This evening, John asks why states with clear “red” majorities aren’t “redder” (by that he means more directly… punitive, against non-conformity to a whyte x-tain nationalist world-view).

He seems to think that only wanton, intentional cruelty (against anyone who won’t toe the repressive / GOP, profit-at-all-costs line) is the defining characteristic of the hard right red GOP.

While I won’t spend a lot of time on it… John is old enough to know that there was a time when at least some in power in the GOP wished to offer compassion as a virtue.

No longer — for at least 20 years.

Good luck — you’ll win no more national elections, son.

Cheers.