Reply #44: Simple...Republicans are bullies...

[regnaD kciN]

...it's just their nature -- they need to show themselves as "strong," and the easiest way to do that is to beat up on someone who they think will be unable or unwilling to fight back.

That's why I once wrote, in a "Modest Proposal" post, that every progressive and Democrat should get a gun and learn how to use it. Republicans are far more likely to treat you with respect if they think you'll "fight back" in a way they would think of themselves.