Let's Get Political (5) ...the last of the series

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BI-PARTISAN: the fantasy that Congress can create legislation with support from both of the major parties. (Again, my own definition)


Idealism is required of those who aspire to public service. Without idealism the function of those sitting in various houses of legislature is simply to embrace the status quo, vote on the bills presented, and go home. Idealism gives those in public service a reason for putting themselves through the unbelievably difficult and humiliating process of running for office and serving. As a student of politics, I have to say that I know no one who has been a colleague in that enterprise who has not aspired to change the world...or at least that tiny portion of it represented by a district. There is always a twinge of reality which laces itself through the idealistic plans, but when a politician (I use that word in a positive way) espouses idealistic programs or plans, it is with some sense of self-preservation. Why else would you run?

In the current administration there was, from the beginning, a dream of working in a non-partisan manner. That is to say, it was the dream of overcoming existing practices of nasty name-calling, dirty tricks, media sabotage, and other schemes designed to undermine "the enemy." In a spirit of neo-democracy, Republicans and Democrats would work hand-in-hand to produce legislation which would change the nation forever. I was one of those who believed it to be possible, and who voted in a way that would bring it about. If ever there was someone stepping into the presidency who could accomplish non-partisanship, it was Barack Obama.

I haven't lost my idealism totally, but the reality thing has burst forth with unbelievable energy. I would never have expected it to be this fierce. The vitriolic pronouncements are ear-singeing. Underhanded tricks to destroy the "other side of the aisle" have been cruel, emerging from both sides of the ideological divide. I am one of those who believes that the disrespect for our President and a calculated plan to destroy his programs has been tinged with racism. At the same time, it is clear that Republicans have been dismissed from serious participation in building good legislation. Even good children at play can turn vicious, and that includes adult children.

President Obama is so intent on creating a new kind of political interaction between the two major parties that I can't believe he won't make headway in this idealistic plan for bi-partisan legislation. But I don't see it happening right away. Too bad. There are serious issues needing our attention at this time which would benefit immensely from support from both major parties.

This word, bi-partisan, is something to which we should aspire, and which should be within our grasp.

I like being an idealist. I choose not to give up on it.