They aren't democrats. In a functioning democracy ideas vie for support. They are voted on, sometimes under questionable circumstances, applied and evaluated and voted on again.

The fascist under Bush promised us that tax cuts and loosening of government regulations would lead to economic prosperity. They engaged in a war of agression that they said would pay for itself claiming they would find WMD and inspire a wave of democracy throughout the Middle East

They have failed miserably in all these claims and have righly been voted out of power.

Instead of acknowledging any errors and allowing a different approach which can be tested and modified if needed they bitterly cling to their prior false claims and use all their energies to vilify and sabotage the opposition insisting they and only they are qualified to govern and nothing must be done until they are rightfully returned to power.

Democracy only works in a civil society The Germans learned this, and having no First Amendment, have banned the Nazi party and won't allow hate merchants such as we have on FAUX and with Limbaugh on their airways. I support the first Amendment but we damned well better use it to denounce,and I say it without exaggeration, these fascist pigs for who and what they are.

Well said.

You go boy!

Our side generally adheres and appeals to the triumph of reason over ignorance and prejudice. We value a loyal opposition as critical to, and an expression of a pluralist society. We have faith that in the open marketplace of ideas, the best and most intelligent will hold sway over the electorate.

But reason does not animate the opposition.

Instead demagogues and the corrupt manipulate the fears, prejudices and ignorance of the voters. The opposition has no stake in the open marketplace of ideas as a value. Instead, it is a cudgel to beat and abuse opponents - and the system it purports to support and protect.

Which is why our side must not respond in a genteel fashion. It needs a smashmouth response to their lies, corruption, stupidity and prejudice.

So when the teabag/birthers, manipulated by demagogues, voice their prejudices and inadequacies, - CHALLENGE THEM WITHOUT APOLOGY; IF STUPID, SAY SO; IF PREJUDICED, SAY SO.

EF the polite debate.

Once called out, the onus is on them
to support their facts and ideas - with bonus points if they can do so in proper English.