August 7, 2016

The Do Nothing Congress

Congress's popularity ratings have been below 15 percent national approval for years now, and at some points in the single digits. There is a clear failure of legislation addressing the problems of the nation. Republicans have had majority for years, so much of the blame is theirs. Obstructing Obama is not their only duty, although, they have stated that is their only goal. If Clinton wins without gaining majority, it seems Republican strategy will not change. An unhealthy strategy for America and an irresponsible strategy for the majority in power (Republicans).
Republicans not only have majority in national government, but in many States. Yet, the laws they are passing in those States are being found unconstitutional in our courts (their voting laws, abortion laws, and many other laws). If the laws Republicans are passing are being found unconstitutional in the courts are they a reflection of their constituents? If so, then we should be happy that our courts are working as they should and protecting the rights of all Americans. The court did turn down Obama's immigration presidential decree, but upheld the ACA law that passed Congress. A guide to compromise and Congressional legislation being the best way to govern. 
Obstructionism is not in the tradition of what's best for America. No matter how difficult the compromise, compromise is the key to getting things done and progressing the country. If you think the compromises now are tough, imagine compromising on slavery to get a constitution ratified. That compromise caused a Civil War 80 years later, but we had a nation under law that gave basic rights. That law (the constitution)  had an amendment process in hopes that future Americans would improve on the work of the founders. Part of the foresight and genius of the founders was, they knew their law was flawed and not sufficient for the generations to come. They knew their good words were not even a reality in their own time. Yet, they were smart enough to make amending the constitution hard. A guide to making sure any changes would truly reflect a majority of Americans.
There is a good argument that when the public is so at odds politically; might not be a good time for the majority to pass laws that end up being unconstitutional and/or unpopular. I certainly would not favor this time of diametrically opposing political views a time for a constitutional convention to rewrite and/or amend the constitution, as many have called for. Although, history tells us the first constitutional convention had opposing political views much harsher than today. I believe history also shows those founders had an enlightenment and intelligence our representatives do not show today.
Working through all these rules has given our Congress the reputation of being slow, and Congress changing their procedural rules hasn't made it any better.
One thing I agree with the political pundits on, is this election shows the people want change. We must be careful that this public frustration does not lead us on a path away from the basics of our constitution. We have to rely on our courts to be the check and balance, so it's more important than ever that our courts act as unbiased and unpolitical.   

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