There is a common misconception that I think needs to be stopped. This notion of cooperation between the parties and branches of government is the only solution to wrongdoing. That somehow the word Bi-partisan is the definition of "right" and "fair". That cooperation between the branches of government or the Parties ruling a people is "good". This is a dangerous way to think. The cooperation of government, or the parties themselves, is the gateway to tyranny in our Republic.
Checks and Balances - this is far too polite to convey our system of government, at least in our current, sensational use of language. Vigilance and Retribution - this is much more in tune with current vernacular. If I could do one thing to fix our political system, it would be to insert "Vigilance and Retribution" into the minds of American voters in the place of the overused and undervalued "Checks and Balances".
A new expectation must be carved into the landscape, one that expects constant Vigilance over constitutionally enumerated powers by the members of each branch, and should their ground be trod on Retribution must be swift and horrible. They must guard their powers as if an army stands at the walls of democracy, always looking for an opportunity to invade the territory granted by the people. Failure of Vigilance or to exact fierce Retribution when assailed, is concession to dictatorship, and repugnant to the free people of the Republic.
The Ancient Greeks warned of the Parties, as did the Founders. Warned that one party could control all branches, and in doing so defy the will of the people. The Greeks had no solution, nor the Founders. Both acknowledged that men joining together in common cause is a right of free men, its results unavoidable. If we are to have two Parties then they must never be in collusion. They must be in a constant State of War to protect freedom. Things must only be settled, laws passed, when both sides agree to ceasefire, and concessions made through attrition. It is the Vigilance of watching your foe, and the willingness to march on him to exact Retribution that makes our Republic work. Checks and Balances don't quite explain it.
The rules of the House and Senate are not laws. They are ceasefire accords, a result of an ancient conflict between the Parties. Sadly, my party has forgotten why these rules exist. My party has known the ceasefire too long, and thinks that it was the natural state of the House and Senate. My party doesn't realize that when one rule of the ceasefire is broken, all are broken. My party doesn't recognize the sound of jackboots on Washington's marble floors.
If any Senators or Congressmen read this, please Sir or Madam, fight. Every opening must be exploited, every wound salted. Leave scorched earth behind you, and fear ahead. Be the warrior that the people need, and expect. There will be no ceasefire until they feel the pain of War, by God start fighting one. The time for Vigilance is over. Retribution is now.