The Roots of Deconstructionalism

I know Greg and Jack will enjoy this New York Times editorial by David Brooks:

[Y]ou have to remember that Republicans have a different relationship to ideas than Democrats. When Democrats open their mouths, they try to say something interesting. If the true thing is obvious and boring, the liberal person will go off and say something original, even if it is completely idiotic. This is how deconstructionism got started.

Republicans are less concerned with displaying their own cleverness. When they actually stumble upon an idea, they are so delighted they regurgitate it over and over again. Where others might favor elaboration, Republicans favor repetition.

As Kevin Drum puts it, even Brooks can write a good column if he really puts his mind to it!