WASHINGTON – not the state – is not only broken; it is very close to falling off the flat Earth. At the State of the Union each year, we get to see just how childlike these “grownup” members of congress can be. I say that with due respect to actual children – who could most likely do a better job. John Boehner looked like a 3rd grader who was being held in at recess. Cantor was Cantor, and I am not at all sure what he is.
OK, we are Americans and we are entitled to have our own views. Members of congress can have very real disagreements on policy. However, we hopefully teach our children how to constructively handle disagreements. I see no evidence that members of congress were well raised. The current crop of Republicans, LED by O’Connell and Boehner, have given new meaning to “the loyal opposition”. Clips of these people behaving so badly will be seen around the world. I have no problem with someone who really disagrees with a statement not cheering – but the clear disrespect they show is a bridge too far. (I love throwing that worn out phrase in).
Is there any question who is primarily responsible for the broken system? I would not be so bold as to claim all Democrats are good and all Republicans are bad. That is very old thinking. However, the GOP is currently taking full “advantage” of the numbers. They have the necessary numbers in both the House and Senate to obstruct. AND, let us recall that they have publicly proclaimed that “OUR ONLY GOAL IS TO MAKE OBAMA A ONE TERM PRESIDENT”. Mitch O’Connell pretty much said it all with his expressions. A constant smirk. Not once putting his hands together, as in clap. Not once even a tiny smile. Not once rising to his feet. Just that dumbstruck stare – thinking to himself – “WE will get that SOB. WE will agree to nothing”.
I for one, in my very tiny slice of America, have had it up to HERE. I have been a participant in Barack Obama’s past campaign and his administration. I say that with extreme pride. I shall now redouble my efforts. I will not sit on my hands while the disloyal GOP tries to grab the White House. There is a message here for all, who perhaps agree. WE must defeat not only the GOP in numbers – WE must show all that behaving as misbehaved children is just not going to be tolerated.
A final thought for my Progressive friends. To those who are disappointed that this President has not done each of the things we would like. We too must rise above the petty politics of destruction. No person on Earth can even imagine what Barack Obama faced on day one. He knew it was going to be bad. We all did. But none of us sat there in the Oval Office and read or heard just how bad things were. So wake up and see the truth. Don’t let us down, simply because you didn’t get each and every thing you desired. You will. It will take a reelection. It will take hard work.
