So That Senior Vote...

One can respect one's elders without necessarily thinking they're very smart, right? I mean, when you analyze the midterm elections, it's pretty clear that the over 65 set voted almost 60/40 in favor of their neighborhood Republican, and that this is what tipped the balance of the House so strongly in their favor. (I tweeted exit poll results on this yesterday).

The same neighborhood Republican that wants to cut and gut Social Security. Like they tried to do in 2006.

And then there's our old friend Grover Norquist who promises this time, Republicans can actually benefit from shutting down the government. Because Fox News is around to explain to seniors, veterans and the disabled why their checks aren't coming, according to him.

I don't normally ascribe to the destroy-the-village-to-save-it theory, but perhaps, like 1995, a shutdown would get the point across to at least some of these voters. And make sure Senator Jim DeMint(R) is front and center. 25% of South Carolina's economy comes courtesy of federal funding. If the tap is cut off long enough, perhaps it might motivate that backwater* to do some thinking about who they elect to public office.

When you shut down the government in the name of an issue that only 4% of Americans consider a priority, it doesn't end well, even if you have a television network that's nothing but a continuous PR arm for your party. When you vote against your own self interests for a party that makes it clear you aren't a priority, you get what you deserve, not what you expect. A live lesson that some of us learn at earlier ages than others, apparently.

But by all means, Republicans, try it.

*With apologies to Charleston.