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As the primary season of the 2008 Presidential Election
kicks into high gear, it is important to look at the
government the future president will be inheriting.
In the first seven years as president of the United
States, President Bush has dealt with the worst terrorist
attack on America in recent history, a massive recession,
a futile war, the failings of FEMA and many other great
"achievements" in American history.
In 2006, "the people" of "We the people"
sent a message to the president. This message said,
"We are going to hold you and the Republican party
accountable for your actions." In sending this
message, they devastated the Republican-controlled Congress
and voted in a Democratic majority in both the House
and Senate.
A missed opportunity
All logical thought would conclude that this seemingly
momentous act of the American people would have generated
some momentous results. In fact, the Democratic candidates
promised great reforms on health care and the withdrawal
of troops from Iraq.
Thus far the 110th Congress has achieved one major
piece of legislation: raising the minimum wage 70 cents.
Wow.
If I had been old enough to vote in this past election,
I would be outraged. In fact, I still am outraged. Where
is the sweeping change? Where are the great reforms? Those
who did vote are not giving Congress a free pass either.
The latest poll puts the Congressional approval rating
at a dismal 13 percent.
I understand that this Congress has not been in session
for long. I know that Bush has vetoed important legislation.
I know what is happening, but I don't want excuses.
I want results and so do the American people. Let the
partisan politics go for a day, and truly achieve something
great.
Congress knew that Bush was going to veto their plan
to expand health-care coverage, but they passed it anyway.
Why? So they would have ammo. At least now they can
say, "Well we tried, but Bush stopped us again."
Time for change
You know what? That's not good enough. If you want to
represent us, if you want the great honor of speaking
on the floor of Congress, then you had better deal with
the problem. Talk with the president; find out why he
is against your bill and what you can do to pass it. If
his suggestions are acceptable and it still allows for
the expansion of health-care coverage, then do it. Achieve
something.
The truth is that this Congress lacks the courage for
real change. So as Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack
Obama speak about all the great reforms and universal
health care programs they will bring to the American
people, be cautious. And whoever becomes president next
year, let's hope they help with the solution instead
of becoming yet another problem.
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Joplin was able to rise from the ashes because of help from everyone. And I am eternally grateful to anyone who made that possible.
