Politics being the art of the possible the recurring question on nearly every important announcement, decision, negotiation, and contentious issue remains "is this the best we can do?" And invariably the consensus, after much hand wringing, soul searching, and sober reflection is "yes." More often than not this reality is unsatisfactory and leaves one or both sides feeling unfulfilled. To use a sports metaphor, in ice hockey it is often said that a tie is like kissing your sister.
As a liberal and a progressive I am angry about the current state of affairs that leaves us with what I can only describe as a disingenuously ineffective non-solution to the dramatic state of economic affairs that tens of millions of Americans now find themselves in: namely, chronically un- or under-employed. The demands of those who cling to the notion that millionaires and billionaires constitute the sole source of job creation in this economy and the disproven theoretical construct of trickle-down economics amount to little more than criminal shake-downs and extortion and will do little to further either growth or competitiveness, two rather important private sector business precepts.
The President is obviously distressed at having to choose between two unacceptable alternatives. No one should ever have to be face such a lose-lose situation. Truly, the President, a decent family man, was faced with a Sophie's Choice. No one would ever want to be faced with such a Hobbesian decision. I respect the President because of his character, integrity, demeanor, intelligence, and foresight, all refreshing traits in great demand after eight years of treacherous anti-intellectualism.
This does not mean that he gets unqualified support on every decision. My heart aches as a dedicated public servant over the seeming inability of the ruling party to rally the nation around policies and legislation that truly reflects the very best aspects of a free democratic society. I am confounded, frustrated and at times downright despondent at our inability to clearly present our case to the American people in a way that seems genuine and commonsensical on its face.
How can we consistently end up on the wrong side of policy and political arguments when upon reflection we hold the moral high ground and are serving the best interests of the largest swath of society? Why is it that we are unable to persuade the public of the seriousness and effectiveness of positions that are designed to benefit them and their progeny?
We are portrayed as effete intellectual snobs as we portray the opposition as mean-spirited, greedy opportunists. Neither one an appealing option, yet someone has to win and they have proved to be more nimble on that score. Why? How can you lose the argument over tax cuts to the wealthy when the overwhelming multitudes are not wealthy? The silliness of the Republican argument in this most recent debacle defies public sentiment and economic rationale.
What is deeply frustrating, however, is how strategically and tactically the Democrats allowed themselves to get boxed into a totally irreconcilable predicament. It does not serve much purpose at this point to resurrect the missteps that led to this point; there is plenty enough blame and countless blame to go around.
Let it serve an example, a painful one to say the least, of how to avoid it in the future. The most important lesson, I believe, for liberals, progressives, Democrats, and independent-minded individuals is that the American people admire and respect strength. We Americans have little regard or use for wimps and wussies, you can exhibit strength and intellect, a rare combination in contemporary politics. Strength does not mean inflexibility, however, and the keen political mind is always cognizant of the inescapable fact that compromise is a critical ingredient in our system of governance. But the current debate ripping apart the liberal left is a nagging perception that this Administration, this President, does not exhibit the fighting spirit that was so evident in his remarkable ascendancy to the job.
So here is my MEMO TO THE PRESIDENT:
Mr. President, I will continue to support you and have faith in your desire to change our country for the better, but you must do a better job of convincing us, and all Americans, that you have the stomach for defending your convictions. To be honest, despite your remarkable achievements to date you have failed to instill that degree of pride and commitment in your troops that will carry you into and out of battle.
We do not expect you to win every battle, particularly against the odds you will be facing now. You cannot deal rationally with irrational actors. Accept that and adjust accordingly. Show us that you have our backs. Use that bully pulpit of yours to engage the American people in a discussion of understandable and sensible principles when they are under siege by the irrational opposition. You missed that opportunity here; you cannot afford to muff the next one. Although it is a slim consolation the current angst within the ranks of liberals has given rise to a thorough public examination of the issues involved in this tax extension debate. Unfortunately, for this round the public discussion has come too late. We cannot allow this to happen again, and this is where the President must utilize the power of his position to the utmost.
You have the ability to transcend the rough and tumble of Washington politics, do it. If you mobilize the people, the politicians will follow; you must have faith in this proposition or else you will get sucked into the meat grinder that is Washington politics. Get out of Washington, take your message to the masses, and lead the Congress into battle rather than relying on your field lieutenants. Do what you have proven to be able to do best: inspire.
For goodness sakes, do not lash out against those who look up to you and have placed their faith and trust in your leadership. Those folks, the so-called base, are very upset with you right now. They are not the enemy. Sometimes those of us who are parents get exasperated with our kids and consider saying and doing things that later seem silly, and we realize we love them and all is forgotten.
Show us the way, we desperately need it. Tensions are high, frustration is rampant, many are discouraged, but only you have the ability to grab the mantle of leadership and take us forward. We will not always get as far as we wish but people will respect you taking us as far as we can go as long as you exhibit the resolve and backbone to face down the opposition.
Few know how discouraged you must feel, but you wanted this job and we wanted you there, so buckle up and lead the charge.