Such a lot of stir about bi-partisanship. Apparently, the majority of us voted for it; but I'm not sure we all have the same thing in mind. Does bi-partisanship merely mean civility? Does it include participation in the political process? How about gaining the ground to negotiate for the minority agenda? It seems clear that the Republicans expect bi-partisanship to give them a bargaining position. Congressional Republicans are frustrated, disappointed, surprised, and angry that their positions weren't included in the stimulus bill.
Apparently, they assume that tax cuts are so wonderful that Democrats would have included them with or without concern for Republican sensibilities. So that seems to be problem number 1. Republicans can't believe President Obama would have voluntarily put something in the bill as a political gift to them; hence the tax cuts don't count toward bi-partisanship. I guess they needed to fight and negotiate and complain to the media to feel like they actually got something. I guess they haven't noticed that Democrats not only do not consider tax cuts to be a panacea, but are generally sick to death of anything faintly smelling of trickle down theory.
Is bi-partisanship being given the opportunity to make suggestions? And if one entertains suggestions, must implementation follow? Does one retain the freedom not to adopt a suggestion after listening? I don't think we have a meeting of the minds about whether bi-partisanship is civility and the willingness to listen with an open mind or whether it requires the sharing of power. Must Democrats give up the advantage of having won a majority to exemplify a true bi-partisan spirit? Surely not!
Bi-partisanship does not come with the right to negotiate as an equal partner. A bi-partisan attitude acknowledges that Republicans have the well-being of the country at heart and also have some good ideas. Most fundamentally, it means civility, respect, and even the open hand of friendship.
I'm still thinking these things through, so this may not be my last word on the subject. Just one more observation: because there are so many different takes on what bi-partisanship means, the media opinion and analysis are all over the place with judgement, opinion, blame. The lack of accuracy in using the word has led to an open season of criticism. But it's silly to argue that we're falling short of a goal when there's no agreement on what the goal is.
About Me
- Sandi
- I'm a woman in my sixties. I experienced the death of my son, my father, and my mother - all after chronic illnesses. Shortly after turning 60, I was in a catastrophic motorcycle accident that I am lucky enough to have survived. I love to laugh. Funny people are my favorites. I enjoy people who are intelligent, tolerant, open-minded, and happy. I especially like people who like themselves.
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