# Stupid Republican idea of the day **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 26, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897 "2009-03-26T18:48:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 255
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5081 "2012-04-11T17:51:18Z")
Well, West got elected mostly by being willing to engage in “enhanced interrogation tactics” with Iraqis and getting caught at it. Doesn’t say much for the majority of the voters in his district. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5082 "2012-04-11T17:52:35Z")
[**Creationism** discussions are now OK in Tennesse schools](http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=newssearch&cd=1&ved=0CCwQqQIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fnews%2Fnation%2Fnationnow%2Fla-na-nn-tennessee-creationism-classroom-20120411%2C0%2C3437550.story&ei=y8KFT_XBGoH28gTO7dnNCA&usg=AFQjCNEfNjICr0rjfmFGL4xW0f5InCljpg&sig2=rPz2WlcQCUQoDJQhEthYbg)‎ Probably mentioned earlier but now it’s law. _Some highlights:_ "The measure will allow classroom debates over evolution, permitting discussions of creationism alongside evolutionary teachings about the origins of life. Critics say the law, disparagingly called “The Monkey Bill,” will plunge Tennessee back to the divisive days of the notorious Scopes “Monkey Trial’’ in Dayton, Tenn., in 1925.” “The state’s teachers are not allowed to raise alternatives to evolution but, under the new law, would be required to permit discussion of creationism and other beliefs if they are raised in class. The law would also permit discussion of challenges to such scientific conclusions as the man-made effects of climate change.” Some credit, the Republican Gov. Haslem refused to sign it. He didn’t veto it because it passed by a\*\* 3-to-1\*\* margin. The race to 50th in the nation in education is on! ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5083 "2012-04-11T17:56:50Z")
Representative West is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life. ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5084 "2012-04-11T18:03:54Z")
> [@](#): > > smithsb > Member > > Join Date: Sep 2002 > Location: Sens. Inhofe/Coburn=Hell > Posts: 843 > Rep. Allen West: Democratic group is Communist > Initial paragraph from the story. “Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., had initially declined to name names when he said “he’s heard” that up to 80 House Democrats are members of the Communist Party. > Now, his office says West was referring to the Congressional Progressive Caucus when the freshman Tea Party favorite made his remark at a town hall meeting Tuesday night.” > > Exactly how do these people get elected? I weep. Back in the '50’s there was a silly little poem that began: Sometimes I fancy as a spy that I excel the FBI. Right now I’m making little lists of folks I think are Communists. Wish I could remember the rest of it. * * * Will West’s next move will be to start “releasing” names of people he doesn’t like to “trusted” reporters? The first time was tragedy. Will the second be comedy? ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5085 "2012-04-11T19:21:44Z")
Allen, why don’t you pass the time by playing a little solitaire? ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5086 "2012-04-11T19:31:31Z")
At long last has he no…wait, why am I even asking this question? ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5087 "2012-04-11T20:45:15Z")
> [@BigAppleBucky](#): > > Wish I could remember the rest of it. This poem was read by Tom L. Popejoy 15 July 1962 at an American Legion meeting in Carlsbad, New Mexico, though it may have been around for years then. It is shown as first appearing in _The Catholic News_, Archdiocese of New York. Song of a Modern Vigilante I sometimes fancy as I spy That I excel the F. B. I. Right now I’m making little lists Of folks I think are Communists. I have no proof on anyone, And yet the lists are loads of fun. All friends of foreign aid, I think, Must be set down as rather pink. A little pinker, not far off. I list, perforce, the college prof, And pinker yet the college crowd That lauds the Bill of Rights out loud. U. N. supporters, as I’ve said, Are also ipso facto red; And redder still, on my red lists, Are all the integrationists. Just for good measure in my labors, I add a few of my good neighbors. Thus I rejoice that loyalty Resides alone in you and me – Although, before my work is through, You may, good friend, be listed too. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5088 "2012-04-11T21:03:53Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > Song of a Modern Vigilante That is outstanding! ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5089 "2012-04-11T21:07:22Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > This poem was read by Tom L. Popejoy 15 July 1962 at an American Legion meeting in Carlsbad, New Mexico, though it may have been around for years then. It is shown as first appearing in _The Catholic News_, Archdiocese of New York. > > Song of a Modern Vigilante > > I sometimes fancy as I spy > That I excel the F. B. I. > Right now I’m making little lists > Of folks I think are Communists. > I have no proof on anyone, > And yet the lists are loads of fun. > All friends of foreign aid, I think, > Must be set down as rather pink. > A little pinker, not far off. > I list, perforce, the college prof, > And pinker yet the college crowd > That lauds the Bill of Rights out loud. > U. N. supporters, as I’ve said, > Are also ipso facto red; > And redder still, on my red lists, > Are all the integrationists. > Just for good measure in my labors, > I add a few of my good neighbors. > Thus I rejoice that loyalty > Resides alone in you and me – > Although, before my work is through, > You may, good friend, be listed too. Truly awesome! Thanks for hunting that down and posting it for us all! ---
**Author:** ![detop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@detop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/detop)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5090 "2012-04-11T21:59:47Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Representative West is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life. After you posted this, did they at least remove the electrodes from your 'nads ? ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2012, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5091 "2012-04-11T22:08:38Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > Song of a Modern Vigilante Something that astounded me about this poem from 50+ years ago is where it appeared: In a Catholic periodical and at an American Legion meeting. Can anyone imagine such “left-wing sarcasm” allowed at either place in today’s climate? (Popejoy may not have been a Legion best friend, but he was invited to speak.) ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5092 "2012-04-12T01:02:58Z")
So, how do we interpret these accusations of communism? You’re either an anti-intellectual evangeliprole or… a communist!? There is no middle at all? Let me guess- the phrase ‘We the people’ is communistic too. After all, it encourages people to stick together and implies some kind of ‘we’, rather than the American truth of nothing but stalwart individualists. Families? Communist! Me paying more than 50% of the rent in this apartment shared with my gf? Communist! Any taxes for any government services whatsoever (other than the military and police of course)- COMMUNIST! I am amazed that there can be still stupider things for them to say. Who are they talking to anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Jocko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uncle_jocko/32/2932_2.png) [@Uncle\_Jocko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Jocko)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5093 "2012-04-12T01:24:00Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Representative West is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life. > [@Steve\_MB](#): > > Allen, why don’t you pass the time by playing a little solitaire? Heh. I was in a stage production of The Manchurian Candidate a few years back. I highly approve both these posts. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5094 "2012-04-12T02:37:15Z")
And over in Michigan, an attempt to repeal the emergency manager law, that has led to entire cities being disenfranchised, is being challenged by a group called Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility over the [font size used in the headings](http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120410/POLITICS02/204100345). Even better, one of the members of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, which will rule on the petition’s legality, is a [partner in the company that runs Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility](http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_nv/more/section/archive?author=laura-conaway). The company is a Republican political consulting firm that lists its contacts with influential lawmakers as one of its selling points. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5095 "2012-04-12T12:20:40Z")
> [@smithsb](#): > > Initial paragraph from the story. "Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., had initially declined to name names when he said “he’s heard” that up to 80 House Democrats are members of the Communist Party… > Exactly how do these people get elected? I weep. West’s comment is so nonsensical and so detached from reality that it took a while to register with me. And this man is being touted as a V.P. candidate. :smack: Like **smithsb** , I’ve wept. But I’ve passed beyond tears, to vomiting and hysterical laughter, not necessarily in that order. I no longer know how to react. I’m an expat living in Thailand where politics are very bizarre. A few decades ago, I felt a sense of superiority: “Politicians are at least half-way rational in _my_ country, ha ha!” But I’m at the point now where I think it is countries like Thailand that need to teach the U.S.A. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5096 "2012-04-12T12:37:34Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > And this man is being touted as a V.P. candidate. FYFY: And this man [del]is[/del]was being touted as a V.P. candidate. ---
**Author:** ![Truman\_Burbank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5097 "2012-04-12T14:31:06Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > FYFY: > > And this man [del]is[/del]was being touted as a V.P. candidate. Well, clearly he’s running for it. I fear this helps, rather than hinders, his chances… ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5098 "2012-04-12T14:37:51Z")
Fear? I will contibute to Mitt Romney’s campaign right now if he chose West as his running mate. You cannot buy the type of entertainment that would provide right up to November. ---
**Author:** ![Jenaroph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e8c25b/32.png) [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5099 "2012-04-12T14:44:57Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > So, how do we interpret these accusations of communism? You’re either an anti-intellectual evangeliprole or… a communist!? There is no middle at all? Let me guess- the phrase ‘We the people’ is communistic too. After all, it encourages people to stick together and implies some kind of ‘we’, rather than the American truth of nothing but stalwart individualists. Families? Communist! Me paying more than 50% of the rent in this apartment shared with my gf? Communist! Any taxes for any government services whatsoever (other than the military and police of course)- COMMUNIST! I figure all he’s really doing is softening the meaning of the word “communist” the way Republicans have managed to [dilute the horror](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/29/young-people-socialism_n_1175218.html) of the word “socialist” with repeated accusations against the same Democrats. Keep trying to tar popular people and policies with boogeyman epithets, and people will start wondering what’s so bad about that particular boogeyman. Then you have to move on to stronger epithets. If all these shining examples are really Communists, then hey, I guess I like Communism, eh? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2012, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/5100 "2012-04-12T17:19:17Z")
Somewhere, in passing, I heard the explanation, which was that the Communist Party identified some Democrats as “allies”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=254) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=256)