GOP Boots the Gipper!

We support…by opposing… 

Phrases repeated six times in proposed GOP litmus test

 Dialysis (di-AL-ih-sis), the piston figure. From the Greek, meaning “separation.”

A resolution proposed for the Republican National Committee’s January meeting offers a set of ten propositions. A candidate who fails to support at least eight of the ten—through votes, statements, or questionnaires—would receive no support from the GOP.

The text repeats a pair of identical phrases announcing that the party supports its stands by opposing the Democrats’. It’s a classic dialysis, an either-or figure that weighs propositions side by side.

The inspiration came from Ronald Reagan, who said that someone who agrees with him 80% of the time is his friend, not his 20% enemy. Therefore, concluded the resolution’s supporters, someone who agrees only 70% of the time is a 100% enemy.

While Figaro is in awe of that logic, the Gipper himself might have trouble meeting his party’s 80% dogma quota.

Resolution: “We support smaller government, smaller national debt, lower deficits and lower taxes…”
Reagan: Increased government spending by 60%.  Tripled federal debt. Signed largest tax increase in history in 1982. 

Resolution: “We support market-based health care reform and oppose Obama-style government run health care.”
Reagan: Vehemently opposed Medicare early in his political career, but as president supported its expansion. 

Resolution: “We support legal immigration and assimilation into American society by opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants…”
Reagan: Signed 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, offering amnesty to illegal immigrants who had lived in the U.S. for at least four years. 

Resolution: “We support containment of Iran…”
Reagan: Secretly sold arms to Iran during the 1980s.

 Snappy Answer: The 40% enemy of my 60% enemy is my 60% friend.