Despite the enthusiasm that ushered in a new president, the hoped-for change has been slow to develop, frustrating supporters; and detractors have gleefully unleashed a torrent of invective that has come to define not just ‘the other side’ but ‘the dark side’ of our national ethos . Political opportunists have seized the moment to stake out positions that invoke the passions of voters who parrot the low-tax, small-government mantra of media pundits and congressional surrogates.
At the gates of hell in Dante’s Inferno, a sign warned “abandon hope all ye who enter here.” As debates wear on in Congress over health care and any vaguely progressive issue, such a notice should hang over the door of the Capitol building to alert any optimists who venture in that their hopes are about to be dashed. It isn’t just that the marketplace of ideas seems to be located elsewhere but that discussions about legislation and programs are so tainted by vitriol and deliberate misrepresentations that issues are rendered all but insoluble. In fact, the minority has made clear their intention to obstruct the entire administration agenda.
Claiming philosophical differences the right pretends to provide alternatives in the name of liberty and conservative constitutional righteousness. Accusations that the Obama administration’s brand of reform is a socialist/fascist enterprise or the act of the devil himself create foaming-at-the-mouth opposition. Republicans stir the pot of discontent by insisting that health reform is “government-run health care” and that the administration has “taken over” everything from the banks to the automobile industry although bailouts were meant to be temporary measures to stave off economic collapse. Conservatism may hold sacred the enduring value of established structures but it is not averse to change of any kind. The current crop of conservatives seems to regard change as subversive.
When Tom Price (R-GA) and others interrupt female colleagues by repeatedly yelling “I object”; when Virginia Foxx (R-NC) falsely claims that Matthew Shepherd, the victim of a hate crime, was apprehended during a robbery attempt; when Michele Bachmann suggests that members of Congress should be investigated to determine their loyalty; when some representatives continue to express doubts about President Obama’s birthright, decency and intellectual integrity have ceased to exist in our political life. The worst part is that these people apparently suffer no adverse effects among their constituents for their intransigence. Lies seem to have lasting purchase, and stupidity seems not be a disqualifying factor for members of Congress.
Minority Leader Boehner used “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” to define the constitutional rights of citizens, though he was actually quoting from the Declaration of Independence. But who’s to know in our world of semi-literate voters that their elected leaders often lack basic understanding about our institutions and fail to reinforce their opinions with the elements of logic? Joe Wilson of “you-lie” fame recently said he agreed the president was “dithering” about what to do in Afghanistan once he looked up the word and discovered what it meant. As Keith Olbermann suggested it might be a good idea if members of Congress were forced to prove they had graduated from sixth grade.
We may have suspected in the past that our legislative bodies were populated by venal, small-minded, biased officials, but it has become thuddingly clear that it’s worse than we might have imagined. At one point when Republicans were the majority Jesse Helms, that parochial deep-south archetype who had never traveled outside the states was chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - - shocking. Now, despite years of progress and a man of color in the White House, ignorance and ineptitude are still forces to be reckoned with. Recently Michele Bachmann held sway with a group of Republicans who present themselves as respectable partisans, people like Senators Blunt and Gingrey, who among others, were greatly amused by her remarks - - also shocking.
Nevertheless, despite minority efforts to indulge in voter nullification, Democrats need to remember what motivated their supporters and remain true to those ideals. And they need to instill some measure of intellectual validity across the political spectrum and hope people will notice. At the same time they must be careful not to appear ‘too smart for the room’ as they undertake to reform and educate.
Their Achilles Heel
R--E--S--P--E--C--T
They deserve none, so don't continue to give them any.
Mockery is always their first move, which ought point out something very important about these completely projective people.
Own it, Democrats
"Democrats need to remember what motivated their supporters and remain true to those ideals". That is the key to defeating so-called conservatives, whose supporters are generally loyal to their fake ideology (which is corporate fascism in disguise) because, though easily manipulated, they perceive they have leaders who speak for them. The worst thing for Democrats to do is abandon their ideals in the name of bi-partisanship, which is long, long dead in the U.S. Congress. Dance with those who brung you, Democrats. Pay no attention to the MINORITY party, just like they ignored and marginalized you and will again if given the chance. "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." Shakespeare