For years I have followed politics closely. Over 20 years ago I observed the fact that the once Grand Old Party was deteriorating. The quality of the men and women elected by Republican voters was diminishing. An overall attitude of “party first” was developing. With the interjection of the TEA Party in 2010 the situation worsened. The GOP moved from a party of ideas, known for protecting individual rights and smaller government, to an organization seeking to control the daily lives of Americans. They supported big business, and passed legislation allowing them a greater influence in our political system. Violating the first amendment, Republicans joined with a single religion, the Christian religious right, and shunned rights guaranteed by the Constitution in support of the rights of all men and women to make choices about their personal welfare. Worst of all, they began the party of destruction. Instead of working across the aisle to repair existing laws, specifically Obamacare, their only actions focused on repealing legislation which offered aid to the majority of Americans over the previous 60 years.
Republican politicians are great with platitudes, but say nothing of substance. They fail to offer solutions; it is far easier to criticize than to offer solutions.
The greatest example of two facts; Republicans are unable to govern, and they cannot create; they destroy; were offered last weekend. After Trump’s illegitimate election, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and others rushed to repeal Obamacare. They had no plan to replace the popular law, but they claimed otherwise. The result was ‘Trumpcare.’ After examination of the basics, it was determined that it was a disaster. Millions of Americans would be uninsured, the premiums were prohibitive for older Americans, and coverage for pregnancy and other related reproductive needs no longer existed. Medicare and Medicaid would be reduced. Planned Parenthood would no longer be funded by the federal government.
Although it was unpopular with virtually everyone, hypocritical Republicans including Speaker Paul Ryan agreed to vote in favor of a very, very bad piece of legislation. Trumpcare failed on Saturday, but it was one faction of the GOP which actually defeated the proposal. The “Freedom Caucus,” a far right extremist group of the GOP, believed ‘it was too generous.’
Trump failed; Ryan failed; the Republican Party failed. When an effort which began seven years ago was crushed in two days, Ryan and others proved their inability to govern. Creating a healthcare bill which would positively affect the American people was not the plan. The plan was to allow wealthy Americans participation in less costly healthcare.
The failure of our government is the result of failed Republican leadership. Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, and now Paul Ryan, created and support the ‘party of no.’ Not a single positive idea emerged from Republicans for eight years.
The good news for them is that they now have a leader who is more destructive than they have been.
We must fight back, and return power to the people. The 2018 midterms are closer than you think. Continue protesting and encourage everyone to vote. Republicans must go.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov
The Truth With No Restrictions 