Since my book was published in hardcover (Beacon Press, 2013), in paperback (2014) and on ebook, I've worked non-stop to tell my story and warn Democrats, Progressives, Liberals (and anyone else who'd listen) that the radical right has taken control of the GOP. I recognized that the "NEW" GOP talking points, rolled out by the Tea Party and mainstream Republicans are old recycled 1960s extremism, the kind preached by the John Birch Society. Because I was a witness to the rise of the Birch society -- being only 14 when I became a member -- I was sure that my story would resonate with Americans all over the country.
I've had a first-hand, personal experience with the "hands over ears" of the left. So many well-meaning folks can't grasp these realities:
1. The right is never kidding, never retreating, and never constrained by facts.
2. The right will, absolutely, dismantle every bit of progressive legislation from 1913 to the present.
3. The right has sold the idea that government is our biggest problem. And they've done this with almost no pushback from the left.
4. The right are radical extremists and they have a big tent for a host of folks. They specifically target certain issues to grab a specific audience and keep them in the GOP. For example: anti-abortion, anti tax, anti-healthcare, anti-civil rights, anti-education, and on and on.
Today's radical right has re-packaged old John Birch Society conspiracy theories, paranoia, hate, and fear and wrapped the whole stinking mess in phony Christianity. Armed with this snake oil, they've taken over most of the GOP and 60% of the states. Extremism has gone mainstream and the left is still convinced that we can "work" with these people.
It's impossible to find common ground with people who want to slash the government without regard to the impact on real people.
The people running the GOP and the Koch network are not conservatives or compassionate. They are dangerous extremists.
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