While most would state, this year, has been unlike, nearly any previous one, in recent memory, because of the political and social distrust, and polarization, many have failed to realize, it has also resulted, in far more posturing, than meaningful, relevant results! The two major proposed pieces of legislation, promoted and introduced, by the majority Republican Party, have resulted in extremely high unfavorable polls, but, despite that, has been pursued. Both, the health care legislation, commonly referred to, as, Repeal and Replace, as well as, the supposed, tax reform proposals, have failed to benefit, the majority of the American people. This article, therefore, will attempt to, briefly, consider and explain, 5 possibilities, for why Congress, often seems to fail to consider, and/ or prioritize, the best interests of their constituents, rather than merely, their personal, political objectives.
1. Need to show a "win": President Donald J. Trump, is fond of, referring to the need, for winning, but, his definition of that term, is often, considerably different from, what many Americans, feel, is the best approach! The President feels his legacy is being harmed, because of the lack of any meaningful legislative victories, and/ or achievements, and has pressured, Congressional Republicans, to pass something! Even though, they should have realized, this philosophy, both, is at, odds, with the best interests, and needs, of their constituents, and might be a losing formula (because of their failure, to date, of getting any reform, to the Affordable Care Act), they have pursued, a similar approach, where they limit discussion (and thus create suspicion), and pursue a partisan (rather than bipartisan) approach, which seems to favor the wealthiest, without making a significant difference, for the better, in the lives of their constituents (middle class).
2. Personal agenda; self - interest: Perhaps, they've proceeded, as they have, because they prioritize their personal agenda, and self - interest, rather than what might, best serve, those, they were elected, to serve and represent! When will American voters, demand their elected officials, make a difference, for the better?
3. Believe they can pull the wool, over your eyes: You can fool some of the people, some of the time, seems to be a prevailing adage, these officials, seem to follow! When will voters, understand. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me again, shame on me? Observe how the rhetoric and promises, seem to vastly disagree, with the evaluation, of the experts, in the specific area! When economists and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), continuously, project t the numbers, impacts, and potential results, far differently, than the politicians, why would you expect anyone to support their views and objectives.
4. Party politics, over public policy: Shouldn't the public policy, and best interests of their constituents, be the priority, over, simply, politics, as usual? When the female Governor of Alabama, states, while she believes the women, regarding her accusations, about the Republican candidate, yet states, she still will support him, because of his party affiliation, isn't that, a clear example, of placing party politics over public policy? When a female adviser to the President first states, she considers the accusations, horrible, but, then, less than a week later, says, it's more important to elect someone, who will help pass, tax reform, are we being represented, as we should?
5. Bow to political pressure/ The Trump factor: Trump has always exhibited a desire to pressure others to agree with him, and publicly feuds (and worse), with anyone he considers, personally disloyal! When they act, based on fear of the impact on their personal, political career, rather than on, what might be best, we are served poorly, and improperly!
Shouldn't we all come to realization, as we heard, in the movie, Network, I'm mad as hell, and not going to take it any more, and demand, loudly, we are served better? Politicians will continue to do, what they're doing, until/ unless, voters wake up, and demand better!