A Word of Cheer for the Republican Party

[drbob]

           This may sound strange coming from me, but I'm getting ready to start rooting for the Republican Party.  Okay, I'm joking, however, some constructive input from the loyal opposition party would help move this nation forward.  The problem is that so far we've had none.. That's zilch, nada, zero, at least with respect to our major problem, the economy.  Some Republicans have said that they have offered ideas, to which Democrats have been unwilling to listen.  President Obama, in his press conference, responded to that charge.  [Republicans] "can't define bipartisanship simply as being willing to accept certain theories of theirs that we tried for eight years and that did not work, and that the American people voted to change."

            There is a nationwide trend away from the Republican party (exception: the deep south).  Many of those leaving the GOP now call themselves independent and independents are going for the Democrats and Obama by a strong majority.  Now that Senator Arlen Specter has defected from his long-time home in the GOP, it raises the specter (no pun intended) of one-party rule.

            That cannot be good for the nation.  Our economic problems are so difficult and complex that no one (party or person) can possibly have all the right answers.  We need a loyal opposition to offer constructive ideas and have enough weight to force some compromises.  For example, there is a consensus in both parties that we need to fix health care.  Democrats (although they won't admit it) need Republican input to help find the best solutions.  Working toward American energy independence is a massively complex problem.  Obama has some ideas about solving it, but we need a national debate with input from everyone to find the right answers.  Generally, I support Obama, but I would be the last one to suggest that he and his people have all the answers.  He needs, the nation needs, constructive input from Republicans. Libertarians and anyone willing to enter into an open dialogue.

What could the Republicans do, instead of what they are doing?  First, let me go back and suggest what they might have done.  Washington Post editorial writer, Eugene Robinson, argued that instead of stonewalling the stimulus package, Republicans could have offered a modified stimulus bill and sought a compromise to work some aspects they wanted into the final legislation.  Robinson also suggested that Republicans might "....share the Democrats' outrage at the inefficiency and unfairness of our health insurance system" Then, they might help shape health-care reform, rather than simply working to kill it.

               The mean-spirited ideologues that run today's GOP, seem to have nothing new to offer.  They seem more intent on stopping democrats than they are on building a better American.  However, Americans did vote to change what we had.  As Robinson put it: "A modern Republican Party would recognize that 'no' is not the answer Americans want to hear."

            So here's a word of cheer for the Republicans.  Get in the game!  As Obama has said a number of times:  "pick yourselves up and dust yourselves off..." and start rebuilding American.  You can help us make a better America.  You may not be the majority party any more, and it may be a long time before you are again, but you have a lot to offer and we Democrats need you.   

[Ma and Pa]

Very good analysis, drbob, and so true. Maybe now is the time for a major recruitment drive by the Libertarians. They make more sense than either of the major parties, from time to time, and don't carry the resentment-causing baggage the Repubs seem to drag along. Plus, I'm tired of hearing about Reagan; he's dead and those days are long gone. Let's hear some plans for the 21st century. I'm cautiously optimistic about the new president, but VERY leery of some of the people with whom he has surrounded himself, as well as the current leadership in BOTH houses of Congress. Barney Fink and Nightmare Nancy? 

[drbob]

Hello Ma and Pa... thanks for your observation.

Well, I too am not so sure of Barney and Nancy, but it is not precisely accurate to say Obama has surrounded himself with them.  They were elected over and over from their districts.  Obama did not elect them he did not even have an opportunity to vote for them.  Nevertheless, they are long-time pols. and as such they have an input.  Obama has to work with them.  Whether he likes it or not.   In some cases, with Pelosi I know, he did not like it too much.  But, to repeat myself a bit.  Pelosi is a force in congress and Obama has no choice but to work with her. 

[Ma and Pa]

True enough, doc; I fear I might have let two separate thoughts merge together there. When I mentioned those who the POTUS has brought on board, I was thinking specifically of Eric Holder and Rahm Emmanuel, whose left-wing stances make me leery of their ability to help Mr. Obama find some middle ground, as he promised to try to do. And maybe he is still trying to find the handle on his job, but I wonder if Treasury Sec Tim Gethner may be in over his head in this fearsome economic situation we face. I should have posted that, but the image of the Pelosi Monster just drove all other thoughts out of my brain!    I only hope the Pres can keep the leash on the "attack dogs" and keep repeating the mantra of the ancient Greeks: "Moderation in all things", though I've personally found the practice of such homilies much harder than the preaching; how about you?

[drbob]

Hi Ma and Pa.

Yes!  I hope so too.