The Democratic Party might want to tip their toe into the dangerous experiment of having a spine too, as the Irish opposition is doing. As foreign and bizarre as it might seem to Democrats, taking a stand and meaning it can be a bracing experience and lead to increased self-respect as well as respect from others as well.
Sinn Fein is expected to gain big in the Irish elections next month and have said they will do their best to torpedo any bailout, even if it passes now, should their coalition become the governing party.
That is what taking a stand is – you stand and fight, win, lose or draw. I guess the only real question here is whether Democrats are genuinely spineless or are in basic agreement with Republicans but have to pretend otherwise. I vote for both.