(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . The GOP's political sadism [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.', 'Backgroundurl Avatar_Large', 'Nickname', 'Joined', 'Created_At', 'Story Count', 'N_Stories', 'Comment Count', 'N_Comments', 'Popular Tags'] Date: 2023-02-02 Republicans, power-crazed and morals-free, are indifferent to the health of their base. If liberals warn of a health hazard, conservative politicians accuse them of big-government, freedom-crushing overreach. In the right-wing universe, to be a "Real American," you must ignore any federal advice, no matter who gets hurt. How many MAGAs died unnecessarily because Republican politicians banned mask mandates while dismissing COVID vaccinations as ineffective? Did any of these cynics blush while spreading junk science on magical cures? I am sure none visited the ICUs where people who trusted them lay dying. Gas stoves are the latest battleground for right-wing, freedom whiners. Republican hysteria started after the EPA and WHO identified potential health problems caused by this kitchen appliance. As Bloomberg reported , “Natural gas stoves, which are used in about 40% of homes in the US, emit air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter at levels the EPA and World Health Organization have said are unsafe and linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and other health conditions, according to reports by groups such as the Institute for Policy Integrity and the American Chemical Society.” Then the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that this house appliance might sicken kids by exacerbating asthma. Richard Trumka Jr., an agency commissioner, said in an interview. “This is a hidden hazard. Products that can’t be made safe can be banned.” OMG. Within a single news cycle, the bullshit hit the fan as the conservative outrage machine kicked into high gear. Cable Cassandras joined DC doomsayers to add gas stoves to guns and Bibles on the “things liberals are going to grab” list. Tassel-loafered, culture warrior Ron DeSantis, drawn like an opportunist to a science-denier convention, waddled to the nearest microphone. There Ron promised that if “they” tried to confiscate Florida Man’s gas stove, they would have to go through him. And to increase audience participation, he said he would incentivize Floridians to ignore both their own and their kids' health. Yesterday, DeSantis rolled out his "Framework for Freedom" budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. A highlight of this proselytizing disguised as a fiscal measure was a sales tax exemption on the purchase of gas stoves — which his office boasted would keep these indoor polluters "free from federal overreach in Florida." What a warrior. He will own the libs while Floridians get sick. Fortunately for the state's residents, it will not be as bad as it could be, as Floridians are the least likely Americans to cook with gas . Only 8% of households in the state have a gas stove. But proportionality is not in the conservative zealot's vocabulary. We should not be surprised. DeSantis is a typical Republican. He does not consider health and safety if he can score political points. At no point during the gas stove tempest-in-a-teapot did Ron consider the science behind the potential health consequences. A responsible leader would demand answers. And if the evidence showed federal scientists were guilty of excessive caution, then say so. And offer proof. If DeSantis, using informed and sober judgment, concluded that gas stoves are insufficiently harmful to be regulated, so be it. But to encourage their use by making them cheaper than alternatives is an example of the government picking winners and losers. Hardly a role dedicated free marketeers would assign it. In this case, DeSantis’s wilful dismissal of the facts will likely not kill many children. However, it is not the same for school kids threatened by homicidal gunmen. Since the Columbine massacre, there have been 62 fatal school shootings . And the GOP has done nothing to stop angry young men from acquiring guns. Worse, as a country, we have made it easier for dangerous people to arm themselves. Republicans allowed the ban on semi-automatic weapons, the Brady Bill, to expire. And red states have done all they can to make gun ownership easier than buying cigarettes. While a conservative Supreme Court has told blue states to stop passing sensible gun restrictions And children die. Making things worse, the GOP shows no appetite to pay even for the programs they promise American parents will keep their school-age children safe — arming teachers in up-armored scholastic fortresses, guarded by gun-toting “resource officers”. The Republican disregard for health and life is everywhere. It can be seen in the steadfast refusal of 12 states — including Florida — to roll out Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion. Every other developed country sees universal healthcare as a social mandate. In America, one political party uses opposition to it as a vote-getter. Sadly, they seem to be on to something. After all, they are often elected and re-elected. The GOP has no interest in doing what is best for the citizen. Instead, these shameless opportunists bamboozle the uninformed voter with culture war nonsense. And role out propaganda that paints liberal policies, designed to improve the length and quality of the citizens' lives, as liberty-destroying socialist tyranny. It is sociopathic. 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