Bipartisanship— A House United or Divided?
Posted by Glenn SR | | Posted on 12:25 AM
17
by LeNora Bowles on Thursday, January 27, 2011
In response to a question posed to me in regard to bipartisanship, and my perspective about the events unfolding in the house, I decided it best to pour my thoughts and the little I remember about the subject matter into this note. I do not profess to be an expert on any topic, frankly some experts frighten me, because of their tendency to remain closed minded about discussion that may go against their interest, belief or experiences. Neither do I profess to special interest, or hidden agendas to trade off for a bill, legislation, earmark, or pork barrel spending. Perhaps I am reminded daily that I do, or should have a voice in a democracy, (I use the word loosely), often tainted with special interest groups along party lines, which may lean in the direction of partisanship orbipartisanship.
It should not come as a surprise that President Obama has been very consistent in his call for bipartisanship—from the campaign trail to the oval office, he has emphasized national unity. Therefore, in the spirit of moving this country forward in a manner of building upon the solid foundation of what was once perceived as the “The land of opportunity,” bipartisanship presents a strong argument. However on the flip side of the coin, just as there are strengths in the concept surrounding a unified party, there exist weaknesses that crumble the foundation from which the framers of the constitution may have envisioned for this country. I suppose bipartisanship taunts special interest groups and mocks those who revel in partisanship. Detractors of bipartisanship have stated that the most successful and innovative government programs were conceived from partisan causes. One argument is that voters may become confused on the policies of their candidates, which is why some individuals strongly criticize bipartisanship, by stating that it only obscures differences between parties—thus creating somewhat of a dilemma when voting for the candidate of their choice. However, the strength of bipartisanship in any political arena is about finding common ground, in terms of achieving political goals.
The concept of bipartisanship leans more into the direction of compromise, in the context of opposing parties, or a two-party system, to bring about ways to achieve goals. Being a numbers person, (accounting professional), and author, I prefer to use the analogy of a system of checks and balances, likened to trying to balance the scales of democracy relative to opposing parties by reconciliation of common ground. Just as the spirit of bipartisanship is needed to bring about a more prosperous America in 2011 and going forward, “We the People” residing in a technological and competitive climate on a local and global scale, all hope for a premise palatable toward innovation and a more prosperous future.
A glance back in time teaches us that in the early 60’s the Senate was said to have rallied and or supported legislation by President Johnson, with a spirit of bipartisanship, and also during Reagan’s era in the early 80’s. Just as previous leaders of this country have called for bipartisanship, President Obama’s vision is to merely put aside matters of party lines, for the good of the country. Switching gears to the State of the Union Address on last evening, in listening to President Obama deliver his speech, it was evident to me that he was laying out his vision, while focusing on how to Rebuild American, in addition to bringing about a sense ‘prosperity.’ Although I flatter myself in thinking that I am the sole recipient of emails generated from the White House, I realize the extent of my ego can be tricky at times, specifically when I consider myself the only name listed on a mass email distribution. I say all of that to say this—in an email received from the desk of President Obama this week, via the Blackberry, the message read as follows—
“We must out-educate, out-compete, and out-innovate the rest of the world. We must deal with our deficit and reform our government, and it will only happen if we come together.”
As a caveat to the quote taken from the email, one has to come to terms with where he or she positions him or herself in the political arena of thought, action and innovation, otherwise the antagonism spawned by subscribing to the ideologies may create more confusion if not clear on the aspirations of the party before affixing the label. To my understanding, a democracy should thrive off the will of the people, and although bipartisanship may appeal to some, there are others who do not choose party lines, because of the notion of bipartisanship throwing a smoke screen of obscurity into the path of accomplishment, particularly during a crisis situation. It may be possible that democracy from their world view is dependent upon partisanship, whereby parties are transparent in their policies or ideals, and that the people living in a democracy in its most original or natural state are entitled to the freedoms of making conscious decisions with regard to government. The concept of democracy is derived from of the inventive minds of the Greeks as a political and philosophical thought. A walk back in time teaches us that Plato (the philosopher), would apply his concept toward democracy as a system of “rule by the governed or people,” although alternative systems were in place such as that of monarchy (rule by the individual), timocracy, (ruling class of property owners), and last but not least, somewhat reminiscent to this discussion, oligarchy (rule by a small elite class).
Fast-forward to 21st century. . .Although bipartisanship hinges on the balance of party lines, and possibly the thoughts of Americans on a local and global scale, I have to admit that I am somewhat torn on the dynamics involved in terms of bipartisanship. Whether one chooses to walk the path of the liberal or conservative, finding common ground, is more often than less debatable, bringing about the frown or grimace upon the face of those who have to decide upon a bill, resolution, or act, in which political parties may not be in agreement. In the wake of the tragic shooting in Tucson, a call for bipartisanship was heightened, as emotions tethered on just how vulnerable and forgiving a people are in a time of crisis, during which party lines are not as significant. My thoughts and prayers remain with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and other victims of this senseless attack with the hopes of healing and unification among the American people.
In closing—as in anything or matters of political motivation, bipartisanship and partisanship have their pros and cons, and should not be approached with any preconceived notion of thinking that a house united, is a panacea for what ails this country. And yet, a house divided surely cannot withstand a shaky foundation. In the spirit of working toward a more competitive and stronger nation, “divided we stand, and divided we fall, surely has merit. The race to the top as Obama alluded to in his State of the Union address begins with you!
***Disclaimer: The views and opinions posted on this network, are those of the writer, and not necessarily the views and opinions of FB friends and family. ***
