James, The worst has come from Republicans. Gingrich was followed by the (Denny) Hastert Rule; the idea that no legislation would be put forward for a vote unless it could be pass with only Republican votes, basically eliminating the possibility of anyone working with Democrats. That encourgages the extreems. Health reform failed because Republicans could not compromise with themselves.
Look at that fact closer.
- More people voted for Senate Democrats than Republicans as Democrats generaly represent more populous States. This means that Republicans, representing a minority of voters, can’t even compromise within the minority to pass legislation. A small Republican minority is holding up legislation.
- Look at Trump’s Campaign. He promised to lower premiums and deductibles in Health reform, to make the plans better. Indeed that would help many people get by because paychecks aren’t going up. All Republican plans that were proposed would do the opposite. If they would have went with Trump’s promises it would have passed, likely with Democratic votes included. Gingrich, Hastert et al are supporting very small minorities with extreem interests. This seems a likely primary source for our intense partisanship.
I’m really not a lefty. I’m retiring before too long and I think I’ll need Social Security and Medicare to get by. I’m not ready to trust someone like Norquist who wants to shrink government so he can drown it in a bathtub. Come on man. There’s no GOOD reason Americans should be so divided. What’s your beefs. I think we have more in common, at least if we can get the Rush Linbaughs out of the way.
