Letters to the Editor
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The Limit on the 2006 Victory
The problem with the results of the 2006 election is that, while giving Dems the nominal majority, and the responsibility for the secretarial duties, they did not the achieve outright control over legislative output. They, and we, are subject to these little hedge-row battles, foot dragging and name calling exercises given as proof of lack of resolve, clarity of purpose or ability to lead. Give me 20 more and inside of a year we will be up to our asses in medical marijuana smokin welfare queens with full govt medical coverage for the sex change operations. CSPAN will be 24/7 IMPEACHATHONS, which I will watch with all my retired soldier and Marine buddies, in between their fully covered medical and occupational rehab treatments.
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right to a point...
Rove's point was that the Dems had sqaundered their opportunity and now the nation will turn back to the GOP to save them... any one with a brain think he's right?
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Rove's 2006 prediction is irrelevant
Karl Rove is the genius that said November 2006 would cement the permanent Republican majority
Right. Clearly wishful thinking, delusion, or attempted manipulation on Rove's part.
But how does that relate in any way to his comment now about the Democrats? Rather than being Rove's supposition, this is something all of us can observe. Just like the rain. If you're standing next to Karl Rove in the rain, and he says "It's raining," does that mean to you that it's sunny?
Why in the world is this column giving credence to anything this discredited criminal has to say?
Because, the fact that Rove is saying something most liberals agree with, is news.
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Rove
The Democrats are "unwilling to govern"?
And I suppose the Republicans are.
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Rove's machinations
For decades the GOP and Karl Rove have worked hard to make the democrats look weak and hapless. Certainly Rove shows no shortage of hubris as many of the current problems stem from his machinations to tip the balance of power to the executive and boost the chance to establish a permanent republican majority.
When the majority the republicans rendered the dems impotent by exiling them into a Siberian political wilderness as nongrata personas. Absent political clout the dems were left without rudder or sail. Then as now Democrats remain basically ineffective to change policy despite their majority in Congress and a bare majority in the Senate. This is part-n-parcel of Rove's overall strategy to solidify an image of a weak, feckless democratic party.
Just passing veto-proof legislation is a herculean task often impossible. Notwithstanding what little legislation the democrats managed to pass is comparatively more substantial than the republicans could muster during the previous session when they were the majority. Since, the House passed many bills that otherwise were either defeated in the Senate or Bush vetoed.
Without qualifying his statements at first glance Rove appears closer to the truth, however, he is neither entirely correct nor entirely incorrect.
Karl Rove's statement, "Democrats had a moment after the 2006 election, but now that moment has passed" is incorrect. The window is still open, but obstacles stand in the way. His remark, "They've squandered it" does not do justice to the situation. Furthermore lest we forget not only the democrats caved, republicans likewise. Although a majority of republicans thru thick and thin vote the party-line, other republicans willing to vote for sensible legislation, under pressure, backed down at the last minute are equally responsible for squandering opportunities. Towing the party line trumps voting one's conscience.
Unequivocally the "unwillingness to govern" stems from the Republican's loath of government. How can a party be expected to govern when they hate government. In contrast Democrats believe government can be used as a force to assist and protect humankind.
Although inexcusable, the fear factor has been a real thorn in the democrats ability to move forward what a majority of Americans want. The public gave the democrats a mandate: end the war, protect civil liberties, impede Bush's agenda, re-establish sensible economic stewardship among a host of other issues. But when legislation calling for accountability, time-frames, funds for military occupations the democrats folded. Aside from politics, factors such as immense pressure and false terrorist warnings to create enough of a fear-induced atmosphere relatively guaranteed compliance to the Bush agenda. The republicans taunts were the icing on the cake.
The democrats need to understand that no matter what they do or not do, republicans will still lob insults and accusations irrespective of truth or foundation.
They need to get over it and moreover stop underestimating the public.
While legitimate reasons do exist, fears of Siberian political exile too often override the Democrat's better judgment to use the Constitutional tools to reign in an executive whose hunger for power is out of control. Failing to re-balance the axis of power from where all else emanates is cause for grave concern.
Nevertheless despite his political "genius" Rove also failed to establish a permanent republican majority. Siberian political exile would be humbling experience for Karl Rove. The dems have already been there; It's time they quit acting as if they haven't left.
Americans have been way ahead of the media and the politicians. We, the people, have not changed our minds. Change of direction cannot come too soon. The democrats mandate still stands. It is they whom must trust us. Now is the moment to prove their opponents and critics wrong.
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It's not hard to argue with it at all.
The democrats don't have a veto-proof majority, a fact that we on the left seem to frequently overlook in our recriminations. But it's a fact that the elephant never forgets, and they've exploited it mercilessly. The correct action is not to punish the democrats for failing to make everything hunky-dory in a tough situation. The correct action is to punish the GOP and put a veto-proof democratic majority in Congress. When we add our voices to this crap, we shoot ourselves in the foot. It's time to acknowledge the political realities and to start painting the GOP as the party that continues to screw our troops and thwart the will of the American people--which they are.