2 philosophies

The GOP Era In Congress: A 'Mixed Bag' Of Results

By Jonathan Weisman

Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, December 10, 2006; Page A01

Demoralized Republicans adjourned the 109th Congress at 5 a.m. yesterday with a near-empty Capitol, closing the door on a dozen years of nearly unbroken GOP control by spending more time in the final days lamenting their failures -- to rein in government, tame the deficit and temper their own lust for power -- than reliving their successes.

Ben's comment:

There are two basic philosophies of government in the U.S. :

1) Don't just stand there --- do something, (Democrats)

2) Don't do something --- stand there (Republicans)

Each have their merits --- and a blend is best.

But with a Republican President who can veto bills, and Supreme Court tilted Republican, 2) is likely to prevail. (Pres. GWB has actually been a pretty big spender...)

Number Two is not so bad. The real power in this country is in its culture --- innovative, free, and operating within reasonable rules.

BTW: The Democratic Congress can turn off the war in Iraq any time they want by not funding it. That is not subject to a veto.

I wonder why?

Could it be that they don't want it said of them: "They didn't support our young men and women in the military who volunteered to help promote and purvey democratic views and values --- non-coercively.