The Cognitive Dissonance of the Left

5 hypocrisies the recent union protests reveal in the Democratic agenda;

1. The Party of "No"
How many times did Democrats say congressional Republicans were the party of No during the healthcare debate? That the obstructionism was against the will of the American people? And yet, Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin are heralded as heroes when they flee the state and don't show up for work, in order to prevent the passage of a law.

2. Let's Keep the Conversation Civil
When a couple signs cropped up in Tea Party rallies comparing Obama to Hitler, the Democrats would have you believe Hitler himself was speaking at the rally. After the horrible events at Tucson last month, right-wing talkers were initially blamed for the hyperbole of their talk and it's potential for violence. Civility was called for.

And yet, signs with Hitler, targets on the Governor's forehead, and analogies to rape have been witnessed at this week's union protest. The Republican Speaker's family was forced out of their house for fear of the protesters that showed up on their front lawn.


3. Astroturf
For every Tea Party, there were 5 accusations of "astroturfing," the act of groups busing people in to make their cause look bigger. Or, shady corporate interests were blamed for a fake grassroots campaign. Yet, a number of the protesters in Madison were bussed in from Illinois (maybe to make up for the missing legislators?). Obama's own volunteer network, Organizing for America, is encouraging people to join in and organizing buses to get people there. That said, does the President want the Governors of the country to "fail"?

4. Put the Kids First
Teachers always fall back on the fact that they teach because they love it, and I'm sure you, like me, have had some great ones. I'm also sure you can remember some teachers who should have been let go years ago. That said, why are teachers forcing schools to close? Do they not care about the kids? When Obama called for more funding for school meal programs, it was so the kids don't go hungry. How many growling stomachs are there today because kids don't get their subsidized school meal? How many parents are losing a day's wages because they have to stay home with their kids this week? Because the teachers don't want to contribute to their pensions and healthcare.

It would seem the unions think schools are designed to employ people, not teach the kids.

5. To Debate or Not to Debate
Obama famously said in a meeting with Republicans "I won". Compromise over the health care bill occurred only within the Democratic caucus, which was large after the 2008 elections. People said "what did you expect, Obama campaigned on health care reform." Yet, after clear victories for Republican governors and state legislators, the unions are stunned that these politicians are actually trying to balance the budget. Elections have consequences.