The American Centurians
01-13-2007, 11:38 AM
"DEMOCRATS TAKE CONTROL OF CONGRESS--NOW WHAT?"
This week, the new U.S. Congress session was initiated. For the first time in twelve years, the House and Senate will be led by the Democrats. The last election sent a clear message by the voters for a change. The change has now taken place. Nancy Pelosi will assume the position of Speaker of the House--the first woman in history to do so. She occupies an extremely important and powerful political position. Let us not forget that the House of Representatives has a very significant hammer at it's disposal--control of the money with the ability to grant funding or withhold funding on all government expenditures.
As always, each new Congressional session promises all kinds of great achievements often followed by dismal results. The prior Republican led Congress was nicknamed the "do nothing Congress". It is much too early to guess or determine if the new Democratic led Congress will earn the same dubious distinction. Time obviously will tell as President Bush "works" with the new Congress and the new Congress "works" with President Bush. Regardless of all the rhetoric, nonpartisan efforts in the best interests of the country are unlikely to occur as usual unless politicians, to include the President, decide to compromise and work together for the people instead of themselves!
The new Democrat controlled Congress came to power based on one very important voter concern--the Iraq War. It was a clear message and one that the Democrats should not forget. The voters wanted a change and now the voters will await to see the changes. This is a lesson the Democrats should not forget as they take over leadership of the Congress. The same people elected to office on promises not delivered can easily be removed from office during the next election.
The Democratic leadership has laid out a eight point agenda to be resolved immediately during the first 100 hours of legislative session:
(1) Toughen House ethics rules
(2) Initiate and enforce "pay as you go" budget rules
(3) Adopt 9/11 Commisssion recommendations
(4) Raise the federal minimum wage
(5) Promote and fund embryonic stem cell research
(6) Negotiate lower Medicare prescription drug prices for seniors
(7) Reduce interest rates on student loans
(8) Roll back tax breaks for energy companies (like oil)
The above issues are good and will hopefully be successful. They are essentially "no brainers". Who would really disagree? Don't worry though there will be plenty of disagreement. However, they pale in comparison to the difficulty and impact of resolving the following issues:
(1) The future of the war effort in Iraq
(2) Immigration reform, control and enforcement
(3) Restoring the industrial base in this country for future employment of Americans in a global economy
Americans are not particularly interested in which political party controls Congress. They are only interested in our politicians focusing and resolving issues which effect them and their families now and in the future. Americans are tired of the same old rhetoric with no results. We will keep track of the success of our new legislators. Much is expected. Time will tell how much is delivered!
The time has come for the voters (you and I) to demand results based on the best interests of America and it's citizens. It is time for the voters to exercise their power and let our elected politicians know that they work for us and will be fired if they cannot get the job done. It is time for the voters to keep our elected politicians accountable to their bosses--you and I! To do so, you and I (the voters) must take the time and responsibility to become well informed on the issues of interest to us all!
Alan :thumbsup:
www.theamericancenturians.com
This week, the new U.S. Congress session was initiated. For the first time in twelve years, the House and Senate will be led by the Democrats. The last election sent a clear message by the voters for a change. The change has now taken place. Nancy Pelosi will assume the position of Speaker of the House--the first woman in history to do so. She occupies an extremely important and powerful political position. Let us not forget that the House of Representatives has a very significant hammer at it's disposal--control of the money with the ability to grant funding or withhold funding on all government expenditures.
As always, each new Congressional session promises all kinds of great achievements often followed by dismal results. The prior Republican led Congress was nicknamed the "do nothing Congress". It is much too early to guess or determine if the new Democratic led Congress will earn the same dubious distinction. Time obviously will tell as President Bush "works" with the new Congress and the new Congress "works" with President Bush. Regardless of all the rhetoric, nonpartisan efforts in the best interests of the country are unlikely to occur as usual unless politicians, to include the President, decide to compromise and work together for the people instead of themselves!
The new Democrat controlled Congress came to power based on one very important voter concern--the Iraq War. It was a clear message and one that the Democrats should not forget. The voters wanted a change and now the voters will await to see the changes. This is a lesson the Democrats should not forget as they take over leadership of the Congress. The same people elected to office on promises not delivered can easily be removed from office during the next election.
The Democratic leadership has laid out a eight point agenda to be resolved immediately during the first 100 hours of legislative session:
(1) Toughen House ethics rules
(2) Initiate and enforce "pay as you go" budget rules
(3) Adopt 9/11 Commisssion recommendations
(4) Raise the federal minimum wage
(5) Promote and fund embryonic stem cell research
(6) Negotiate lower Medicare prescription drug prices for seniors
(7) Reduce interest rates on student loans
(8) Roll back tax breaks for energy companies (like oil)
The above issues are good and will hopefully be successful. They are essentially "no brainers". Who would really disagree? Don't worry though there will be plenty of disagreement. However, they pale in comparison to the difficulty and impact of resolving the following issues:
(1) The future of the war effort in Iraq
(2) Immigration reform, control and enforcement
(3) Restoring the industrial base in this country for future employment of Americans in a global economy
Americans are not particularly interested in which political party controls Congress. They are only interested in our politicians focusing and resolving issues which effect them and their families now and in the future. Americans are tired of the same old rhetoric with no results. We will keep track of the success of our new legislators. Much is expected. Time will tell how much is delivered!
The time has come for the voters (you and I) to demand results based on the best interests of America and it's citizens. It is time for the voters to exercise their power and let our elected politicians know that they work for us and will be fired if they cannot get the job done. It is time for the voters to keep our elected politicians accountable to their bosses--you and I! To do so, you and I (the voters) must take the time and responsibility to become well informed on the issues of interest to us all!
Alan :thumbsup:
www.theamericancenturians.com