In 2010, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced that his top priority as Senate Leader was to make President Obama a “one-term president.” Conservative radio’s Rush Limbaugh expressed his hope “that Obama fails.” The GOP embraced the strategy of opposition even though Obama won a second term with an overwhelming majority in the Electoral College, a daunting majority of the popular vote and a majority of the nation’s states.
For those who think that the democratic administration has failed, read Eugene Robinson’s Aug. 2 column “‘Party of no’ says yes to obstructionism as political tool.” With the GOP firmly entrenched, he writes, “the stubborn, unproductive standoff between a Democratic president and a Republican majority in the House may be the new normal.” He adds, “Obama has tried being nice … tried being tough … tried offering compromise … tried driving a hard bargain. Nothing works if Republicans are committed to blocking every single thing he seeks to do.”
Is this any way to govern a once proud Democracy? Is it what constituents expected of their elected Congress? It’s time for constitutional amendments for only two terms in office and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., petition to overturn Citizen’s United’s greedy funding decision. Democrats will win in 2013; Republicans will still be uncompromising.
Russ Butler
Vancouver
