Flaylo
Handsome Devil
James Zogby: The CNN Debate: GOP Rightward Shift on Display
This is why those fuckers will fail, most Americans don't think like they think.
Another disturbing example of this Republican drift toward extremism came in response to a question about whether or not the candidates would be comfortable having a Muslim American serve in their Administration. The question first went to Herman Cain, who had on a previous occasion indicated that he would "not be comfortable with a Muslim." In response, he elaborated on his views, saying his concern with Muslims was prompted by the concern that they "are the ones trying to kill us" and weirdly inserting that he did "not believe in Shariah law." He then went on to insist that he would single out Muslims for a pledge of loyalty to the U.S. before considering them for government service.
Newt Gingrich chimed in, adding that he believed that a loyalty oath for Muslims seeking to work in government was a good idea because, despite its being unpopular, "we did this in dealing with Nazis and... with the communists... we have got to have the guts to stand up and say 'no.'"
While Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty and Rick Santorum were not asked to respond to this question, they have all been on the record making equally shameful comments about Muslims and raising fears about Shariah law.
Only Mitt Romney, already on the defensive because of his Mormon faith, offered a constructive comment. After paying lip-service to the anti-Shariah law mindset, saying that "we're not going to have Shariah law applied in U.S. courts," he went on to add that "we recognize that people of all faiths are welcome in this country. Our nation was founded on a principle of religious tolerance."
What was especially disturbing about this particular exchange was the silence of GOP leaders in the days that followed the debate. Their refusal to condemn these displays of bigotry and intolerance only adds to the concern that the party is courting extremist currents and, as a result, has continued on a dangerous rightward drift.
This is why those fuckers will fail, most Americans don't think like they think.