The Conservative Cave
Current Events => Politics => Topic started by: BlueStateSaint on November 07, 2010, 05:46:46 AM
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I saw this on RedState, under the heading, The New Sobriety. Gotta say that I like the title. O-)
Hold the Balloons
Nov 6, 2010, Vol. 16, No. 09 • By YUVAL LEVIN
On November 7, 2006, the Democrats marked their takeover of Congress with a raucous celebration at the Hyatt Regency hotel on Capitol Hill. Balloons and confetti fell from the ceiling as the party’s leaders stood on the stage arm-in-arm, beaming with joy. “Tonight is a great victory for the American people,†Nancy Pelosi declared, as Chuck Schumer pumped his fists in the air behind her.
Last week, after retaking the House, coming two-thirds of the way toward retaking the Senate, and capturing hundreds of state and local offices from the Democrats in every region of the country, Republicans struck a much more subdued tone. No balloons, no blaring music, no fists in the air. John Boehner, the presumptive speaker of the House, did not even declare Republicans triumphant. “We have real work to do, and this is not a time for celebration,†he told the crowd.
Boehner seemed to understand that the Republicans’ victory was not a vote of confidence from the electorate. It was a cry for help in the face of two years of reckless, hyperactive liberalism that threatens to make the country’s considerable problems even worse. Voters demanded that today’s governing challenges—and especially the weak economy and exploding deficits and debt—be taken seriously. They have given Republicans the beginning of a chance to do so.
It is only the beginning because, as Boehner also said, “We must remember it is the president who sets the agenda for our government.†Not much can be done from the House of Representatives alone. But not nothing, either. Republicans can show the country what a serious approach to governing looks like—articulating an alternative vision, proposing concrete solutions (even if they get vetoed), and looking for opportunities to force President Obama into positions that require him to moderate and compromise.
Boehner’s speech offered hope that Republicans understand this. And in the days since, both Boehner and his deputy—Eric Cantor, who will likely be the House majority leader in the new Congress—have offered some further proof.
I like it that they're at least aware of the fact that they're on a very short leash. Now, if McConnell and the country-club set in the Senate would see this . . .
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/hold-balloons_515065.html
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Great article!
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yep. A VERY short leash. Let's hope they don't forget. I for one won't let them.
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yep. A VERY short leash. Let's hope they don't forget. I for one won't let them.
Exactly. :cheersmate: