This coming November the Republicans may have a real opportunity to have what they haven’t had since the early 2000’s, all three branches. Even though the Senate appears unlikely, we have seen from prior elections, most notably 2010, voter angst can be very significant and can quickly change the dynamics of politics.
Conversely, the same could be said for the Democrats, that’s how crazy this election cycle may be. Is there a chance the Democrats could overturn the House and Obama be reelected? Maybe, but with such a poor economy it’s hard to believe the American people would be willing to put the entire cart back in the hands of one party. My sense is that when you want to try and change what’s happening to the team, i.e. the country, you fire the head coach, and right now that’s Barack Obama.
With that said, let’s return to the purpose for which this letter is being written. Again, I always try to do my research not just toss out opinions based on the ideas of my own desires or realities, but here are some numbers the Republicans need reminding of.
From 1995-2006 the Republicans held the majority in Congress. True Bill Clinton was President until 2000, and with that arrangement things went pretty well, but when W took over the Republicans were in full control once again until 2006. The only exception was the Senate from 2001-2003 where it was 50-50. Also, in 2010 the Republicans reclaimed the House with an impressive election season for the ages, but it really wasn’t so much about the Republicans as it was about the Democrats.
What do these numbers say? To me, as a voter I look at the party in power and the Republicans did not perform to their platform under George W. Bush. Pardon the inference on my fellow sailors, but Republicans opened up the check book and spent like drunken sailors. You deserve what you got in 2006, and it wasn’t all about BUSH. I have looked at length at his record and I see a man who foresaw the Fannie Mae crisis, but even his own party (and plenty of Democrats like Schumer, Dodd, and Frank) made serius miscalculations. Bush's biggest problem was that he trusted Congress too much, a major mistake. Yet despite that the Republicans stand on the verge of controlling all three branches once again. Don’t blow it if that opportunity presents itself! If the idea of Republicans controlling all three branches holds true, the American public may not be so forgiving if the Republicans, who are basically begging for full control, do not turn a lot of what ails us around. Here are a few suggestions for the Republicans should this happen.
1. If the Republicans are fortunate enough to win all three branches, and even if they do not recapture the Senate, please do not gloat. Do not engage in rhetoric like the President used when he told John McCain, “We won, you lost.” It should have been, America won, let’s get to work. There is no need to puff out your chest, shake your plume and prance around like the proud rooster. If the American people provide you with an opportunity to do what’s right, get us back on track, and fulfill promises, then do all you can to get that done.
2. Don’t be so intransigent about raising taxes on the top 10%. I have submitted an article called the 5% Solution. You can go to my article archive section. A modest increase of their taxes is not going to have the extreme wealthy suddenly no longer providing campaign funds, or threatening to not hire people. The information bears out. The gap between the top 10% and the bottom 50% is rather stark. I applaud wealth, but there is no denying there are two America’s.
3. Do not be afraid to engage the Democrats on a variety of economic issues. The Republicans have to be willing to say they want to do what’s in the best interest of the United States, rather than adhere to party ideals. They have to be willing to show bipartisanship. Both parties have good ideas and should be given due credit for our sustained prosperity at this point. For one party to claim otherwise is foolhardy and untrue.
4. Have a counter plan, a real and tangible plan to the Obama Health Care. You cannot simply say that you are going to repeal every piece of it. I am sure there are some good things in there. Be open minded and not so adversarial. If you are going to offer the Patient’s Choice Act, then it needs more media coverage and CBO scrutiny.
5. Like a household budget, sometimes the couple has to get creative. The Republicans cannot simply say they are going to cut every entitlement program out there. There are lots of cuts that need to be made no doubt, but get creative. If small businesses can be provided with incentives to hire then revenue will begin to increase and people will be able to find more job opportunities. If corporate tax rates are reduced, let there be an explicit understanding those tax breaks should be parlayed into (better or introduced) worker dividends, or bringing jobs back to the U.S.
6. Energy: Republicans cannot just be the party of fossil fuels. Yes, Republicans have had an all of the above position, but it’s not resonating. We can’t laugh at Obama’s attempt with Solyndra. Regardless of how that unfolds, people see that as, at least he’s trying. If the Republicans are beholden to fossil fuels, then the reputation they bear will simply continue.
7. Examine the environmental record. There are inroads to be made there as well. Republicans cannot just shrug off “whacko” environmentalists. Republicans have to show they support our National Parks, are sensitive to environmental issues, that man has some responsibility and role for what’s going on with regard to climate.
Finally, it’s all hands on deck. The Republican Party must be willing to sacrifice some of its platform in order to help us out of a mess created by both you and the Democrats. Again, to not accept any responsibility is dishonest. You can repair the damage that is associated with all the spending done since 2002. Get your House in order, think of America first and you can’t go wrong there. We’re not as dumb as some politicians may think. Scott Walker is living proof that you can challenge the system and the voters will figure it out.
Washington cannot continue to be gridlock central. America is hurting and quite frankly, pissed off. There is no denying there are two paths we (citizens) must consider for our future come this November and both parties are in hot pursuit. My guess is that if the Republicans put forth a practical-common sense agenda that works for most Americans, rather than being perceived as the party that caters to the wealthy and “white man,” then perhaps, just perhaps more people will listen. Good luck.
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