Republicans: They're Back and They're Whining

Friday's WaPo informs us that Republican lawmakers are mad as hell and they're not going to take it anymore.

Congressional scholar Norman J. Ornstein has written that the recently vented anger, after being suppressed for years out of loyalty or fear, might be seen in psychological terms. He called the condition "battered-Congress syndrome."

We, on the left, have been saying that Republican supporters have been suffering from that phenomenon for years and have been waiting to see exactly what it would take for them to wake up and smell the abuse. With each new ridiculous policy and stance that came out of the White House, we thought surely there must be a tipping point and it's finally come.

WaPo outlines the discontent as beginning soon after Bush came into power. No doubt. Republicans have goosestepped alongside their leader through thick and thin. Now, they want to start marching to the beat of their own drum. It's about damn time. Payback can be a bitch, Bush.

The White House at times has been "non-responsive and arrogant," said Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.). "There are a thousand small cuts," he added, that are ignored when things are going well but "rear their heads when things are not going well."

"Members felt they were willing to take a lot of tough votes and did not get much in return," said Rep. Peter T. King (R-N.Y.), an early critic of the port deal.

The problem with equating this situation with battered spouse syndrome is that, at least, one can sympathize with a person in that type of domestic situation. That's not the situation here. These Republicans should have known better and no matter how much they whine about it now, they don't deserve any sympathy. Their policies have killed and wounded thousands of people, they've bankrupted their country, they've continually cut social services and have allowed right-wing theology to permeate every facet of government. They've been a bullying force unlike any other and they've trampled on too many people as they slurped up every ounce of power they were given while spitting it out at the most defenseless in society.

So, what will happen now that they're abandoning their Dear Leader? Although the Democrats have been rightly criticized for being disorganized and not having a clear message, there is no possible way all of this can't provide them with a much needed boost. In fact, it already has. They just need to play it smart while the Republican party implodes and they need to show their strengths.

This year it's vital that every Republican up for re-election be challenged like never before. The public is extremely restless. They're no longer looking for the strict father who'll bully them into getting in line behind him. They need someone who's going to tell them that whatever they're feeling is okay and that they are truly cared about. Call it therapy for the masses.

If Republicans are serious about their discontent, they should be supporting Rep John Conyer's resolution to impeach Bush. Maybe then we'll start believing that they really have had a change of heart.