It's Us Against Them

That seems to be the theme with government leaders, both state and federal, nowadays between Republicans and Democrats. And while the Republican side seems to move further and further to the right, the Democrats appear to moving more to the left. This is causing more hostility, little compromise and contempt between the two waring factions. The victims are taxpayers and US citizens. The country and/or state sees little progress and bad legislation.

In an Associated Press story today's Journal Star, a poll suggests that the public is more dissatisfied with Congress than with President George W. Bush. That's not an easy feat to accomplish.

Sometimes, you don't need another political party to pick fights with. In Illinois, the Democratic party is at odds with Gov. Rod Blagojevich. As the current budget impasse continues, Doug Finke reports in today's Journal Star a quote from Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan; "There was no name calling. That's progress!" Good frikin' Grief! It's really a sorry state of affairs when you consider a session without name calling as progress.

This feuding back and forth is a major problem in the country today, in my humble opinion. Aren't we all citizens of the same country; Americans who should stand together. If Congress and our leaders really want to, they can get together and get things accomplished. Case in point - a few years ago, Congress created the Do Not Call list. Once enacted, it was discovered to contain some loopholes. They fixed it very quickly. Why can't our lawmakers do the same with the war in Iraq, health care, education, environment, electric prices in IL, budget; the list goes on. Instead, all they can do is bicker and point the finger of blame to the other party.

From an interview with Gov. Blagojevich reported in Thursday's Journal Star indicated that Blagojevich is pushing Illinois Democrats to "shut Republicans out of the budget process." I'm sorry, but is that anyway to make progress. These Republicans represent other citizens of Illinois. They are taxpayers too and have a right to be heard. All lawmakers should have a voice, regardless of political affiliation. Statements like these just make Blagojevich look more like a unprofessional, hot-headed, partisan politician, not a leader Illinois needs right now.

Common Sense of it All: A legitimate, viable alternative party and/or candidates is really needed to bridge this gap. It seems many years ago, the two different parties could still come to compromise and were able to work together. Anymore, the only thing they can come together on is keeping out third political parties for their own gain and benefit. The people are getting weary of how things are running and would like to see a change for the better.