Stop blame game, and get to work
In a Feb. 20 Fence Post article, an individual accused the Republican party of failing to accept responsibility for the $1 trillion debt inherited by the current administration, obstructing and demonizing our future and the 2008 banking debacle. First off, the Democrats had majorities in both Houses during 2006 through 2008 and did their part in creating the debt. Also, $1 trillion seems manageable when compared to the current $13 trillion debt we are and will be drowning in for many years. As for the banking fiasco, again, Democrat Barney Frank and his finance committee colleagues were supposedly overseeing Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, helped establish Acorn and assured us all was well until the crash. Then, instead of taking responsibility he and his group once again blamed the Republican administration. The Obama administration may have been trying to ease the financial burden on the middle class, but to date have had only minimal success. Unemployment remains very high, the housing market is floundering, businesses are struggling and closing and just as with health care they are not including or encouraging bipartisan efforts. The present administration has shut out Republican ideas and plans using closed door meetings. They have attempted to keep them from participating in the legislative process. They have used bribery and threats to obtain votes on controversial issues to overcome legitimate concerns. Having strong majorities in both houses shouldn't mean ignoring the minority completely. If voting and saying "no" stops legislation that is bad for our country, encourages bi-partisanship and creates meaningful dialogue, then "gridlock" can be a good thing. One party, one person doesn't have all the right answers. Our government must work together to act in the best interests of all the citizens of the United States. That's what they were elected to do. Stop the blame game. Stop putting either parties' interests ahead of the public they are sworn to serve. Move our nation in the proper direction. Unity will serve us well.
Paul Saam
Gurnee