Republican Opposition to the Stimulus Bill

Republican opposition to President Obama's bailout bill is an interesting political strategy as well as a risky move. The Republican controlled congress under George Bush had no problem spending tax payer dollars like a teenager with daddy's credit card. Now, when the country is sitting on a financial time bomb, these same Republicans (minus the ones who lost their seats in the November election) decided to take a fiscally responsible tone by standing as one and voting against the stimulus bill passed by Democrats and signed into law by President Obama.

A risky move because if an improving economy has began by 2010, a Republican opposition in 2009 could look more like Republican obstruction in 2010. Playing the political game as usual during a severe recession can make or break a political party. If people perceive opposition as obstructionists tactics, this could blow up in Republican faces. Playing with people's lives with the same political maneuvers or spin and finger pointing may not work this time. We, the people, deserve real debate that produces real solutions. We deserve to have leaders from both parties who are not closed minded, wearing blinders or who refuse to listen to those who have ideas. When the ship is sinking, arguing will not plug the hole.

Is the Republican opposition honest? If anyone from either party truly believe in their heart opposing the stimulus bill put forth by the Democrats is the right thing to do, so be it. However, it appears this is not the case. Simply stating it won't work without offering any ideas of their own does none of us any good. Using worn out solutions that have not worked for decades and rejecting fresh ideas that may have a chance to move the country a step forward is simply being stuck in the mud. We need all of our leaders to step up to the plate. Quit complaining and work together for the good of this country. Pettiness is never pretty, especially when it's played out in the national spotlight for all to witness.

If the Republican opposition is meant to stand against something they don't believe in that's honorable and the right thing to do. Turning it into a political game is not. Everyday wasted in political posturing is another day of job cuts and homes pluck out from under an unfortunate homeowner. Placing blame, as some on the right and on wall street are attempting to do by lumping all homeowners who ran into trouble into one rotten apple cart shows a clear lack of accepting responsibility from some of the very people who helped create this mess.

The Republican opposition looks more like a Republican party that still has not heard the message of November 4. A stand of solidarity for use only as a political slogan in a future campaign is irresponsible and childish. Complaining and spinning facts about what Republicans would like us all to believe about how the stimulus bill was written and by whom matters little to the father searching in vain for a job or the family thrown out of their home because their bank refused to work with them.

Republican opposition in the house has spread to Republican governors. These governors, from Republican strongholds in the south, are now taking a stand against the stimulus bill. Because this is what they believe in their heart or because their opposition against using tax payer money will get them reelected. They appear ready to risk the financial health of their state and the country for an election year sound bite.

Democrats, Republicans and Independents are the heart of America. The financial tsunami that has swept over this country isn't just drowning Democrats and Independents. It has grabbed Republicans as well. We are in the midst of a nationwide mess and as long as the Republican opposition continues to predict failure for a plan that has yet been given a chance to work, is short sighted and nonproductive. Trying is the American way. Standing together in times of revolution, natural disasters, world wars and economic turnmoil has molded America into the country it is today. No one side is completely right and no one has all the answers. Economists are split as to how well the stimulus plan may or may not work, but to have elected leaders stand together like penguins huddled on an iceberg lost at sea while muttering "No" in stepford wives mantra is unbecoming and sad.

If both political parties would put aside their bickering and snide remarks long enough to think of the "United States" and what is best for her, we can come out on the other side a whole nation. A country that came together for a common purpose and worked together to solve this crisis. Political hissy fits and tantrums have no place in this debate.

If we don't all stand together in the bucket brigade, the house will burn down irregardless of ideology. We all have a responsibility to do what's best for the country, not the political party. Republican opposition only for the sake of opposition does no one any good. After successfully obtaining more tax cuts and ditching Democratic spending thought unneeded by Republicans, they still didn't vote for the bill. Trying to have it both ways is seldom successful. The opportunity for some kind of debate apparently took place and changes were implemented to please Republican opposition to the stimulus bill. Even then, all members of the House voted no. Not unlike how the Republican majority treated the minority Democrats when Republicans controlled congress. How many bills did Republicans exclude Democrats from when they controlled congress. The people's memory isn't as short as politicians would like. We aren't sheep and we deserve leaders from both sides of the aisle to act like adults if they are serious about working in the People's House.