Focusing on the United States Congress, the role of the minority party in a democracy comes into question. As history has shown, a healthy democracy requires more than a single party, and must allow for an array of open debate to voice support or dissent for any given policy objective.In recent years, we have witnessed a variety of roles played by the minority party in Congress, in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives; the minority party has always taken the role of being the active voice of disagreement.
Explaining the seemingly unending calls for bipartisanship is not an easy feat, nor does anybody know for certain why there are calls for bipartisanship in a modern Congress when one (or both) chamber is dominated by a single party. Currently, the House of Representatives is overwhelmingly in control of the Democratic Party. Consider how the House is assembled; individual districts totaling 435 members of small constituencies, rather than the "at-large" representation in the United States Senate. When on such a micro level of representation, and with the results coming much in favor of one party, some may speculate that (without using the term "mandate") this results in the American people stating they prefer one party to another. In such a case, why the calls for bipartisanship? Simply stated: because it looks good politically.
Politicians, as we have come to know and love, live in a politically hostile environment, and have to survive the never-ending "permanent campaign." Some of those serving in Congress come from unstable districts where they are forced to make concessions and appease a given group of their constituents. It is not politically viable for most members, say in the House, to be ultra-partisan and run the gauntlet on the opposition. For as much as political junkies jump at the thought of partisan rancor, the general electorate is sickened by the thought of "partisan politics getting us nowhere." And of course, we cannot blame them for their sentiments.
So what is to come of the minority party currently in Congress? There is one simple answer: sit and wait. It was only a few years ago when Karl Rove and the Republican machine had vowed they had created a "permanent Republican majority," and were certain that their power in Washington was going to last for generations. Meanwhile, the Democrats were going through the same situation as the Republicans today. They were viewed as inferior when compared to the the majority party. But the Democrats played a brilliant (if it was actually planned this way) strategy: the "wait-and-see" tactic that eventually won them back Congress in 2006. The Democrats did not present a stronger or more popular message to the people (although, unlike the current minority, they did present alternatives). They did not get swept into office because they had a better platform, nor did the Republicans get voted out because the electorate viewed their opponents as being superior. The Democrats won because the political winds shifted in their favor, and sat by and watched as the Republicans imploded.
So why do Republican House members even show up to work every day without presenting any viable policy alternatives? Because they have no leadership. The minority party is in such disarray that their platform is lost, their leadership is absent, and months after the 2008 elections, have yet to voice any ideals that the electorate is willing to hear. The political atmosphere is not in their favor, and there is nothing they can do about it, until the majority party begins to slide.
In addition, the Democrats should call the Republicans' bluff in the United States Senate. Needing 60 votes to have passed the stimulus was not necessary. Having 60 is only needed to end debate. So, the Democrats should call their bluff, bring out the cots, and let the Republicans attempt to filibuster any legislation they oppose. The GOP has close to nothing to lose, and should have no problem with letting the American people witness their stalling attempts at blocking whatever legislation the Democrats propose.
We already witnessed that the GOP is not needed in the House. The stimulus passed without a single Republican supporting the measure, and the same will continue with legislation in the future. In the Senate, the Democrats have a majority, and should let the GOP attempt to filibuster. Why would they allow them to do this? Because it would be political suicide for the GOP to stall any measures that are aimed at economic recovery, and it would fare very well for the majority party.
The role of the minority party in any democracy should be to present viable policy alternatives, present enriched debate about the issues, and hold the majority party accountable for their (if any) misactions through whatever means necessary. Just as the Democrats did throughout their minority rule, they voiced dissent for the Iraq War, criticized the sitting President, and still presented real alternative solutions under the leadership of the DNC and its party leaders.
Overall, it is a rather unique situation as we see currently. Without strong leadership and a sound message to deliver, the minority party can easily be overlooked, and their requests ignored. It is time for the Democrats to turn up the heat, as the GOP did when they had the majority under Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert. In politics, what goes around comes back around.
So why do Republican House members even show up to work every day without presenting any viable policy alternatives? Because they have no leadership. The minority party is in such disarray that their platform is lost, their leadership is absent, and months after the 2008 elections, have yet to voice any ideals that the electorate is willing to hear. The political atmosphere is not in their favor, and there is nothing they can do about it, until the majority party begins to slide.
In addition, the Democrats should call the Republicans' bluff in the United States Senate. Needing 60 votes to have passed the stimulus was not necessary. Having 60 is only needed to end debate. So, the Democrats should call their bluff, bring out the cots, and let the Republicans attempt to filibuster any legislation they oppose. The GOP has close to nothing to lose, and should have no problem with letting the American people witness their stalling attempts at blocking whatever legislation the Democrats propose.
We already witnessed that the GOP is not needed in the House. The stimulus passed without a single Republican supporting the measure, and the same will continue with legislation in the future. In the Senate, the Democrats have a majority, and should let the GOP attempt to filibuster. Why would they allow them to do this? Because it would be political suicide for the GOP to stall any measures that are aimed at economic recovery, and it would fare very well for the majority party.
The role of the minority party in any democracy should be to present viable policy alternatives, present enriched debate about the issues, and hold the majority party accountable for their (if any) misactions through whatever means necessary. Just as the Democrats did throughout their minority rule, they voiced dissent for the Iraq War, criticized the sitting President, and still presented real alternative solutions under the leadership of the DNC and its party leaders.
Overall, it is a rather unique situation as we see currently. Without strong leadership and a sound message to deliver, the minority party can easily be overlooked, and their requests ignored. It is time for the Democrats to turn up the heat, as the GOP did when they had the majority under Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert. In politics, what goes around comes back around.
No comments:
Post a Comment