It's Not Optional, Stupid

It's the redheaded step child syndrome. Everyone acts like, had ANYONE come up with these actions, the NRA would still react badly to them...even the ones they initially suggested. I don't believe that's true at all. If anyone *except* President Obama laid these out...other than some grumbling over a few items...they'd have been like, "Ya know...these are sensible and I'm glad to see they listened to what we said. We're not fans of some of these and we should talk about those...but otherwise, good job!"

The level of disdain, even when it's subdued, is always palpable. I think the fringe is under the impression that President Obama is always unnecessarily shielded from deserving criticism from political fan boys. While I'll admit every admin has them...the fringe can't delineate between fan boys and the average public calling them out for hyper criticism, even of the most mundane. If President Obama was involved...it's bad...it's always bad. There's always a pitfall, always something non-benevolent hidden...and even when there's nothing to actually point towards...they'll point anyway. Even a positive, can have a negative...if you're willing to tear it down to sub-atomic levels...and they do it, gladly. It goes beyond party politics and ideological uber supporters.

Case in point. It's no secret that I was no fan of G.W. I didn't vote for him in either election. That said, he was my President. I called him out when I felt he made poor policy decisions and I applauded him when I felt he made good ones. Sure, I might have had a party line bug up my ass, because he wasn't the guy I wanted in office...but my critiques weren't powered by my ideology...and I wasn't "breaking ranks" when I agreed favorably with something he did. Even the most rabid, devoted sports fan, can wipe the mouth foam away and admit when their rivals pull out a good play. "I hate to admit it, but fuck, that play? Jesus Christ. That was a thing of beauty! Damnit man!"

But this new crop of political fringe? Oh heeeellllll no. If President Obama jumped through the front window of their mothers burning house and got her out, jumped back in and saved her dog, jumped back in and grabbed all the family pictures off the wall, made it back out and lay there on the ground with second and 3rd degree burns on his body, asking the mother if she and the dog were alright...the son arriving at the scene would say, "What? You didn't get the DVR? My Mom's 4 favorite shows she was going to watch tonight were on there! THANKS Obam'er!"

These individuals aren't just hyper partisan, they've gone to plaid.