A fear from the beginning, political parties, though they seem inevitable seem to put excess pressure and obstacles into the political system. As seen in Congress, especially recently with the climate change bill failure, the tension between political parties seems to prevent legislation that is actually in the interest of the public (not just Democrats or Republicans) to be passed. We all breathe the same air, walk the same ground, drink the same water and to see a bill fail that would take steps to protect these resources all humans take advantage of because the GOP is adamant to prevent any Democrat favored legislation to be passed is upsetting.
It seems as though we as a nation have forgotten what Government’s role as a whole is and party ties are stronger than seeing the big picture. Government is not supposed to be about making alliances and trying to take power from others. It is there to serve the people. However this begs the question is the public, of which Government is supposed to come from, doing its job in making sure that their best interest, is being served. Should there have been more mobilization from voters concerning the climate change bill? Would this have made a difference? Maybe, maybe not, but shouldn’t we have tried.
Furthermore, every day I feel more and more pressure, to choose a side, to tie myself to one party or another. I am not sure where this pressure is coming from, whether it is reading articles that are clearly slanted in one direction or from hearing about legislation being delayed because of a lack of compromise, or even from learning that Republican representatives from my own state of Texas are up in arms to fight the passed bill of Healthcare Reform that was generated by the Democrats. I feel as though if I am feeling this pressure and I am barely involved, how those directly involved in government must feel the extreme pressure to stay loyal to his or her party of choice in all situation, regardless if staying loyal means forgetting the public’s best interest (as seen with the failure of the climate change bill). This is worrisome, because as it is probable the public is not as well informed to see how these party ties are creating more problems than they are solving and see the loyalty of Congressman as an admirable quality rather than a hindrance.
As I see it, the United States Government could stand to see a few more moderates join the act. This would allow for more compromises to be made and more people to bridge the gap and allow legislation to actually be passed that would benefit the nation as a whole. It is just going to be a matter of time for us to realize what is good for us and make a stand. But, is it going to be too late?
1 comment:
I pretty much completely agree. Today's political atmosphere has become exactly what Madison warned against. Our country is run and divided by factions, Democrats and the GOP.
These two parties have had almost complete control of the country since the Civil War and have bred an atmosphere of exclusion and isolation. The last third party with an actual chance was probably the Republicans, yep, back in the day when they were a third party.
More frightening though is the fact that, especially recently, the parties are increasingly isolating themselves from the public. Policies are not decided based on what the public wants but on party lines. In the interest of fairness, both parties have been guilty of such actions. However, right now, it is quite clear that the Republicans are blatantly voting against any and all legislation posed by the Democratic leadership. Quite frankly, its disgraceful and a mockery of Democracy.
Someone *cough* voters *cough* needs to put an end to this.
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