The Sad State of Politics Today

All over the media and alternative media, the debate rages about whether Pelosi is to blame for her outspoken comments yesterday. How ironic is that? We’re speaking out, having a fierce debate about whether Pelosi was “too partisan” in her comments.

I’m not buying into the idea that debate in the House (and presumably the Senate) should not be forceful or honest, because that would be “partisan” and “alienate Republicans”. What a wimpy excuse for a republic this has become.

The history of democracy is filled with dynamic, dramatic and passionate debate. Take a look back at the powerful speeches and writings of past legislatures, of the founding fathers, of England and Rome and Greece. This is important stuff and our legislators are there to represent us. You, all of you here, are here because you love a forceful debate. Stop being babies. It’s healthy to disagree and do so with all the power and persuasion you can. We all do that here.

But in Congress, everyone is supposed to be nice and bite their tongues to keep from offending the pitiful egos of lawmakers on the other side? To hell with that! History is being written, in the House and Senate records. The speeches and writing of both sides will become part and parcel of how future generations view this momentous time. It is the official record of the government of the United States.

As one who has read the records of lots of such debates, I am dumbfounded that partisan sparring mates in the blogosphere and news media think these powerful, connected and mostly wealthy leaders need to be coddled. Come on ! Most of them are lawyers. They do this in court. They present and are presented with the most forceful points that can be made. They wouldn’t abandon their clients because opposing counsel wasn’t nice enough and tried to make points against them. How preposterous.

I do not believe that they were so hurt that they changed their votes because someone offended them by speaking frankly. Get a grip.

“There is none so dumb as he who will not speak.”