Not often to I feel the need to respond to my partner in crime here, but today I was moved. The suggestion that the Democrats are not going to have enormous losses at the hands of the Tea party is ill advised at best. It is going to be a bad election year for the Dems.
High unemployment, a ballooning deficit and out of control banking system has most Americans up in arms. The outlook for our country has not looked this bleak in a generation or more. All of these things are fueling a backlash against the establishment of government as a whole. It is also clearly targeted at everyone in Washington, not just those that fall on the left. That is where the Tea Party begins to show it's teeth.
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Republicans and Democrats share a similar problem this year, low approval ratings. Even in their respective base districts, many long time senators and representatives are falling well below 50%. Much of the problem comes from within their own parties, where democrats feel that the Obama administration has not done enough to further energy legislation, given up on a real public health care option and not ended the wars fast enough, and republicans seem to think that "their" country is being destroyed from within and blame their party for not stopping it.
What we have left are the middle of the road voters being harassed, in essence, for not falling in behind one of the two extremes. While I have a first hand understanding of the need for health care reform, I also see a serious risk in letting our national debt continue to rise. While I want reduce spending and use tax income to reduce the deficit, I wonder at the same time why the government should get to take more of my money and seemingly waste it all. This is a small portion of the debate going on in the middle. I can't say for certain what the two sides think, as I try to avoid venturing into their prospective dens in order to not get bitten.
We can debate, almost endlessly, where our country should be headed and what role the federal government should play, but one thing remains certain; the extremes are driving the debate. Many in America are losing their voice and it isn't the people holding buildings hostage or the people stomping on faces. We all have a chance to to be heard next week, and no matter what you believe in, this is a rare opportunity to show your colors and be counted. If you choose not to exercise your right, then you have no room to complain. If you choose to use your rights and be counted among the millions, then congratulations, you are a true American.
Now if only we could stop bickering about every little thing and try to work together maybe we could get out of this terrible recession.
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1 comment:
Well, we may not agree on the outcome but we agree on most of the rest. The deficit needs to be cut. Spending must decrease, and tax hikes must be carefully considered. As much fun as it would be to "tax the rich" it should not be done outside the bounds of reason.
In the end what is missing is the willingness of our elected officials to work across the aisle. Anyone who can demonstrate such intentions to me will have my vote. As it stands, McMahon has actually pulled me back to his side and a few libertarians have piqued my interest by merit of their stance on social issues.
No guarantees on my votes yet, requires more research.
Something all Americans need to keep in mind. Know where your vote is really going.
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