looked upon with the greatest suspicion, especially when they attempt to fill their pockets with huge research grants relating to fabrications about "climate change" and "atmospheric warming." Muslims should all be banished from the US and English should be the only and official language of this country --- speak English or get out.
This is the "short list" on the social agenda; I could go on. What is somewhat odd about this list is the fact that the 49ers, so to speak, see themselves as detesting government and worshipping freedom. Yet their entire social agenda requires a more pervasive government presence in order to repress those behaviors that they dislike and they have no respect for the freedom of people other than themselves.
So I guess that is the problem and it's not a problem that can be easily solved.
