Why the Policy of Republican "Obstructionism" is Ultimately Doomed to Failure

The republican policy of pure "obstructionism" is ultimately doomed to failure. This is an unsupportable position that may and I mean may, yield results in the short term, but in the long term is certainly doomed to failure. 


We currently have a fairly elected President who was voted into office with 53% of the vote. President Obama was voted into office because of his platform of change and reform coupled with specific policy proposals and mandates. President Obama has been thwarted in every turn by a wholesale Republican policy of saying "No" to virtually everything he tries to do. Furthermore, The Republicans have resorted to a campaign of  distortions, lies, and half-truths. designed to mislead the American public.


This obstructionist policy is ultimately doomed to fail because you are not doing anything for the constituents who elected you into public office. Obviously, if you are a Democrat you are not able to get anything done that the people voted for you to do. This will certainly lead to voter frustration and anger. 


On the other hand, if you are a Republican, and a bill passes without you at least compromising on some aspects of the issue, to address at least some of the concerns that your constituents have, then you have not represented their interests either.  This also leads to voter frustration and anger.


If either party embarks on a policy of deceit, half-truths and lies, your constituents WILL eventually learn the truth, this leads to an even bigger voter backlash. Your time in public office becomes self limiting due to your own words and actions.


It doesn't matter if you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent; whatever your district or State, you have voters of all kinds of political beliefs and philosophies as part of your constituencies.   Do you not have an obligation to represent ALL THE PEOPLE? Wouldn't that entail you representing all their interests whether you necessarily agree or not?


Doesn't the minority (or opposition party) have an obligation to forge a compromise with the majority party to protect the interests of  ALL the people you serve? Isn't this the basic premise of our political system? Isn't the United States constitution based upon the basic principals of the "Majority shall prevail as long as the rights of the individual are not abridged?"


History tells us that the United States constitution is filled with compromises between the Federalist philosophy and the Anti-Federalists beliefs. In the end they were both able to come together and forge the basis for out nation that ultimately served the purposes of both beliefs. Have we forgotten these principals so soon? 


Have not the Republicans lost their way by trying to encourage and incorporate radical fringe elements such as the Tea Party into the GOP party? Why has the GOP formed a purity test and purged the moderate and liberal elements out of the party. Does this serve the interests of all the constituents in their respective States or districts? Seriously, I believe that this is only self interest and does not serve the people as you were hired to do.  It is painfully obvious that corporations and special interests have hijacked our political process.


Wouldn't you be better off going back home, and telling your constituents that you didn't agree with a particular legislation, but you at least compromised to get some or all of the protections and elements included that the people in your district or State wanted? Isn't this what Democracy is all about?


Obstructionism will ultimately fail because in the end you haven't made anyone happy. Eventually, you will have to answer to the voters as to why you didn't do anything that you were hired to do. Could you work for any company in America and just say no everything, and never offer solutions or compromise to get the job done? I think not.


Because of the extreme gridlock and ultra obstructionists in Washington, D. C. a new grass roots movement has taken hold and is spreading like fire. The new movement is called the "Coffee Party Movement" http://coffeepartyusa.com/ the mission statement of the Coffee Party Movement is simple "The Coffee Party Movement gives voice to Americans who want to see cooperation in government. We recognize that the federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges that we face as Americans. As voters and grassroots volunteers, we will support leaders who work toward positive solutions, and hold accountable those who obstruct them."


For those of you in elected office who spread lies, half-truths, and distortions, or choose to obstruct everything in Washington, be on notice you will be held accountable for your actions.


Regards,


Tom