This is a terribly unsettling time in our history with many important issues that will affect the short-term and, more importantly, long-term welfare of hundreds of thousands of Americans; and yet these important issues are being used as pawns in the game of “Risk” being played by our legislators. The first Stimulus Package, for example, was voted down because of just this kind of bipartisan bickering. Finally, this much needed legislation was passed, but with strong and blatant Republican resistance. With a strong pro-Republican slant, writer Christopher Beam of Slate Magazine states, “at this moment, unanimous opposition was the smartest stance House Republicans could have taken—both politically and ideologically. Voting against the bill was good politics because it shows that the GOP can't be persuaded by charm alone, presidential or otherwise” (2009). Here is an example of ignoring the potential benefits of the issue, and showing more concern for “the party line” and an attitude of resistance for its own sake.
“A nearly $820 billion stimulus package passed the House of Representatives Wednesday without a single Republican vote. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it stands a better chance of picking up at least a modicum of bipartisan support,” says Russell Grim of the Huffington Post (2009). How can this be? A bill introduced to aid Middle America amidst one of the greatest financial crises of the last hundred years, and yet those comprising one of the parties in the House all believe that it is bad for the country? What is the rationale here? Are the members of one party blind to the realities of a bill while the other clearly sees its actual relative worth? Is it logical that all members of one “club” have a superior grasp of a concept, and can foretell the future, while the other is ignorant to its shortcomings? Is one party, and one party alone, in possession of a magic pill that grants the ability to clearly see truth and consequences?
The original Bailout Plan was presented to the House in September of 2008 and was crushed by the opposing party. “Following the bill’s failure, both parties embarked on a round of bitter finger-pointing. Congressional Republicans cited a speech by Ms. Pelosi [Democrat] on the House floor that blamed the economic crisis on years of Republican economic policies, including deregulation. … Democrats, dismissing complaints about Rep. Pelosi’s speech, immediately blamed Republicans for failing to deliver enough votes on their end” (Lueck, Paletta & Hitt, 2008). Bickering and more bickering, like two teams of second-graders arguing whether Gerry Kowalski crossed the goal line before going outside the birch tree which is clearly out of bounds; this is our Congress.
References
Beam, C. (2009, January 29). Partisan now, bipartisan later: The logic behind Republican opposition to Obama's stimulus package. Retrieved from http:// www.slate.com/id/2210082/
Grim, R. (2009, January 28). Stimulus package passes with zero Republican support.
Lueck, S., Paletta, D. & Hitt, G. (2008, September 30). Bailout plan rejected, markets plunge, forcing new scramble to solve crisis. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122270285663785991.html
The Story Beyond the Still - "Corridors" - Chapter 8 from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.
"Beyond The Still" Final Chapter Behind The Scenes Video from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.
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