Now what? You Dems have about 12 years until...Follow

...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

Hey, paulsol, if a Muzzie can get elected and a chick make it to Speakerette of the House, maybe the Alabama Black Snake can make it in this ol' world too. It'd be the first, err, 7,943,168th snake to ever get elected into office...

Totem

Knew it was too good to last....

Glad you caught that. <winks>

Totem

Heh, yeah, he actually did make noises about getting with Dems and working together to "move America forward," but like most party-centric politicians it lasted about as long as the Democrats windy speeches about being excited to help Bush do America's bidding, lol.

Totem

If we are talking about me, Demea, then, yeah, I guess I got caught up in the whole power thing. You can't hardly blame me though, since it was the first time in my existence that Republicans controlled all branches of government. Pity me-- I actually thought some progress would be made. I guess I should have been a wee bit more astute, but hope springs eternal.

:/

I imagine we'll be holding this conversation again in twelve years only with you guys on the recieving end if we all are still around then. Heh, 35 years later still discussing a_random-orc and if monks are overpowered... scary.

Totem

Updated version: hunter item.

Totem

Gbaji is composing his concession speech...

Last I heard, he fell madly in love with proof and moved off to Siberia to form a cult of post pharmers.

It's about time you backward yanquis followed our enlightened British ways!

"We're teaching the Koran in public schools between gay orgies and grade skipping for the black kids who start each test with 90 points. Then a breif fetus plescenta dinner salad, some French wine for the kids, mime lessons, driver's liscences for the new pine tree citizens, sieasta, spanish language atheism class, and hash brownines.

Also, renaming Christmas "Pelosilent Night" --America hater

In. All I ask is that they serve a red vintage with a flowery bouquet to offset the placenta which has a gamey taste. You cool with that?

Totem

I was thinking more an Argentinean grape. Has more of a robust anti-American tannin.

Totem

I remember hearing something about Canadian politics a few months ago, guys. It had to do with raising the tax on whale blubber from 7.85% to 7.92% and all baby seal skins were rquired to be notarized within 24 hours of daylight or the Mounties would impound your sled dogs. Proposition Nanook or something...

Totem