A Republican Cootie Infestation
And Other Imagined Rights And Wrongs
I’ve found that it’s rather rare to encounter people who are familiar with the concept of dichotomies and how the concept affects our perception of everything around us, including inter-human events. This election season may be the best illustration of this phenomenon we’ll ever have. The far right Congressional Freedom caucus is the prime example.
Let’s start with a plausible explanation for the dichotomy concept. In language, we use opposites to communicate ideas. The opposites we use most often do not actually exist in the real world. They exist only in our definitions of perception. An example is mom and dad, which is often our first perceived dichotomy. Mom and dad are not opposites. They may oppose each other, but that’s another story. I have it on good authority that moms and dads are all one-offs. They’re really not even opposite sexes. They are both expressions of humanity. Day is not the opposite of night. One has light and the other doesn’t, unless you count the moon in your eyes. And so on. Good and bad are real mindbusters. Right and wrong, don’t ask. Righteous and ungodly? How much time do you got? Now, to the crux of this matter. Republicans are not the opposite of Democrats. No shit!
Like mom and dad they can oppose each other, but they are not opposites. They are two sides of the same coin. Both sides have the effect of course-correcting the other. Should either side gain total control, the ship of state will only circle endlessly in the uncertainty of undefined pasts. To sail any ship, the captain will tack one way then the other to zig-zag his way toward destinations. We could think of the government apparatus as having been designed to allow for exactly such tacking through uncertain futures should we but follow the clues the past has left for us to follow into the future. But success in this endeavor relies on two political parties who are dedicated to the continuing advancement of the country as a whole and individuals in particular.
This is where the dichotomy concepts begin to come to light. If we refer, in our minds, to Republicans and Democrats as opposites, then it is surprisingly easy to leap to the unbelievable conclusion that whatever “they’re” having would just be too racy for proper old folks like us. We would have indigestion all night and wouldn’t sleep a wink. In other words, we are nearly forced to refuse to agree with what the other side proposes, because it might have cooties. Politicians are not that honest because they always say it’s for the purpose of wrapping themself in the American flag while eating mom’s apple pie. But what they mean is the other side has cooties.
That whole impeach Joe Biden thing the Republicans were crowing about a week or so back was not real. All they were trying to prove was that Joe has as many cooties as their guy. Apparently those folks never went to the right schools. Once a kid has cooties they have it forever. They frigging graduate with cooties. Not even teachers will shake hands with them. DJ Trump has cooties. Everyday, more and more people are hearing about his cooties and are saying things like, “Damn, I thought it was the elephants in the parade, but it’s coming from Cootie Boy up there on the stage bitching about his fantasy reality again. Whew!!! My eyes are burning.” The Republican Dons have heard the word on the street. DJ has cooties. No one will back his half-billion dollar bond.
It’s fairly safe to say that anyone who put on a red hat in the last 7 or 8 years may very well have cooties. Of course, when Marge and Matt and Tommy and Mike and Lindsey and Greg and Ron and Sarah and Rand and Ted and Josh and the lesser luminaries of the Loonies come down out of the clouds, painted by all encompassing MAGA fantasies, they may find themselves to be less popular than they’ve been led to believe in their own imaginations. I sincerely believe that the dichotomy of right and wrong as it relates to heaven or hell is an impetus for movements of swaths of neural activity well below the levels of conscious awareness.
Take this issue of abortion as an example here. The old white guy caucus is pretty damned sure it’s a sin. If it’s a sin then, “I damned sure ain’t gonna screw with my chances of making it to heaven because some trashy little girl can’t keep an aspirin between her legs.” Besides, there are more than one or two of those old white guys who buy into their wives’ regrets of not having the courage to have done more than talk a good game back in high school. They both are victims of other than conscious influence exerted by the very language we use to explain the difference between concepts with dichotomies. Neither can see a circumstance where the girl in question is ignorant, not wantonly evil. Yet her ignorance is on full display and that is not evil. It’s easily cured with education. The obvious solution is not available to those who are blinded by dichotomies. People are not divided by good people and evil people. People are real and real is hard to divide.
If there is a division in people, it could be the difference between someone who is capable of ever-widening abstractions and someone who has a set of abstractions, thank you, and should they ever find a need for a new set they have your number. Boy, do they have your number. The people who are likely to have ever-widening abstractions in their thinking are most likely looking at the probabilities the future offers as opposed to rehashing the past to find why it did not function the way it was imagined. Without the understanding of dichotomy concepts which underlie our perceptions, rehashing the past results in accumulating frustrations. When frustrations become overwhelming, people often react as though those frustrations are actual threats. We mammal-types all react to threats with fleeing, fighting, or freezing. Young people often react to threats with fighting fists and will probably forget to ask questions later. When the old white guy caucus does that in unison you have to wonder what the devil’s gotten into them.
They know that what goes on in bedrooms across America is none of their business, but because of their nosey old ladies they have to legislate against what they deem correct? Or is it really because they actually think they can force-breed a white race of babies to populate American economic growth? MagaMike has said as much. I don’t think MagaMike has his finger on the pulse of American thought, however. I mean, think about this. The Guy is actually financially involved in an amusement park kind of idea that is based on Noah’s Ark. He is so afraid of his own sexuality he tries to keep anyone from “becoming” gay. He does what he’s told to do by a guy who is spending himself out of existence. All because the poor guy doesn’t seem to understand that his fear is generated by he himself. He’s the only one in the world who’s telling him that he’ll go to hell if he uses his dick wrong. That does not apply to his head or his hands or his position of Speaker. But this is the guy we all are trusting to lead us in the aftermath of a disaster which takes out the President and the Vice President. Now THAT’S a threat. I don’t know if I want to run away or just stand here and scream. Any suggestions? Neither one has produced any results, by the way.
This blog was first published on March 30, 2024.
The Wright’s View is a blog written by John Worthington and is presented by The Business of Forging Agreement.
For additional content in a daily email format, I invite you to subscribe to “The Wright’s View” on Substack. I write about the folly of the current political goings-on from outside of what the media presents in the hope of giving anyone who reads my blogs another vantage point to see beyond the minutiae of the everyday.
About the Creator
John Worthington
As a published author/teacher, I draw on those experiences in my writing and use satire to introduce spiritual concepts through a contemporary political lens.
Keep reading
More stories from John Worthington and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
The Thinly Veiled Racism of the Republican Orange Boy Fantasy
My daddy told me one time when I was knee-high to a grasshopper–okay it was a really big grasshopper–that I would do well to look a man in the eye when he paid me. I was not to take my pay by reaching behind my back to get it. In time I learned that to do as he instructed, it was necessary to do my work as he had instructed me too. His only instruction about work was, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” Right meant that not only was work to be done to a standard higher than a client could reach himself and to be done efficiently and, obviously, so that it could not be done better in the same time by anyone. It could be done as well, but if someone could do it better, the job just wasn’t done yet. I’ve found in my brief sojourn here in this world that the old man knew what he was talking about.
By John Worthingtonabout a year ago in The Swamp
China Presses European Countries to Bar Taiwan Politicians or Face Crossing a ‘Red Line’
China has intensified diplomatic pressure on European countries, warning them against engaging with Taiwanese politicians and threatening consequences for those who cross what Beijing describes as a “red line.” The move highlights growing tensions between China, Taiwan, and Europe, and places European governments in an increasingly uncomfortable position as they try to balance economic interests, democratic values, and geopolitical realities. At the heart of the issue lies Taiwan’s contested status. China considers the self-governed island a breakaway province and insists that no country should treat it as a sovereign state. Taiwan, meanwhile, operates as a vibrant democracy with its own elected government, military, and economy—and seeks greater international engagement. Beijing’s Warning to Europe According to diplomats and officials familiar with recent exchanges, Chinese authorities have delivered clear messages to multiple European governments: hosting Taiwanese politicians, allowing official visits, or engaging in high-level political dialogue could be interpreted as a violation of the “One China” principle. Beijing has framed these actions as provocations that challenge its territorial integrity. The phrase “red line” carries particular weight in Chinese diplomacy, signaling that retaliation—economic, political, or diplomatic—may follow if the warning is ignored. While China has long opposed formal ties between Taiwan and foreign governments, the current pressure campaign appears more coordinated and direct than in the past, reflecting Beijing’s heightened sensitivity amid rising global tensions. Why Europe Is Being Targeted Europe occupies a strategic middle ground in global geopolitics. Many European Union countries maintain strong trade relationships with China while also sharing democratic values with Taiwan. Beijing appears determined to prevent Europe from drifting closer to Taipei, especially as the United States deepens its support for the island. Recent visits by Taiwanese parliamentary delegations to Europe, as well as growing cooperation in technology, education, and trade, have alarmed Chinese officials. From Beijing’s perspective, even symbolic political engagement risks legitimizing Taiwan on the international stage. Europe’s internal diversity also makes it an attractive target. While some countries adopt a cautious approach to China, others have become more outspoken about human rights and democratic solidarity, creating potential cracks Beijing hopes to exploit. Taiwan’s Expanding Diplomatic Outreach Taiwan has increasingly sought to strengthen informal ties with Europe, emphasizing shared values such as democracy, rule of law, and freedom of expression. Taiwanese politicians argue that dialogue with Europe does not violate international norms, as most interactions fall short of formal diplomatic recognition. For Taiwan, these engagements are vital. With limited official allies worldwide, informal partnerships help the island counter diplomatic isolation and showcase its role as a responsible global actor, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, public health, and technology. China, however, views even non-official interactions as part of a gradual erosion of its claim over Taiwan. Europe’s Difficult Balancing Act European governments now face a complex dilemma. On one hand, China is a major trading partner, and many economies depend on access to Chinese markets. On the other, public opinion across Europe has grown more skeptical of Beijing, particularly after concerns over human rights, economic coercion, and security risks. Barring Taiwanese politicians outright would raise uncomfortable questions about freedom of association and political autonomy—values Europe prides itself on defending. At the same time, openly defying Beijing risks diplomatic fallout, including reduced trade, canceled dialogues, or targeted economic measures. Some countries have responded by quietly downgrading visits or reframing them as unofficial exchanges, while others insist they will not accept external pressure dictating whom they can or cannot host. Broader Geopolitical Implications China’s warnings to Europe reflect a broader shift toward more assertive diplomacy. Analysts say Beijing is signaling that neutrality on Taiwan is no longer sufficient—countries are expected to actively avoid actions China considers supportive of Taipei. This approach may backfire. Heavy-handed pressure could push European nations closer to the United States and strengthen calls within the EU for a more unified and values-driven China policy. The situation also underscores Taiwan’s growing importance in global geopolitics. As tensions between China and Western nations escalate, Taiwan has become a focal point in debates over democracy, sovereignty, and the future of the international order. What Comes Next? Much will depend on how Europe responds collectively. A coordinated EU stance could reduce China’s ability to pressure individual countries, while fragmented responses may leave smaller states vulnerable. For now, most European governments are walking a careful line—engaging with Taiwan quietly while avoiding overt provocations. Whether this strategy can hold amid intensifying global rivalry remains uncertain. Conclusion China’s push to bar Taiwanese politicians from Europe marks a new chapter in the struggle over Taiwan’s international space. By drawing red lines, Beijing hopes to reinforce its claims and deter foreign engagement. Yet the strategy risks alienating European partners who are increasingly wary of external pressure. As Europe navigates this diplomatic tightrope, its choices will not only shape relations with China and Taiwan but also signal how firmly it stands by its own democratic principles in an era of rising geopolitical tension.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 2 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.