No Bipartisanship
All of a sudden, the Republicans and their friends in the press are calling for an era of bipartisanship. For twelve years the Republicans have controlled Congress and, especially the last six years, have completely shut the Democrats out of the process, yet the word "bipartisanship" was uttered only after the Democrats caved in on major legislation. Now that the tables are turned, suddenly the word is being bandied around as if it were part of the everyday vocabulary of the people in power. Today's editorial in the NY Times is a prime example of this self-serving hypocrisy.
For years, bipartisanship has been the missing ingredient in the sour stew of Washington. It was lacking during the Democrats’ long House reign that ended in 1994. But during the last 12 years, the Republicans virtually eliminated Democratic participation. Chronically invoked by President Bush, this political ideal has been reduced to rhetorical ashes.
Of necessity, perhaps, the new Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, is making a considerable show of promising to reach across the aisle. In the House, Ms. Pelosi promises bipartisanship will be in evidence after the Democrats get past their opening agenda. That is like saying the checks and balances are in the mail. If Democratic candidates were smart enough during the campaign to realize that the voters demand bipartisanship, they should be quick enough to try it from the start.
Oh, please!
The voters didn't vote for bipartisanship, they voted for candidates who promised to clean up the mess the Republicans have made. For the last six years, the Republicans in Congress have dodged their responsibilities for oversight over the executive branch which has led to an illegal war, billions of dollars given away to the wealthiest campaign donors (individuals and corporations alike), the shredding of our civil liberties, and a federal deficit that the next three generations will be saddled with. Many have been personally enriched by their corrupt relationships with K Street and its clients, but it took federal indictments to root the crooks out.
What the voters made clear in November was that they wanted a Congress that would get things done, things that were in the best interest of the nation and not just in the best interests of the multinational corporations. The Democrats have set out an agenda which promises just that. If the Republicans want to get on board, fine. If not, they should get out of the way and quit the unseemly whining.
It's not a matter of partisanship or even bipartisanship: its a matter of what's best for the country. There should be no compromise on that, no quarter given.
For years, bipartisanship has been the missing ingredient in the sour stew of Washington. It was lacking during the Democrats’ long House reign that ended in 1994. But during the last 12 years, the Republicans virtually eliminated Democratic participation. Chronically invoked by President Bush, this political ideal has been reduced to rhetorical ashes.
Of necessity, perhaps, the new Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, is making a considerable show of promising to reach across the aisle. In the House, Ms. Pelosi promises bipartisanship will be in evidence after the Democrats get past their opening agenda. That is like saying the checks and balances are in the mail. If Democratic candidates were smart enough during the campaign to realize that the voters demand bipartisanship, they should be quick enough to try it from the start.
Oh, please!
The voters didn't vote for bipartisanship, they voted for candidates who promised to clean up the mess the Republicans have made. For the last six years, the Republicans in Congress have dodged their responsibilities for oversight over the executive branch which has led to an illegal war, billions of dollars given away to the wealthiest campaign donors (individuals and corporations alike), the shredding of our civil liberties, and a federal deficit that the next three generations will be saddled with. Many have been personally enriched by their corrupt relationships with K Street and its clients, but it took federal indictments to root the crooks out.
What the voters made clear in November was that they wanted a Congress that would get things done, things that were in the best interest of the nation and not just in the best interests of the multinational corporations. The Democrats have set out an agenda which promises just that. If the Republicans want to get on board, fine. If not, they should get out of the way and quit the unseemly whining.
It's not a matter of partisanship or even bipartisanship: its a matter of what's best for the country. There should be no compromise on that, no quarter given.
Labels: Bipartisanship
posted by Diane at 3:57 AM
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