I call them "Ox is Gored" Republicans: Those who lack any sign of compassion until they or someone close to them is affected. Then, they become an advocate for government action -- but limited to the particular area in which their "ox is gored." For example, Senator Pete Domenici opposed most government programs, but co-sponsored a bill to provide mental health parity, citing his daughter's struggle with schizophrenia. Senator Rob Portman suddenly "came out" for gay marriage upon learning that his son was gay. Senator Mark Kirk had a stroke and opined that maybe others should get the physical therapy his insurance paid for.
The latest Ox is Gored Republican is Jeb Bush. As Governor of Florida, he repeatedly vetoed Alzheimer's bills. Now that his mother-in-law is suffering from the disease:
“We need to increase funding to find a cure,” Mr. Bush said. “We need to reform F.D.A. [regulations] to accelerate the approval process for drug and device approval at a much lower cost. We need to find more community based solutions for care.”
This from the guy who:
2001--Vetoed funding for Alzheimer's care clinic in Titusville
2002--Vetoed $100,000 for an Alzheimer's program in Hillsborough County
2003--Vetoed $187,500 for two daycare centers In Boynton Beach Serving 100 adults with Alzheimer’s disease
2004--Vetoed $12-million for construction of outpatient treatment centers connected with the University of South Florida's Alzheimer's Research Institute. He called it a "want" rather than a "need"; Vetoed $189,000 for Morton Plant Mease Health Care Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Clinic; Vetoed $80,000 in funding for the Alzheimer’s Care Center of Titusville, the third straight year he cut funding there; Vetoed $80,000 To Create The First Day-Care Center For Adults With Dementia In St. Lucie County.
This goes to the heart of the tribal nature of conservatism -- take care of their own and screw everyone else. Compassion within your circle is not generalized to those you don't know.
As some pointed out after Portman's announcement, "If only Senator Portman's son or daughter would reveal that he or she was poor."
h/t to No More Mister Nice Blog.