One of the basic premises of our political system is that everyone will abide by some well understood but unwritten rules. Its a sort of honor code. The constitution does not address most of these things, but nonetheless these unwritten rules keep our politicians from doing the sort of stuff you see in 3rd world countries. One of those rules is, when you win, you won't use the power of the federal government to intimidate or persecute your political opponents. The IRS getting into the weeds, and in many cases, just plain making crap up in order to deny conservative groups from getting non-profit status is a clear violation of those rules. This single thing is worse then the other scandals combined in my opinion. Why? Because its a clear break with traditions of good manners and simple civility, that have pretty much kept this country from 'going full retard' over its 237 year life. If a political group thinks that their loss will result in the power of the federal government being brought to bear on them, then there is no reason to play nice or fair anymore. Yes the left and right aren't getting along well right now, but they aren't exactly shooting at each other or say, canning each other on the floor on the senate like happened in 1858. My all time favorite is spreading a rumor that the other guys wife was a prostitute that he got from a whorehouse (1828).
I'd like to think the current scandal with the IRS is something as simple as incompetence, but I'm very much afraid it will turn out to be something far worse. A systemic problem of institutional vilification of the opposing party on a level we haven't seen since the mid 19th century is not a good thing or a small thing for that matter. The real possibility exists that this was given a blessing by the administration.
I really don't like when friends on the right go on these rants about the left trying to destroy the country. It isn't helpful and it poison's the well of polite discourse, and when we can't even talk we tend to escalate things. No, the President isn't trying to destroy the country. No, the left isn't trying to create a socialist utopia in America. No, there aren't any reeducation camps in America. None of these things are happening. I think, its rather simply, the other side is just plain...wrong. See, no underlining devious plan, no nefarious plot, just wrong. Isn't that enough anymore?
I am done.
The problem is we will never truely find out how high this goes. The administration will line up a series of fall guys or gals that will take the blame, and for the sake of the party and the administration will stay silent as the to level of cooruption. This has been done by both parties for years. (G. Gordon Lidy)
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