This is an attack on the idea of union and the idea of community, because as I think about, these folks represent a philosophy that I call new isolationism. Not as in foreign affairs but as in human affairs. It’s a “Buddy, you’re on your own” philosophy. By the way, if you own your own corporation and you’re rich it works. But it doesn’t work for most people.

— Former Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN) speaking to sheet metal workers in 1999 and summing up well the philosophy of the present-day Republican party.