Admit it, Republicans: There's nothing 'Grand' about the GOP these days
It's frightening to realize how close our country came to losing our democracy because of former President Donald Trump and his insurrectionist minions.
But here' s what may be even more frightening: We no longer have two major political parties that are committed to ensuring that America stays a democracy.
These are not the ravings of an incurable partisan, though I do admit that all things being equal, I do mark my ballot for Democrats. But, of course, all things aren’t equal these days. So my critique about the Republican Party, which was once fondly known as the "Grand Old Party," is an honest attempt at offering some objective observations.
And here's one very objective observation: While we still have two major political parties that are fiercely battling and contesting each other, only one of them is doing so while displaying a deep love for democracy in our country. And it's not the Republican Party.
My Republican friends – and, yes I do have some – always modify their declarations of being Republicans by saying, “Yes, Trump’s a whacko. And, yes, there are some extremists, racists and Proud Boys in our party. But our party's basic principles – conservatism, limited government and low taxes for corporations and the wealthy – are still worth believing in and supporting."
But is that really what today’s Republican Party stands for?
Consider this. A near-majority of Republicans still believe President Joe Biden didn't win the 2020 election. And they still believe that Biden's victory by slightly more than 7 million votes should be overturned – simply because the loser wants to keep insisting he was the real winner, even though he has provided absolutely no evidence to back up his endless complaining about fraudulent voting
Is this how we show our love for our country? Or for America's democracy?
And, no, we're not talking about just about a fringe segment of Republicans, In fact, the Texas Republican Party recently approved a platform suggesting that if there any federal laws that Texas happens to dislike, they should just "be ignored, opposed, refused and nullified.” It also declares hat Texas "retains the right to secede from the United States," and urges the state Legislature to give Texans a chance to vote on a secession referendum.
Of course, this was tried back in the 19th century and it didn't work out so well. But apparently the Republicans in Texas think it's worth another try in the 21st century.
Once again, this is not merely a fringe group: this is the official Texas Republican Party, which is one of the largest state parties in America. And, by the way, in addition to secession the party is also in favor of:
Repealing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Declaring homosexuality an abnormal lifestyle choice.
Nullifying any legislation or court orders protecting and recognizing gay marriage.
Banning abortion immediately and totally (of course).
As uncomfortable as it is to admit, today’s Republican Party does not stand up for American democracy – and it does not unequivocally support that principle, either. It is now clearly in favor of making America an undemocratic theocracy, and those who long for the Republican Party that once existed had better stop their daydreaming. It is long gone, and it is not coming back.
Jerry Springer is a longtime nationally syndicated television talk show host who resides in Sarasota. Springer has a law degree from Northwestern University and served one term as the mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the host of "The Jerry Springer Podcast."
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Jerry Springer: The Republican Party used to be reasonable. Not anymore
