tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598697.post8605834257274586244..comments2024-03-25T20:16:34.043-05:00Comments on Gibberish: To summarize...Jayme Lynn Blaschkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02919766841748858790noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598697.post-42481761385029908902009-09-04T13:54:45.751-05:002009-09-04T13:54:45.751-05:00In a word, Newt Gingrich. The current polarization...In a word, Newt Gingrich. The current polarization can be traced directly back to Newt Gingrich and the political housecleaning of '94. Until then, most congressmen moved with their families to Washington when elected. They were next door neighbors, went to church together, PTA, had backyard barbecues, the whole nine yards. They were friends and colleagues, regardless of party affiliation.<br /><br />Gingrich mandated all incoming Republican congressmen maintain their in-state residence, ostensibly to keep in contact with those they represent, because railing against "Inside the beltway Washington" was part of what propelled them to victory. The upshot, though, was that cross-party friendships and relationships didn't develop, and it became exceedingly easy to demonize the person and policies on the other side of the aisle. Both parties, I'm sad to see, are continuing this legacy today despite Obama's calls for a civil tone.Jayme Lynn Blaschkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02919766841748858790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6598697.post-48843511847391101512009-09-04T12:24:22.858-05:002009-09-04T12:24:22.858-05:00What's happened to this country?What's happened to this country?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02350478005243505108noreply@blogger.com