Why we need less democracy. By Peter Orszag
You know I was going to go back to Reagan as an example of why the extreme measures of taking away our liberty aren't necessary, but the truth is we can look at Bush and even more so at Clinton.
I will put Bush aside for this post because I will be accused of being biased.
Clinton took office with a republican controlled congress. He tried to get his health care agenda through and failed (best thing that ever happened to him and us) but he learned to lead and still got a lot done. He was a pragmatist when he needed to be and a partisan when it was something he really wanted or believed in. He figured out how to work with "the enemy" and got much of his agenda through congress. He was just as polarizing as Obama and in fact was much less popular coming in. You will recall that the only reason why he was elected was because Ross Perot took 18% of the vote from Bush.
Add all of that up and you have a president who could have been the next Jimmy Carter but wasn't. Why? Because he led. He didn't hide and blame Bush for every problem he inherited, he took on the problems because that was his job. We may disagree with the way he took them on, the angle that he took, and the end results, but we can't argue that he didn't lead.
So whil Orszag thinks the only answer is a totalitarian like administrative state that will never ever work and just lead to a loss of freedom and a decline of our country, I believe all we need is a leader. ..... Like Clinton? (How bad is Obama? Look at that last sentence again and realize who wrote it)
8 comments:
You're right: Clinton worked with a Republican Congress. Today's Republicans have made it clear they will not work with Obama. To get anything through Congress he needs 60 votes in the Senate. The opposition filibuster everything. If anything Obama has tried to hard to "compromise" with people who will not compromise.
I know i'm right. I'm always right. However you are still wrong and as usual you miss the point.
If Obama was a leader he wouldn't be facing the threat of a filibuster. If Obama was a leader HIS OWN PARTY wouldn't be saying PUBLICLY that they won't bring up his latest piece of legislation that he calls a "jobs" bill.
Leaders make thing happen. Leaders are pragmatic and find solutions. You can't defend the indefensible.
Plus you didn't read the article and it's not by ann coulter so you have only your closed mind to blame.
Gary, you either dont follow politics, are incredibly stupid, or just a flat out liar.
Obama had 60 votes in the Senate for two years. He had an overwhelming majority in the House and yet he still failed to lead.
You repeat the oft used talking point how the GOP are the party of no and obstructionists, can you cite specific examples of Republican filibusters that derailed his legislation, judicial appointments, etc. It isnt a historically accurate statement, Im just not sure if you know that or are willingly lying.
"I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover. I really hope that someone can agree with me on that," "You want people who don't worry about the next election." Gov. Bev Perdue
“As I mentioned when I was at La Raza a few weeks back, I wish I had a magic wand and could make this all happen on my own,” “There are times where — until Nancy Pelosi is speaker again — I’d like to work my way around Congress.” Obama
Im sensing a pattern....
I know that Obama had 60 votes, assuming that every one of them would vote with him. That's how he was able to get healthcare reform and financial reform through Congress. Specific examples? The Republicans filibustered just about everything.
Everything?
Out of curiousity, name one piece of legislation you would have liked to see pass, but Republicans fillibusted?
I think you are confusing Democratic pusillanimousity for Republican obstructionism. It's almost as if you dont understand our political system at all.
Do you think Republicans are filliibusting Obama's new stimulus bill?
One? How about 375?
http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/2010/10/want-proof-that-the-republican-party-is-against-the-people.html#tp
Your number is wrong.
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