GOP scorched earth retreat

As the republican party continues to pander to the 15-20% of the population that is by turns, conservative, bigoted and racist, its continued relevance in American life is in question.  The economic and social backlash against religious "freedom" laws in Indiana and Arkansas are markers in the culture wars.  Those advocating tolerance and defined rights for LGBT citizens obviously are occupying the moral high ground.  The religious right to discriminate will become more and more untenable.  That won't stop the republican presidential candidates from appealing to the most reactionary elements of their party, since those voters and the activists who agitate them are the key to winning the primary.  Fortunately for the rest of us, the nominee who emerges will have little appeal to the rest of us, including many in the GOP.  Unfortunately, the continuing  ascendance of republican controlled legislatures in many states means the scorched earth policies of intolerance and economic class warfare will continue for a time.  The changing character of the electorate will ensure the decline of the culture warriors.  In the meantime...