From Denver Post
This is why one of the first things you learn about government (in what third grade?) is that there are checks and balances. Three branches of government working together to ensure no one holds unreasonable power. Add to that a governing body (the US Supreme Court) to make sure the branches aren't violating the laws they create.
When people work together there is no limit to what we can accomplish. So why is it becoming increasingly clear that there is one party that seems to refuse to compromise? Democrats are known for understanding other points of view, considering all options, and even going so far as to change their positions in light of other opinions.
A great example of this is Obama's change of heart on gay marriage. Of course this was touted as a flip-flop and a weakness by his opponents, but to me it showed tremendous strength of character! Personally, I think a person that isn't afraid of admitting that maybe they were wrong, is stronger than the person that holds steadfast to a belief despite overwhelming opposition or contrary evidence.
Why is it that things only get done when it is either a Republican backed idea, or when Democrats have a majority to override them? How is it a sign of weakness to come together and make concessions to actually get things done? Republicans seem to view voting against their party as some sort of treachery. Crossing those party lines is like a declaration of war. These people have no independent thoughts or opinions anymore (and I do mean on both sides). Granted there are exceptions but the majority of the time they simply vote down the party line.
Obama has been blasted for conceding to the Republicans and compromising to push things through; most notably during the last debt ceiling fiasco when he allowed them to make sweeping cuts across the board in exchange for paying the nation's bills. He also made many changes to his own "baby" the Affordable Care Act to better incorporate feelings from the other side of the aisle (think no more single-payer).
Now he is being blasted for not compromising and for refusing to negotiate with House Republicans. Politics really is "damned if you do, and damned if you don't" isn't it? He just can't seem do anything right in the eyes of the right wing. Negotiate and you're weak, don't negotiate and you're a dictator... Unfortunately, for those pointing fingers (namely House Republicans/TP, and their constituents) is they fail to realize this is not about negotiations; it is about a violation of the legislative process.
This is a power grab by the right wing of the GOP to gain some leverage in a fight they refuse to bend on.
Why else would they object to requests for committees to hammer out a budget with the Senate 18 times?
Why else would they wait until the fiscal year ends to try and do their job and pass a budget?
If for no other reason than to hold the government shut-down and looming default on our national debt as leverage to force their ideas. They should know by now that Democrats would work with them to make cuts, we have done so already (albeit mostly against our will through automatic austerity cuts aka sequester). Therefore their goal must be to not negotiate, their goal is to give us a deal they like without making concessions.
Please keep reading below the orange cloud for more...
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