Party of “No”vember
The Republican Party lost control of Congress, the Senate, and the presidency in just a few short years. Things looked down and hopeless. “What do we do now?” Republicans asked each other, but no one seemed to be sure. However, when Massachusetts elected a Republican senator, there was a glimmer of hope for the GOP. They were quickly re-energized and went forward with a new and exciting war plan.
“Say no to anything and everything proposed by the Democratically controlled White House!” the Republicans yelled, as Scott Brown stepped into the White House. “We are all but guaranteed victory in November!”
Sadly, saying “No” isn’t really a plan at all. The expected re-energization, for the most part, has been short lived, and has had no real direction. Recently with health care, Republicans were betting that Americans would not support it. However, new Gallup Polls now show there has been a turn around in support, with most Americans on board. As a result, Democratic approval rates are higher than those of Republicans.
For the Republicans to gain any type of support in the near future, they need to focus less on meaningless cat fights. Enough with the land of nothing and “party of no” platform. Instead they need to support ideas that are clearly in line with their ideals, and come up with original and better ideas for problems.
Tax cuts, fiscal responsibility, and reduced government have all been things the Republican party stands for. The stimulus package was mostly tax cuts, but it had too many tax cuts for the Republicans’ liking. Obama proposed a bi-partisan commission to put a three year freeze on non-essential spending, but Republicans were too scared that a commission with equal amounts of Republicans and Democrats might utter the word “taxes.” And how could a Republican possibly support fiscally responsible health care reform that leaves the industry privatized, a far cry from Canadian-style health care? It’s shocking how many recent measures widely opposed by Republicans seem to be in line with traditional Republican ideas.
Where are the new ideas from the GOP? During the health care debate, Republicans were sitting on the sideline saying “no” and requesting a complete do-over after trudging through a year-long debate. Instead of just altogether opposing the bill why not support it and campaign for amendments that would infuse and enhance it? Opposing something the American people mostly support after fear tactics and myths have gone bottom up won’t give you many votes. But being able to put something on your re-election resume about an innovative aspect of health care, or any other bill, you were directly involved in just might win you some fans.
Republicans could engage themselves with legislation. They could think of new ideas and solutions to issues and problems to spark America’s interest. They could have supported things they have always supported in the past. But instead they just say “no” like a baby refusing to eat its vegetables. Good luck in November, Republicans.