This week, House Republicans excitedly announced the America Speaking Out project, a website to solicit ideas from Americans to craft GOP policies. “[W]e’re…asking you to join us in building a new policy agenda for our country,” said Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). “On this site, we hope you’ll share your ideas. Let us know what your priorities are for a new governing agenda.” The site, like Republicans’ other gimmicky attempts to use new media to superficially engage with the public, was widely mocked and immediately filled with suggestions like tattooing a large “I” on undocumented immigrants.
While the “Terrorism Abroad” section is filled with many ridiculous suggestions (e.g. “we need to employ some of those invincible black knights from Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and “We need to train an army of Ninja Cats”), some progressive ideas — such as repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — are receiving the most votes. Some examples:
In the Defense/Military section, top suggestions include “Reduce the military budget drastically” and “Get out of Iraq now!!!” There are very very few constructive conservative ideas on the site, and it’s likely that Republicans have stopped listening to what the public is saying in response to their stunt by now.
Republicans may have anticipated this outcome. McCarthy said that the GOP will still stick to its “principles” — meaning they won’t incorporate any idea they don’t already agree with.
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