They are whining and demanding that the economic recovery plan include more of their one-note policy: tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts. And they are claiming that Obama is not living up to his promise of bipartisanship.
It's not that they haven't been listened to in the process of crafting the bill. Obama reminded them that he won the election, which means that the American people endorsed his economic plan, not theirs.
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) was blunter:
"I don't understand what they are talking about when they say they haven't been included," said Clyburn. "We had a joint meeting two weeks ago and they were there. We had a joint meeting today ... What are they talking about that they aren't involved? They didn't win the election but they think we have to adopt their approach? They can't do that."Why should we listen to them when they are so out of touch? As recently as yesterday, the web site of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee still contained this message:
“Thanks to Republican economic policies, the U.S. economy is robust and job creation is strong.”Obama also responded to their petulant tactics by saying, "You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done."
The biggest reality check of all for Republicans, however, comes in all the bush policy positions and executive orders that Obama is overturning and the appointments he is making to staff the Justice Department with bush's sharpest critics.
Obama is cleaning out the stables. Throw open the windows, let in the light, bring on the disinfectant. The Obama team is going great guns in the Executive Branch. It may take a little longer for the Republicans still in Congress to get the message; but I am increasingly encouraged that both Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress are going to help them get their reality hats on straight.
Ralph
No comments:
Post a Comment