democracy, Democrat style


The partisan dance begins in ernest, despite promises
Let the story speak for itself.

As they prepare to take control of Congress this week and face up to campaign pledges to restore bipartisanship and openness, Democrats are planning to largely sideline Republicans from the first burst of lawmaking.

<snip>

The episode illustrates the dilemma facing the new party in power. The Democrats must demonstrate that they can break legislative gridlock and govern after 12 years in the minority, while honoring their pledge to make the 110th Congress a civil era in which Democrats and Republicans work together to solve the nation's problems. Yet in attempting to pass laws key to their prospects for winning reelection and expanding their majority, the Democrats may have to resort to some of the same tough tactics Republicans used the past several years.

Democratic leaders say they are torn between giving Republicans a say in legislation and shutting them out to prevent them from derailing Democratic bills.

Parity test time.

What did the Democrats say when the Republicans did it to them?

Does that excuse the behavior when the Democrats do it to the Republicans?

And why doesn't either major party want to give any debate time to the minor parties and independents?

This is one big reason why I refuse to refer to the Democrat Party as the "Democratic Party," despite the insistence of some Democrat leaders. The Democrat party isn't democratic, and I refuse to misuse the language.

The problem isn't which party controls the agenda in government.

The problem is imposing control from above just because you have a majority.

Lest we forget.

That government is best which governs least.

Whoever said it, it's still true.

Inflict government on someone today, and don't be surprised if government is inflicted on you tomorrow.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Tue - January 2, 2007 at 06:12 PM  Tag


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