One thing i realize about this discussion, and I may do a write up, is how people, most people in fact, cant really see the world in absolute terms, only in relative terms. Like if the democrats were acting this way 20 years ago when republicans were actually acting somewhat rational I bet even your most staunch democrat would say the democrats have went completely radical and were acting like lunatics. But when it sits next tot he republicans who are just as loony they seem reasonable and normal.
The fact that most people base what is acceptable based on relativity to the norm, rather than an absolute sense of reason is scary, and perhaps one of our biggest flaws.
(note: no offense to Louis, while he may have resembled some of that here generally he is a pretty reasonable and respectable feller).