...the pendulum swings in the other direction and the American people yell, "Throw de bums out!"
I'm not at all surprised at the outcome of this election. Based on historical precedence of wartime presidencies and midterm elections in the sixth year of two term presidents, this change from the Republicans to the Democrats was almost inescapable. In fact, for the Republicans to retain control of both houses of Congress would be an anomaly.
That being said, the 'Pubbies have only themselves to blame. Nearly everything they stand for they tossed aside in an orgy of spending, corruption, and inefficiency. In a way, a small part of me is relieved that we are in the minority since that is always the easier role to play. Not having to be responsible for making things work, throwing firebombs, complaining and kibitzing from the side, playing Monday morning quarterback-- it's the equivilent of being a member of the Asylum ranting about how bad this board isn't working. Yet, that's a cop-out. To stand back and let others make the decisions and do nothing but gum up the works is unproductive at best, and cancerous at its worst.
And that's the painful thing about these past twelve years-- despite controlling either two of the three branches-- or all of them --not much got done. I suppose one good thing has been our tax rate has remained relatively low and the ecomomy has been good and steady.
But now it's the Democrats turn again. The question which faces them in January is how will they rule? Will they stick to the planks which got them into office, ie middle ground and centrist policies or will they self destruct like they did twelve years ago by pandering to their leftist base (to whom Madam Speaker-elect answers)? The temptation to run back to their base wil be a strong one since they are the vocal minority. Tax increasers, homosexuals, enviromentalists, socialists, welfare state proponents-- the list goes on and on.
However, this is not what got the Democrats into office yesterday. The country has asked for a course correction, not a wholesale change of direction. My prediction is this: Initially the Democrats will work with Republicans to get some meaningful work done. In two years the Presidency will go to the Democrats; and by year 6 all efforts at bipartisanship will have been dropped. For the next four years poliitcs will become increasingly strident and strained, and rumblings of discontent will sound. Whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in twelve years, Congress will switch hands once again, because as things are, human nature remains the same regardless of party affiliation. Corruption, turf building, reach exceeding our grasp, and plain old spitefulness are issues which cross political boundries.
I wish you success, Democrats. I sincerely mean that. But I'm not so foolish as to believe that you will be any different from my party or the party you tradionally have been. I truly hope you prove me wrong, because, quite frankly, I'm tired of politics. And if I, a staunch conservative, am exhausted by the non-stop rhetoric and lack of governmental self control, then maybe it is truly time for a change.
Totem