It continues to baffle me how the liberal media is so inept at unearthing the major political shift occuring under their very noses. Perhaps it is due to the rose colored glasses they are now wearing as a result of Obama's victory, or maybe it is due to the myriad of distractions such as the economic turbulence or swine flu epidemic, or the opportunity to take cheap shots at Fox News Network, or perhaps the next opportunity to insert sexual innuendo. Whatever the case, they are missing an historic upheaval which is completely changing the political landscape as we know it.

There can be no doubt that the 2010 elections will reveal that a shift has taken place. But whether or not the new "movement" of lost Republican voters will make its impact known that soon is unclear. In the latest NewsHour segment on PBS, Stuart Rothenberg attempted to explain a fundamental shift in the "grassroots" movement in the Republican party. However, his train of thought appeared to derail and it became unclear as to whom specifically he was referring. Having been asked for clarification, he stated; "They think their party is stronger because it's purer and it will be a better contrast with Democrats." What Rothenberg completely misses is that this "grassroots" movement is not loyal to the current Republican Party. In fact, these angry voters would just as soon start another political party if they believed it would have a chance of success. However, since third party candidates have traditionally lacked the power to defeat a major party candidate, this will most likely not be attempted. This "new breed" of voter sees the current political system as one party. They lump both the Democrats and Republicans together. Whether he is being subsidised by Greenpeace or AIG, a politician is a politician. No one from this grassroots movement is seeking a "purer" Republican party, a thought which is at the very least, laughable.

What appears to be escaping the notice of the media in general is the fact that for the first time in a very long time, issues which were non-negotiable only a year ago have now been put on the table for compromise. This is largely due to the influence of Ron Paul. Traditional religious conservatives are now willing to concede ground on issues of abortion, gay marriage, drug legalization and a host of other topics in favor of reducing federal government power. What happens at the state level is another matter. However, this is a crack which has not appeared on the horizon in a very long time, if ever! What could be an opportunity for discussion on these topics is being completely overlooked because of prejudice, gloating and finger pointing. While the two nannies are fighting with each other, the kids are planning a coup!

This is ironic coming from a news service that brought us the story on "Proposition 200" in Arizona. This was part of Bill Moyers' report on the drug abuse epidemic in our nation. During the Clinton administration, Arizona had brought together leaders from various fields in order to tackle the issue of jail and prison overpopulation due to chemical dependency and abuse. The result was "Proposition 200" which created a series of legislation dealing with the implementation of treatment in jail, sentencing and overall attitudes toward drug use. One of the major observations made in the documentary was the diversity of the group which authored the proposition. Made up of "Reagan Republicans", "Carter Democrats", and Libertarians, this unlikely coalition came up with a proposition which satisfied everyone in attendance. Never before has the stage been set for discussion on the other major, divisive issues than now. And where are our Pulitzer-aspiring, truth seeking, hard hitting journalists? Crashing tea parties and taking cheap shots at a target that no longer exists!

Visit Southern West Virginia