The Midterms

The political climate is heating up again as the midterm elections are only two weeks away. As usual there is political rhetoric and attack ads. What there isn't, as usual is any substantive action or call to action on the part of either party. We have the usual: "We can do better," talk, but given the total inaction on the part of this congress, I am not sure why anyone should believe them now just because there is an election.

I admit I'm disappointed. I had hoped maybe this could have been an election on issues and plans. What legislation will the Republicans or Democrats introduce in the new session to address even one of the major domestic issues in this country? Thus far the biggest news on that front is that Bush will stop using "stay the course," as a slogan for Iraq. No plan or anything for ending the conflict, but by god we are getting a new slogan. That's so reassuring. I hope he's not simly switching to "Well stand down as they stand up." Maybe something with more zip like: "Mission Accomplished!"

The Republicans are having heart failure over the thought of Nancy Pellosi as Speaker of the House if the Democrats win. There is even talk of a grassroots rebellion among Democrats against her candidacy. On the other hand, she has put forth an actual plan for her first few weeks in office that is impressive, even if it's impossible. Even if the Democrats win and step up to the plate in terms of advancing domestic legislation aimed at solving problems at home, the Republicans and the President will shoot it down in the interest of partisan politics.

I guess in the end that is what bothers me most about our current government. It's all about political power and acrimony and not anything about actually stepping up to the responsibilities of the job we elected them to do. I would sooner have one party or the other pushing a major agenda with which I basically disagreed than to do nothing. At least they would be trying to accomplish something aside from raising money, getting reelected, and kissing ass on big business and big donors.

The midterms are coming. Will it really make any difference at all which party wins?