Progressives Team up With the Tea Party in Georgia

http://blog.buzzflash.com/node/13602

Submitted by mark karlin on Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:21am. 

EditorBlog

MARK KARLIN, EDITOR OF BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

On July 5, BuzzFlash wrote a commentary on the possibility of occasionally finding common ground with groups that are normally oppositional. It was entitled, "Don't Laugh: There Are a Few Little Ledges of Common Ground with the Right Wing and Gun Zealots."

The piece also included the invitation by right wing fundraiser Richard Viguerie for the left to team up with the right to oppose domestic drone use.

The column didn't receive an overwhelming response. Perhaps because it is easier to dislike those we disagree with in general than to agree with them on a few issues while still objecting to the majority of their social and political viewpoints.

Yet, in this dysfunctional economic, social and political climate, maybe there really is something to be said for putting aside differences when alliances based on a common goal or two can create a majority.

Such is the real life example happening in Georgia where Common Cause is teaming up with the Tea Party in that state to campaign for a cap on lobbyist gifts to lawmakers. As the Republic Report details, Georgia is currently one of only three states that allows unlimited gift giving to state elected officials.

It's not easy to get legislators to give up their perks.

So the head of Common Cause in Georgia and some Tea Party "Patriots" are jointly embarking on a four-day bus tour labeled "The Ethics Express."

Maybe we need to hold our noses on occasion and recognize some common ground, however small a patch it may be, in order to accomplish goals for the common good.

It probably won't be happening often, but it is happening in Georgia.