I am currently involved in a discussion with a neighbor of mine which I find particularly disturbing. In her words, she’d like to see the entire Middle East made into a sandbox. Let’s just ignore the fact that most of the Middle East IS a sandbox and move on to the more important point. She can’t tell me why. Seriously. She can only say that we should bomb the entire Middle East, but she cannot come up with a reason why we should work towards eliminating an entire race of people. Does that not sound a little bit like young members of the SS who “knew” the Jews should be eliminated, but could not give reasons for their beliefs?
When questioned, she refuses to discuss it, saying that she’s entitled to her own opinion. While this is true, when did Americans stop basing their opinions on actual information? When did they completely abandon reason for the rantings of some lunatic on Fox News? More importantly, why are those of us who are actually doing research, educating ourselves, and forming opinions based on reality being so incredibly politically correct and entertaining the complete idiocy of these people? I don’t know why I believed that when President Bush left office somehow these Backwoods Republicans would magically grow a brain. I’m embarrassed at my own idealism.
Constant Scholars 
Certainly she’s allowed her opinion. What she’s not allowed is to act upon that opinion (though I suppose she doesnt really have the power to anything about it, except through being a member of The Mob).
As for Bush, the Republicans have actually gotten worse since then. Hard to imagine that Bush was a moderating influence on the GOP, but it seems that perhaps he was (notwithstanding the Derangement Syndrome that seems to affect conservatives anytime a Democrat gains any kind of power).
The truly scary part, you’re right, is that Republicans have gotten MUCH worse since then – less willing to compromise, less able to discuss or see merit in opposing opinions, less willing to be tolerant of others. If Bush WAS a moderatinginfluence on the Republicans we should all be VERY afraid! As a teacher, I feel like it’s a colossal failure on the part of the school system that so many Americans feel it’s natural to assert baseless opinions.