Yet again, it seems to me that both political parties in Washington are more interested in scoring political points than actually serving the people that put them in power.
First it was the Republicans. Many of them initially opposed an extension of the payroll tax cut, even though the GOP is the anti-tax party. Then, the House Republicans opposed a hugely bipartisan Senate plan to extend the tax cut for two months, complaining that the cut should be extended for 12 months. That’s what I call political whiplash.
Now, it’s the Democrats. Instead of coming back to Washington to negotiate with the House Republicans, they are going to stay home for the holidays. Come on, really?
Perhaps the Democrats gamesmanship will work, forcing the hand of House Republicans who will eventually pass the 2-month compromise in the coming days. But, that’s far from a guarantee.
We elect our leaders, send them to Washington, and pay them handsomely to work. Not to fight. Not to throw up roadblocks. Not to take extensive vacations. Christmas or not, both sides need to figure this out and quickly.
Leadership is rarely easy or fun. But it is necessary, particularly at this time. Hopefully our “leaders” in both parties will eventually learn that.
Posted by Jay Warren at 04:25 PM. Filed under: main •
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Posted by ( Carl C. ) on December 21, 2011 at 12:35 am
Let me get this straight. The Republican house passed a resolution that took care of all the issues for the next year. The President said he would veto it. The Democratic Senate, to save the President political embarrasment, came up with a hair-brain idea for a two month extension and create gridlock in February. Then they leave town. And now the press is blaming the Republicans. Now tell me how much sense that makes.
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