Common Sense Evaluation

What happened to the party of no?

The classic scene in Frankenstein where the villagers form an angry mob and storm the castle with pitchforks and torches to destroy the monster is the perfect corollary to events transpiring in Washington, D.C.

In the aftermath of an historic midterm election victory, Republicans allowed Obama to set the agenda, frame the issues, and spin the results of the 2010 lame duck session of Congress. Obama has managed to transform himself from a repudiated election-night loser into an action-oriented, take-charge leader pushing through controversial legislation with seconds on the clock as the Republican party of no seems only too eager to help in a misguided show of bipartisanship. Obama has managed to pass a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, secure ratification of the flawed START nuclear treaty, and pass legislation assisting 9/11 responders in a lame duck session. Where are the bold Republicans who proclaimed the end of Obama’s agenda on election night?

I’m not buying the argument that the new Congress will fix the mess created in the lame duck session. The START treaty passed 71-26, with 13 Republicans crossing the aisle. RINO’s such as Lamar Alexander, Richard Lugar, Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe, and Lisa Murkowski will be returning in the new Congress. What possessed Republican Senators to fracture a coalition that had Obama on the ropes? Now that they’ve shown their true colors, is it likely they’ll reform a solid block of opposition?

It would be nice if Tea Party members could show up in mass at the Capitol when the new Congress is sworn in to demonstrate their resolve to see the change for which they voted. Imagine the sight of thousands of concerned citizens calmly and orderly packing the Capitol grounds as the new Congress prepares for business. Not chanting or demonstrating, but sending the subtle message that we are watching you and this is your last chance. When we return, we’ll be carrying pitchforks and torches!

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