Bipartisanship is the New Government Word

Bipartisanship has become a very popular word in not only federal government but local as well. It seems that the concept behind this word is something new and that no government entity really believes in its existence. Now, everyone wants it but they don't want it if they are not "in charge" and it doesn't go their way.

In the Halls of the U.S. Congress and Senate, the GOP side of the hall want bipartisanship, but not unless the words, concepts, and ideas are all theirs. If the Democrats, which are the majority at this time have input, then it is denounced, criticized and scrutinized. Bipartisanship to the Republican party is not voting for or being part of anything that is or has a Democratic stamp on it. You have to wonder where the logic is even as far as the stimulus package is concerned. They demanded more tax cuts and the top echelons in business to be allowed to operate, and continue on with their jobs. While nobody is perfect, least of all any government official, what did not work for eight very long years is destined not to work when the walls of Jericho are tumbling down. Tax cuts are fine when you have a job, but when unemployment, food share stamps, and living in a tent in a park are what you face, then tax cuts have no meaning whatsoever to you or those you love.Tax cuts are beneficial when you have enough income to put into the taxation system, but when you are on government programs in order to survive daily, then a tax cut is of no value. With the hundreds of thousands that are collecting unemployment, they are not impressed with tax cuts. The Senators and Congresspeople are because they have jobs and tax cuts means they can keep more of their salaries.

Health care is never affordable when you don't have a way to pay for it, and labeling any health coverage except the status quo as socialism is using the English language to your private selfish goals. A Washington government official bypasses emergency room waiting rooms and is escorted and treated to the best the medical world can offer. Private medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare gives you the privilege of sitting for literally hours with assorted other sick patients in hospital and doctor waiting rooms. Yes, some serve coffee but when you are ill and only want to lie down and be treated, then our health care system literally "sucks."

Hidden pork and pet projects were denounced over and over again as filling the pages of the Stimulus Bill. A very tanned and lately loud advocate of the Republican side of the aisle stated that not one Democrat read the 1100 plus pages of the bill. He never stated how many Republicans read it cover to cover but still they found literally untold number of pages filled with "pork." Being pressured to name the pages and sections, he not only declined but ignored the request. The GOP was also very vocal and proud that they did not go along with the stimulus bill, but in essence, they would have preferred to let their constituents beg, steal, and borrow whatever conveniences they can come across because lucrative pay checks, benefits and perks are not made available to them, as they are to our highly paid and rewarded government officials. There is an irony in the halls of our government - why are they all, each and every one of them, above the million dollar in assets group of the population with the luxury of raiding the tax dollars as they so choose. Do you see something wrong with this picture? I do, and I'm sure that the "chosen few" certainly do not want too many people to be aware of this scenario. Imagine not tacking on high priced lunches to your tab graciously paid for by none other than those laid-off workers who are standing in long lines waiting for those meaningless tax breaks.

By all means, the stimulus package is not perfect, nor was the last eight years of government far from the stellar existence that the Republican Party seems to broadcast as being Nirvana. It wasn't and its time to move on.

The Republican Party should embrace bipartisanship and stop carrying on like spoiled children whose lap of luxury just might go down the tubes, right along with the highest gas prices in history, and banks and CEO's so used to billions when their job performance only echoes dollars and cents. When the limo rides with hired drivers are taken away, and those expensive tanning sessions, haircuts, and designer clothes are removed, don't they look like every one of their constituents? I don't see "royal" engraved on any forehead but only "human" I thought we were equal under the only judge that really matters but maybe things have changed and the well-heeled have an inside track to grace and merit.
Something to think about
©Arleen M. Kaptur February, 2009