Republicans Come Out and Play

President Obama found himself on national television January 10, 2010, in a time slot held for questions, surrounded by House Republicans with his mind open to any new ideas they might have to offer him about policy making. He reiterated the fact that it was prudent of him to initiate Republican ideas into his plans if they were found worthy by way of cheaper costs and increased effectiveness. It seemed that the party leaders would have nothing to do with his open gesture of acceptance. This is a prime example of the national crisis we face in a democracy where one side is willing to compromise and the other is staunch in its objections. Is the Republican party merely objecting Mr. Obamas ideas simply in retaliation and because they make sore losers?

The caucus in Baltimore was part of a week long trek of politicking beginning with the State of the Union message and winding through town meetings. The desire to compromise and invite the opposition to participate was evident as early as the State of the Union where he outlined the start of a new bipartisan commission on the deficit and a 180 degree turn on the Democratic position regarding energy issues.

The hypocrisy of the Republican response was overwhelming. They seemed more intent upon making the Democrats to look like the bad guys than anything else. They actually blocked the budget commission which the Republicans themselves had wanted, even pushed for its inception.

Republicans have generally offered better than this in the past. They have been among the best in foreign policy and urban policy initiatives. Today they have done a reversal and resorted to tactical warfare with political gain the main objective. This is very sad to see happen.

Congressman Jeb Hensarling of Texas commented a great deal about the Obama Administration running up monthly deficits that were the equivalent of annual deficits created by Republicans in the past administrations. This seemed to anger President Obama as he interrupted the Congressman's commenting to see if a question was ever to be asked. The President's style has become one of having one hand open with compromise and the other closed ready to strike against any of those who defy him.

Republicans have become like hecklers in the crowd trying to unnerve the President. He will undoubtedly be successful at what he does. Unfortunately his success and the success of our government as a whole is limited due to the lack of Republican leaders even trying to work with the Administration. This only tends to cripple our democratic way of life. Perhaps they should read a book about the Fall of the Roman Empire and learn from another democratic example that eventually was its own undoing..

Source: http://time.com
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