One of my closest personal advisors (she also does my laundry) has complained some of my columns are too one-sided. She believes I pick on Democrats too much and leave Republicans alone. Well, duh! But, being fair-minded, I decided to look back to see if there was any truth to her complaint. First of all, rest assured she, like me, is a Republican. But she, unlike me, is far more tolerant of nonsense than I am. In fact the older I get the less tolerant I become. Besides, picking on Democrats is much easier than picking on Republicans. They offer so many more opportunities. The question then becomes: Are the Republicans blameless? Is there any reason to pick on them today?
It’s clear Republicans have the ball in their court now and the next two years will be a very good opportunity to show their leadership. President Obama has already told the world any attempt to alter any of his pet projects will be met with the veto pen. OK, what should House Speaker John Boehner do? What is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s job now? Should they just sit by and let the next two years pass with no fixes in anticipation of a veto? This is where their leadership comes into play. I believe McConnell should set about securing a necessary number of Democrats who: number-one, want to be re-elected; and, number-two, would be willing to help override any veto coming from the White House. Those Democrats are there. I am convinced there are a number of Democrats who would be willing to put the country first. I also believe such a move would help them in their re-election campaigns, and they know it.
For the past several years we have had people from both parties to blame for the failures of government. It’s now on the Republicans to fix the mess we’re in. Many of the old-timers from both parties will be out of office in the next election. Many Democrats will not want to serve out of power. Many from both parties are just too old to stay on.
I am personally surprised Boehner was re-elected as Speaker. This was an excellent time for a change in leadership. Unless there is a big change in his politics, we are looking at business as usual. As for me, I am tired of the go-along to get-along attitude of sitting members of Congress. Somebody needs to step up and show some courage.
Republicans are their own biggest enemies. There is an obvious divide in the party that separates conservatives from the more liberal. Ronald Reagan proved one could be elected by just being true to one’s own ideals. You shouldn’t have to take a poll on every issue. Just do what’s right.
In my more lucid moments, although they are rare, I understand Democrats have the same hopes for America that Republicans do. They just have a different way of achieving it. Under President Obama they have had a chance to show what they can do. The voters appear to have decided to go in a different direction.
And so as I said before, the ball is in the court of the Republicans. They and only they will be blamed for any failures. There will be no excuses. My commentary will be just as harsh on them as it’s been on the Democrats – maybe even harsher because I expect so much more. Time indeed will tell.
