I haven’t written about politics much since the election. Mostly I’ve just been sitting back and watching, trying to sort everything out. Here are some things I’ve been thinking.
- It’s pretty obvious that no one has the answer for getting out of this economic crisis. There are stupid people trying to make everything seem simpler and easier than it is, who say things like, “we just have to create jobs” like saying it out loud will do the trick. There are smart people who realize that this situation is different than others that have passed before, but are nevertheless trying to marry together what we’ve learned from history with new ways of thinking. But, no one knows what will do it, and I know that uncertainty is really uncomfortable, especially when it’s felt together by huge masses of people, but I don’t see a way other than trial and error.
- I’ve been thinking a lot about what it feels like to be a member of the party out of power. I hear Republicans–the loud ones talking on tv–say they feel like their country is being taken away from them and that it’s taboo to even disagree with Obama. Honestly, my first reaction to this is, “Are you kidding me? Are you so short sighted that you don’t see that the rest of us have been feeling this for the last eight years?” But, then I thought about the Republicans who dealt with eight years of Clinton, and I wonder if it always feels like this. I’m too young to have that perspective, but maybe our memories are always this short. Maybe it always hurts, no matter the history.
- I’ve also been thinking a lot about bipartisanship. The events of the last month have certainly changed my mind about a few things. I’m still not sure what it means for legislation to be bipartisan or for Obama to make attempts at bipartisanship. But, in this case, I don’t think it means that Republicans get equal say in everything. I mean, it’s no coincidence that we have a Democrat for President or liberal majorities in the House and Senate. We voted that way–not just me, but a majority of the country. So, yeah, I want Republican input, but I don’t want legislation that matches Republican ideals, because I don’t agree with them. And, yeah, I know we’re all hypocritical and I don’t expect anything less, but in this case I will say that Obama has already made more of an effort than Bush ever did.
- I’m somewhat uncomfortable with the It’s an Emergency!!!! emphasis we’ve put on passing legislation. I find myself thinking, “well, it is an emergency,” but how much crap did Bush get through because it was an emergency!!!!! I wish we didn’t operate this way.
- I’m liberal. I’m a Democrat. Obviously I have that bias, and I want to see those ideals acted out. But, I really wish we had a formidable offense. If capitalism teaches us anything, it’s that the best ideas–innovation!–result from real competition. Democrats need Republicans to challenge them. Instead they’re throwing rocks at our feet, calling us names that don’t make sense, and arguing on the basis of bad information. This isn’t good for anyone, especially at a time when we need good ideas more than ever. If there had been a strong Democratic party when the Republicans were in power, then I don’t things would be as bad as they currently are.
- All of that leads me to this question, which I hope isn’t offensive, because it is a real question. “Where are the smart Republicans?” All of the ones I used to know are now Democrats, even if they remain fiscally conservative. The ones on TV, at least the loud ones, certainly don’t have it together. I don’t just mean that they’re bankrupts of ideas. But, they really don’t even come across as smart people. I don’t want to argue against the straw man. But, I don’t see anyone formidable. Someone give me some hope and point me towards the smart ones. I don’t need to agree with them. I just want to see that they’re grounded in some level of honest assessment and logic.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I hear ya, I just can’t help ya. I hope this all gets fixed semi-soon.
I think it’s hilarious, but also sad and depressing, to look at how the commentators on the Right are reacting to Obama. The hysteria and hyperbole they use is really remarkable, and it’s also kind of scary because that language is very incendiary.
I also enjoy how the Right has conflated the terms “Marxist,” “communist” and “socialist.” Because those are all the same things, in case you didn’t know.
Personally, I just think it’s sad that opportunity for real debate, real decision-making and real turnaround with economy are being lost in the rhetoric and name-calling. There are some very viable solutions to these problems IF Americans were willing to talk about them. All of the arguments about socialism and anti-Americanism that keep coming from the conservative quarter are arguments largely based on political, economic, and social theories which have never been tested and when put into limited practice, haven’t turned out very well. However, we have some fairly brilliant models for governments which take care of their people, help their people avoid financial crises, and which still encourage business growth in Europe that we could be following, but the stigma of “socialism” (real or imaginary) prevents us from looking into viable solutions.
Personally, when I look at things that HAVE WORKED in the past and see how they are applicable to our current situation, “it’s socialism” and “that’s not American” are not good enough arguments for me. Moreover, the general ignorance or blatant dishonesty Republicans have regarding history (particularly FDR’s handling of the Depression) is so repugnant and offensive, that I can barely keep my countenance. Memories are certainly short, or at the very least selective.
It’s very frustrating to watch all of this going on while normal people suffer. You’ve got unemployment as high as 23% in places, you’ve got home prices down to four figures while foreclosure rates skyrocket in others, millions of retirement-aged Americans have lost the vast majority of their retirement in the stock market, and generally speaking, a lot of people who could benefit from some honest conversations about economics that produce results. As long as we continue to attach our economic policies to a rhetoric that is far too narrow and short-sighted, and which more importantly has a history of failure, we won’t have any honest conversations and we certainly won’t see results. All so that a few fat, white rich guys can get votes in two years.
I deal with politics all day on the job. I’m incredibly liberal working among some very conservative Catholics. Its hard. I also refuse to be shoved down and told to be quiet so it can get interesting. I do agree that our current situation is unlike anything we have ever seen before and there needs to be a creative solution. I do get upset about some republicans doing all the name calling and other slanderous remarks. Our country endured 8 long years of right wing rhetoric. The country voted for a change, so I feel like legislators need to get on board with that. I wish there was an easy solution to fix the economy but I dont think there is.
I’m personally not one for politics, but you have a great point that only trial and error will allow us to emerge from this economic turmoil. Sure, everyone could muster up a few idealistic thoughts and actions, but the only way to know if those ideas will work at all is to test them. Nobody has a quick fix to this problem, as we have seen, and it seems highly unlikely some individual – Democrat or Republican – will come out of the woodwork at this point with the magical solution. We all, unfortunately, must remain patient and hope one of these ideas, one of these attempts, will work out in the end. If you ask me, however, it’ll be the combination of all of these various efforts for America to again be fruitful.
I think what most of us fail to realize is the lengthy amount of time it will take to fix the country’s issues so that we can bounce back and thrive as we once did. In the meantime, I think the majority of us will be forced to simplify – and I’m not sure that’s such a bad idea. Hopefully, when things revert back to good, we’ll have all learned important lessons to avoid this again in the future.
In the spirit of keeping things consistent, you’ve got an award :). Check my page for details!
Oh hey mind reader. This is so where my head is tonight. I’ve been doing a couple hours of “oh my gosh the ECONOMY,” and have finally exhausted myself into calming down.
Hey there – I caught your post via Brazen Careerist and I thought I’d respond.
I think the idea that no one has the answer and only trial and error will sort things out is false. We look back to history for themes, not exact solutions. We can accurately say what happens when tax rates reach a prohibitively high rate, but of course there will be argument over whether that rate has been reached. While I agree all the back and forth is tedious, it’s because politicians love power plays, not what is actually good for the country (though when those two things are consonant, it’s a pleasant surprise.)
Though I’m someone who feels my opportunities will shrink because of the moves of this administration, I felt the prior administration got the ball rolling at a nice clip. However, what I find curious though is that very few self-professed liberals admit this. It’s like they put on blinders as soon as Obama became President, refusing to admit most of Obama’s policies are very similar to Bush’s.
As for the “smart” Republicans out there – I can’t believe I have to tell you about him, but Ron Paul is quite possibly the most brilliant mind in Congress. His approach is rooted in a consistent philosophy, is rational, and he doesn’t resort to the petty games you mention. I highly recommend you checking him out. Like you say, you might disagree, but he is most definitely one of the wiser voices in Washington.
My neck is sore after reading this. I blame the fact that I was nodding ‘YES! YES!’ very hard throughout the whole thing. You and I are definitely on the same page.
I don’t know if you mean “Where are the smart Republican politicians?” or “Where are the smart Republicans in general?” I read one blog consisting mainly of non-political miscellaneousness, but that frequently and/or semi-frequently includes thoughts from the blogger’s Republican perspective, as well as her regular “Republican reading links” post. I skim over the political stuff mostly, cuz that’s how I do in general, but I think she seems pretty smart. Then again, she doesn’t always go in-depth on stuff. But she certainly doesn’t come off like a buffoon or someone unintelligent by any standards. If you’re interested, I can shoot you the link.
Hi! I just came across your blog and find myself LOVING your perspective (maybe I’m biased because I have a B.A. in Religious Studies and basically could’ve written this SAME POST. Maybe.)
My family are Very Republican, and insist that because I am Catholic I’m basically going to hell because I don’t vote the same as them. Awesome, Mom!
Those last two points are excellent, EXCELLENT points and I sincerely hope we get some answers. Because, if not….Well, crap.