Why Are Democrats Fighting Over Republican Ideas?




Remember, in middle school, when a group of guys would (stupidly) pit two “lesser” guys against each other and goad them into fighting? They’d tell them to “play fight” in order to gather a crowd, perhaps even offer some kind of “reward”, knowing full well that once they got going, once the juices started to flow, one of them would go just a little too far, piss the other guy off, and off they’d spin into a full blown fight. 

FIGHT! FIGHT! 


They orchestrated those fights between their classmates. Often classmates they’d known since kindergarten. They weren’t taught to do that (as far as I could tell at the time), they just did it. Someone must have suggested it, and not one of us said, “Nah, guys, that’s not cool to do that to our classmates. Someone could really get hurt.” 


Nope. By doing nothing, we all went along. And enjoyed it. Because, we were young and we were stupid. 


Today, Republicans are the masters at using this technique of getting others to fight over their ideas. 


Case in point: This notion of implementing means testing for the covid relief checks. 


A group of 10 Republicans sat down with Biden, and from that meeting Democrats are now considering adding means testing to their covid relief bill. So, now the Democrats have placed themselves in the position of fighting with fellow Democrats, over a Republican proposal, as the Republicans sit back and hope this “civil” fight turns into a real fight.


And for what? What can the Democrats possible gain from this intra-party "discussion"? 


Let’s say we give the Republicans the exact level of means testing they’re asking for. Will that move ANY of their votes on the bill? Even ONE?


Of course not.


So, why are we falling for this middle school playground trick, once again? Why are we taking THEIR idea, which they will NEVER vote for, and arguing with each other how best to implement it? (see: ACA)


If someone doesn’t want/need their relief check, provide them with a quick and easy way to donate it to their charity of choice. Turn it into an Act of Patriotism. Give Back To America, we can call it. Whatever.


But, please forgo any energy spent on meeting the Republicans halfway. All it does it get us halfway from where we need to go.


We certainly didn't "means test" the trillion dollar tax cut, so why are we means testing relief checks?


Full covid checks for everyone. Now.

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