What's the problem, "Republi-can't-s?"

Republicans are all about limited government, lower taxes and a love for the free market. As we all know, after a rally around tea party extremism on issues along those lines in 2010, this last election cycle was none too kind to Republicans. And this past six-week period of negotiations around the "fiscal cliff" has shown deep rifts in the relationships within the Republican party.

But really, what's all the fuss about? Congress just made the Bush tax cuts permanent for everyone except the richest among us. Isn't that the kind of huge tax win that Republicans should be trumpeting as a victory for the middle class against the corrupt tax and spend Democrats?

I mean, I understand the need to push for tax breaks and deductions for those with millions and millions to spend on lobbying or election donations, but it seems like a no-brainer to celebrate somehow when something you pushed for ten years ago becomes a permanent fixture. Instead, Republicans seem willing to let it fracture their party and shake the credibility of their leadership. Speaker Boehner got dozens of votes against him to continue as speaker, and Senate minority leader McConnell  needed to call in VP Joe Biden just to find someone he could work with on the recent deal.

2013 will bring up plenty more financial issues, but also important votes on immigration and guns. Will there be more obstructionism and issues?

“Republicans will get their mojo back when they define themselves as the party of economic growth and upward mobility,” said Gov. Mitch Daniels of Indiana, and I tend to agree with him, as those are foundational parts of the "hope" every American harbors.

But until the "Republi-can't-s" come around and align their social views with the shifting realities of America, any economic message is lost on the general public. Strangely, the most prominent Republican making a move in the direction of tolerance is Newt Gingrich, who recently said of his party in regard to same-sex marriage:

“Walking around and pretending it doesn’t exist just means you’re going to become irrelevant."

Well, we certainly wouldn't want that to happen.

Image courtesy of nilsrinaldi via flicker