As a child, we used to enjoy spinning in circles and then trying to stand still. The world would keep spinning; it was dizzying. As I got older, I would enjoy the same disorientation from the loop-the-loops on roller coasters. I've been getting that same sensation lately watching and listening to Republican "leaders", pundits, and other right-wing loudmouths talk in circles and contradict themselves in spectacular ways. Whether it's healthcare reform, immigration reform, or Wall St. reform, the contradictions are breath-taking. Let's take these in order...

Health care reform was one of the most contentious hard-fought battles in Congress in recent memory. It took an incredible push and test of wills on the Democrats side of the aisle to get the bill out of committee, out of both houses, and onto the president's desk. Every Republican to a man (and woman) voted against it - every single one. That isn't stopping Senator Grassley (R-IA) from taking credit for it. He is actually trying to take credit for health care reform changes that he voted against. And it's not just that - he is taking credit for improvements to Medicare after trying to claim that the changes would result in "death panels" in Medicare, changes he voted against.

*** wheeeee ***

The new law in Arizona is a doozy. According to proponents of the law, it was necessary because the current law wasn't being enforced by the federal government. So in response, the party of "small government" and "returning to the Constitution" has created a law that likely violates the 4th amendment and "equal protection". Got that? They created a big anti-Constitution Big Government law because Big Government wasn't doing enough.

Of course - the most effective way to curtail illegal immigration is to go after the businesses that hire them. No job prospects - no one coming here looking for work. So why didn't the law go after cause of the problem? Because they don't really want to get rid of their cheap labor.

That hasn't stopped some lawmakers from trying to enact some immigration reform. Sen McCain worked on it, remember? Considering all of the outrage over the AZ law, it would seem like this is a slam dunk, right? Of course not - Republican senators are now voting against the same immigration reform they used to be in favor of.

In summary - Republicans who hate Federal Government created a law in response to lack of action on immigration by the Federal government at the same time that Republicans in the federal government are voting against taking action on immigration.

*** wheeeee ***

Back in fall of 2008, the banking and Wall St. meltdown was first and foremost on everyone's minds. The phrase "too big to fail" was coined in response to these huge venerable financial institutions that had gambled and lost. Then-president Bush proposed a bailout for them. The debate was contentious, but in the end it passed, thanks to 33 out of 48 Republicans voting YEA for it.

Fast-forward one and half years, and the teabaggers are spitting mad over "Obama's" bailout of the banks. In response, the Republicans are suddenly against it too. So naturally, when Goldman-Sachs executives are testifying on the hill about a bunch of emails that implicate the company for betting against the success of the products they were selling, you would think that they would be in favor of cracking down on these scumbags.

Sadly, no... The Republicans have now voted twice to block debate of the bill on the Senate floor. Apparently (again against their claims), they want to keep the bill in committee where it is still subject to the kind of backroom deals they purport to be against. Up or down vote?

*** wheeeee ***

My head is spinning trying to keep up with all of these position changes... I think I'm getting dizzy...