Window on the Repub mind: "Ask America" survey

[spinbaby]

I got my hands on something called the “ASK AMERICA 2004 Nationwide Policy Survey.” This survey was evidentially sent out to Republican contributors by the Republican National Congressional Committee.

Many questions are quite ordinary: “Are you pleased with the quality of health care you currently receive?” Some questions are designed to form opinion rather than solicit it: “Did the Clinton administration go too far in cutting back America’s defense and intelligence capabilities--particularly American troop strength and preparedness?”

But what’s really interesting are the questions that appear to be probing hard-core Republican supporters to see what they’ll put up with. Will our supporters balk at invading Syria or not? Will they support national ID cards if we sell it correctly? Will they get impatient if the war goes on too long? Where is the breaking point?

Among the questions on the survey:

“Do you support President Bush in his efforts to wipe out terrorism even if this war goes on for many years?”

“Do you think American troops should pursue terrorists and their leaders even if it means going into countries where we are not invited?”

“Should America broaden the war on terrorism into other countries that harbor and aid terrorists such as Thailand, Syria, Somalia, the Philippines, etc.?”

“Some critics say that in tracking down potential foreign terrorists, the FBI and other investigative agencies are infringing on individuals’ Constitutional rights. Do you think this is reasonable if it leads to exposing more terrorists in our country?”

[aquart]

1. They want to invade Thailand?????

What the hell's in Thailand?

Except incredible sapphires, sex of any kind, and AIDS.

[calimary]

2. Oh well, the sex of any kind! Well then, we GOTTA go to Thailand and

wipe that out. Religiosos get yer bags packed and yer guns loaded! We'll kill a heathen for Christ, right?

[dawn]

4. Well, Jemaah Islamiyah has representation in southern Thailand

But how ridiculous for the RNC to suggest that we should go into Thailand! The Thai government already has their own anti-terrorist task forces. They hardly "harbor and aid" terrorists. Unbelievable.

This group was responsible for the Bali bombings in Indonesia...they want to make a Muslim state in SE Asia.

When I went there last June, the U.S. government and Thai authorities had just captured a member of that group in Bangkok. Apparently, he had planned to bomb nightclubs in Bangkok that Westerners frequented.

Muslims, who I think are the majority in southern Thailand, are second-class citizens in the country. Of course, most of them are peaceful, but the Jemaah Islamiyah movement has attracted its share of followers.

[slor]

3. Wow...

Scan and post!

[spinbaby]

5. I don't know how

But I could ship it snail mail to Skinner if he's willing to put the thing up. Is that some kind of copyright infringement?

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

6. "Would you support having your child drafted

and killed for the purpose of making Bush's* supporters richer?"

[pscot]

7. Would you support having someone elses child drafted and killed

To make yourself richer?