Realistic Politics

There may be no such thing, but because we need a functioning government let's consider the idea. It looks something like this: intelligent people with opposing viewpoints sitting down together and talking about solutions. They find common ground, compromise and produce legislation that benefits everyone. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Unfortunately, it's not happening. Mixed in with our intelligent elected officials are some loons. Even worse, the increasingly loud and influential extremists on both sides of the political spectrum, particularly the Tea Party, are making it difficult for smart people to do their jobs for fear of losing them. This is bad for everyone.

Let me explain. I'm thrilled about Rand Paul's victory in the Kentucky GOP primary because I think he is a fool and I believe he will scare moderate Republicans and centrists away. But what if I'm wrong? Would disaster befall us? Actually, perhaps it would. If elected, Rand Paul isn't bringing his radical ideas to Washington with any success, but he is bringing them. And if he is actually as committed to some of these asinine thoughts as he appears to be, he is going to stick with them, the result being a frozen and ineffective government? Rand Paul can't do it along, but what if the ultra-conservative from Utah and the ultra-liberal from Arkansas (there's a funny thought) also get elected. What if a handful of these crazies from both sides end up in the Senate? Perhaps stalemate. A stalemate we can't afford as a nation.

There is hope for our frozen government yet. Just yesterday, the Senate passed a financial regulatory bill. Without delving into the specifics of the bill, it is worth pointing out that four Democrats voted against it and four Republicans voted for it. That's a good thing. It means people are thinking, sharing their ideas and actually trying to do what they think is right, not just what is politically expedient.

Let's make America better today. Let's be rational when choosing our candidates. I'm an open opponent of the Tea Party, but I'm not just talking about them here. In order to function, our government must be made up of people that are pragmatic and thoughtful, not ideologues catering to nut-cases. Think before you vote. If we all do that, we'll take a big step forward.