A message to Congressional Republicans
I digress for a moment from this blog’s typical lighthearted meanderings on PR and life to express a sentiment that weighs on me. A couple of weeks ago, the day after the Democratic Party lost a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts, I posted the following on Facebook:
“Poor Democrats. We do victimhood and consternation so well. Big mean minority party beats up on us. Uses our infighting against us. Says things that resonate with all those obviously obtuse voters. It’s the Republicans’ fault, certainly not ours, that we haven’t done much leading or inspiring despite this grand opportunity.”
A little harsh, granted. But I mean it. Ushered into Washington on a wave of optimism, President Obama and Congressional Democrats have had the opportunity to do great things to address some of our nation’s most pressing, systemic ills. I believe that, in only a year, that opportunity is largely squandered. I am frustrated to the point of despondent. I bought what Candidate Obama sold about bringing Washington together in a time of national need. And now I’m ready to leave the Democratic Party (as if that would generate anything other than a “Good riddance.”).
But that’s only about half of my smoldering political beef. Why, Congressional Republicans, have you so dogmatically endeavored to stop any reform of our nation’s healthcare system when ALL of you agree that the system is severely broken? Why, in the name of denying the majority party a victory, have you decided it acceptable to practically guarantee that millions and millions of people will continue to lack access to even basic healthcare?
Signs suggest that healthcare reform is likely dead. Yet it could have been your victory, too! It could have been the nation’s victory! It could have been a victory for the capacity of our government to once again unite in times of crisis!
Granted, the Democratic leadership in Congress did not make it easy. They have not lived up to Candidate Obama’s pledge. They showed no more inclination to meet in the middle than you did, and the price they now pay is public failure. But why does that make it OK to unite against something you believe in? Where is the integrity in that?
Consistent with the modus operandi that disenfranchises American voters most, you’ve put politics-as-sport first. You’ve served the fringe interests that feed money and energy into your campaigns. As a group, you’ve demonstrated that you are a formidable force, even in your minority capacity. You’ve proven that you can shut a big thing down, even a big thing that the entire country cries out for.
Congratulations, Congressional Republicans. You win! All of us lose.
Tags: centrist politics, Congressional Republicans, healthcare reform, Kinkennon Communications, Shane Kinkennon
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:56 am
Shane, I enjoy reading all of your posts but found this one particularly interesting on several fronts. I’m not so sure Democrats have cornered the market on victimization though. In fact, up until the ushering in of Scott Brown, I would argue that there were many Republicans who were expressing the same sentiments you expressed. From my perspective, there’s something empowering about being the political minority and I think Republicans have always fared better in that scenario.
While I tend to lean more towards the Conservative / Republican agenda, I have to admit that I had certain misgivings about the failure of this particular healthcare reform legislation. As someone who cannot afford health insurance I probably would have been one of the many beneficiaries but, as someone who also stresses about small business tax rates and future growth, I’m not sure the benefits would outweigh the costs.
I may also be naïve but I don’t believe it was the Republicans motive to be the spoiler of healthcare as much as it was to simply try to influence the legislation itself. Recent polling suggests that Republicans may have had an ear closer to the ground than Democrats on this issue – at least in its present form. My hope is that the influence this election has had will sober up both sides so they can get back to work on it. There’s no question the American people want something done but specifics seem elusive and complicated.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:53 am
Well said Daniel. I shared the same concerns about how the big bill would impact me and my business. And Republicans absolutely had an ear closer to the ground, certainly once the actual legislation began to take form. Thanks for commenting.