The Founding Fathers of The United States had reservations about the potential power of political parties in the future. Checks and balances are built into the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate of state’s rights. Filibusters weren’t in the Constitution. They were a development of the nineteenth century which weren’t used much until the last half of a century. Now there are deep problems with government gridlock, and polarization between Republicans and Democrats. Checks and balances sometimes seem like barriers to both parties. Trump always wanted his own way. Biden has discovered that bipartisanship is impossible.
There was a time when Republican governor George Romney and Republican Governor Nelson Rockefeller were considered to be part of the liberal wing of their party. Liberal, moderate, and conservative were simple descriptive terms in 1970 when the two parties often worked together. A paradigm shift in politics began when Reagan was President. He spoke often about lowering taxes and shrinking government.
The Reagan administration began with two tax cuts. However by the end of his eight years in office the Federal government expanded with new departments added, and a series of tax increases after the cuts meant that the Federal deficit went up by hundreds of millions. Republicans now view Reagan practically as a saint, and when appointing new Justices of the Supreme Court, think the words of the Constitution are sacrosanct. Republican tax cuts under George W. Bush and under Trump have mainly benefitted the rich. They are devoted now to the Second Amendment which says”the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Certain states allow people to openly carry guns. Part of the Republican creed now is that unlimited guns for more and more people promotes public safety.
That is an example of the chasm between the parties. President Biden began with gestures towards bipartisanship. It soon proved impossible. His $1.9 trillion dollar measure is probably the most progressive legislation ever. All votes approving it were cast by Democrats. Both parties will spend freely on upcoming State elections, and then again in the 2022 for the mid-terms. The battle goes on and on between the diametrically opponents. It was once a friendly competition. Now each party would be happy if they could exterminate the other. Even if they don’t say so. Politics is effrontery and hypocrisy. Let the winner take all eventually
Deuel Woodward resides in Chula Vista.
