BY Jack Criss
Executive Editor
The recent elections proved to be a huge victory for the Republican Party,
the media’s bellyaching notwithstanding. While the 2002 “mandate”
is not quite as strong or as ideologically driven as the 1994 revolution,
the GOP still has much to be excited about. Unfortunately, I don’t see
that same excitement carrying over to the voters.
I commented to my wife the day after the election that I saw the Republican
triumph as more of an endorsement of President Bush than of any major swing
to the right. A majority of this country’s citizens are, I believe,
tired of the American-apologists and business bashers who have taken over
the Democratic Party. In the aftermath of September 11, I think that most
people in this country are behind Bush; consequently, they voted Republican.
This theory is not scientific on my part. It is indeed just a theory. But
the evidence that has come forth since the election seems to validate it.
Voters don’t appear to be fired up about much except perhaps for the
love of their country and thus will support those who seem to be more resolved
to protect her.
Of course, while we the people are blamed for this apathy or occasional lack
of participation, I think that the problem lies more with the political process
and the participants therein. Most candidates and politicians are so afraid
to alienate anyone or anything that they keep their mouths shut and say nothing.
To take a position would force the politician to be succeptible to debate
and scrutiny which is feared in the realm of politics today.
Consequently, “issues” become mere cliches and bromides, replacing
true intellectual debate and honest analysis. To emphatically state a clear
and challengable position is too risky for most in office or on the campaign
trail today, hence little or nothing of any substance is said. It is unfortunate
that the only real intellectual stimulation in politics these days is provided
by the third party candidates, like the Libertarians and Greens, but they’re
ignored for the most part.
This election continued in that ho-hum vein by failing to provide a whole
heckuva lot in way of content. The issues, however, were in a sense already
framed by the horrific events of last September; voters saw more of a black
and white scenario in American politics and the Republicans, justifiably,
got the nod.
I would love to see some real reform now take place, but there is no one in
the GOP I know of who will take such a risky lead in fighting for, say, much
less taxes or the abolition of anti-trust. Maybe, for once, that’s okay.
Perhaps there’s something to be said for calm, especially these days.
I usually am a big fan of gridlock—either side getting too much of an
upper hand means more erosion of individual liberties, whether economic or
personal. This year, though, I see a group of fairly moderate, sensible Republicans
running the show who may not change the world, but will hopefully provide
some stability and will stand behind our President. Right now, that’s
not such a bad thing. DBJ