Both Republicans and Democrats now have had, and acted upon, their chances to protest and lament the growth and power of the federal government. Indeed, the weeping and gnashing of teeth today would make one think Janet Reno was still the Attorney General.
Nobody is willing to act. The supposedly "conservative" George W. Bush, with a Republican-led congress has increased spending much to the chagrin of his political base. Democrats decry $3.00 gasoline, though had they gotten their wish, a man calling for $5.00 gas in 2000 would have been president. It is foolish and disingenuous to carp on federal spending or intrusion when one would personally prefer more of the same.
Both major parties are hypocrites, at least as collective political bodies. It is simple to display individual liberty and statism as opposites. Try objectively setting left and right apart, however, objectively on principle. It cannot be done. Centrists make deals, and Partisans fight for principle. I prefer the partisan I oppose to the "moderate" who shakes hands and slits my throat with a smile. At least I know what I get, and the properly engaged democratic republic protects my rights.
The truth is that it all comes down to the role of government, and specifically the federal government, in our lives. Which screaming defiant anti-federal voice squares with the Constitution? Well both if you ask me, but then I'll turn it to you. The one willing to actually CUT federal spending and reduce the influence of federal action will bring us closer to what the founders expected. Republican? Democrat?
I say neither.
Republicans are too spineless to stand up for what got them elected in 1994. Brought in to clean house and return Congress to a body accountable to voters, they quickly (in electoral cycle terms)developed the ability to stand on two hooves. Today "fiscal responsibility" is just fine when made up by excessive (and excessively progressive) taxes. Democrats, believers in the idea that wealth belongs to the state first, and individuals reluctantly, love the idea of federal power and influence...except when conservatives control it.
One can reasonably conclude that both parties kind of like it this way. Why change? Who's going to stop us if we work together?
In the end, when one cuts through the mythical simplicity that is the left-right continuum, it should be clear that cause and effect have been pre-determined by a handshake. Whether by design or chance, government has joined with business and totalitarian has joined with political opportunist to rob you of your freedom.
One would think if a conservative took office in 2000 that the unconstitutional "Gore-Tax" installed clandestinely during the Clinton administration would have been summarily dismantled. Not so. In fact George Bush only slightly reformed what he should have killed. This is but a small sample of opportunity missed by "establishment" Republicans.
When the left complains about federal intrusion, it is duplicitous comedy. When conservatives increase spending just like the democrats, laughter turns to tears. If the government pays for something, it's going to control it.
Just what would you cut, to get the federal government and it's big business buddies to stop making decisions for you? Make a substantive decision, or your canoe goes over the falls. It's that simple.
How do you like that, coppertop?
Bob Miller
treo_bob@yahoo.com
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