Through understanding, grasping the sense of the world as we dance through the movement of history....
This opinion is not formed to score political points against the Republicans, and I am definitely not in the mood to take the Democratic side.
What we have in the lame duck session is one of the most shameful political stunts in my observation in U.S. politics.
We have a nuclear treaty, an extension to the unemployment benefits, and medical funding for the 911 first responders. All of them were subjected to Republican blockade in the name of giving tax breaks to those making above $250,000 a year.
Now, having $250,000 is a lot, but we are talking about making $250,000 a year! Ok, for the sake of argument, let us ignore the content of Republican demand.
What this country experienced is the federal government’s inability to pass necessary legislation for national defense, domestic social security for its citizens, and a moral obligation that was not fulfilled for many years. Republicans in Congress believed that their tax agenda is more important than any of these three issues.
If America doesn’t promptly pass the nuclear arms treaty, then national defense is in jeopardy. If unemployment benefits are not extended, thousands of Americans who have been constantly looking for jobs are left in poverty. If the first responders do not get federal support for medical expenses, 911 heroes will die, because this country did not return the bravery and honor that they have given.
This is my conclusion. The current Republicans in Congress want nothing more than the preservation of their political power. They do not care about the better good of America, and they certainly have priorities of everything over the demands of reality.
Democrats are not off the hook either, but the Republicans certainly showed their soul to the nation. Their inner conscious lies outside the bounds of statesmanship, humanity.