Former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson asks his fellow Republicans: Bedford Falls or Pottersville?

In a recent blog post, Former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson criticizes Minnesotan and national Republicans of the "new right" for not being able to compromise with Democrats, Independents, and even moderate Republicans:

Politics is no longer a contest of competing ideas with respect for dissent but increasingly the imposition of an authoritarianism that all too often is cloaked in patriotism and religion.  In this environment, the party and its beliefs are paramount and elected officials serve the party.  Any deviation is defined as “traitor”, “Rhino”, “disloyal”, etc.

Governor Carlson refers to the holiday film It's a Wonderful Life, and the two possible worlds we can live in: Bedford Falls or Pottersville:

At this time of the year, many of us replay the marvelous Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.  It is a lovely and meaningful story about the impact of a community oriented focus versus the selfishness of accumulating personal wealth.  The choice is between a vibrant inclusive community of Bedford Falls where everyone is important and realizes the value of the big “we” as opposed to “Pottersville” which represents a decadent and dying town ravaged by one individual’s greed. 

The choice is simple:  everyone loves Bedford Falls and the wholesomeness of its community.  In so many ways, it is the realization of the American Dream.

It's an interesting perspective from a former governor who knows how far right the GOP has moved, and how removed they are from the real American dream. Read the rest on his blog.

It has become clear -- even to Republicans -- that if this New Right has its way, we'll soon be living in Pottersville, where the privileged few live above the rest of us, quelling our communities and lessening our understanding of the common good.

Bedford Falls is the real America, not the New Right's Pottersville.