Inside two sides of the GOP

The most fascinating thing in politics right now is the infighting int he GOP as they try to find themselves and regroup after being rebuked by voters in 2012. It wasn't exactly a landslide election for the Dems, but considering the state of the economy and mood of the country, the failure to unseat Obama was massive one.
Now we see two different approaches moving forward. One, best exemplified by Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey is to moderate extreme stances on social issues and relent on the manaical assault on the credibility of government as a whole. Make no mistake, CC is still conservative, but he is strategic and effective as a con governing a very blue state. He has established great cross party cred and is well liked across the political spectrum, something few others in the GOP can say.
The 2nd approach to being rebuffed is best shown by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. The js from the bluegrass state and scion of the biggest name in libertarian circles has lead the charge from the teaparty/isolationist wing of the GOP base. In contrast to "establishment" pols like Christie, Paul sees government and corporate synergy as a huge problem and has launched a zealous crusade against the growth of big government and big business in the name of individual liberty. His support is more fevereant than Christie, but unless he can expand his message beyond the older, predominatly white, fox news watching crowd, his method of doubling down on isolationist conservatism is doomed to fail at the pols.
And that is not just my idealogical opinion, it is a demographic certainty in 21st Century America.
Unless they can broaden their tent to draw in more young people, the lgbt community, and minorities, who are currently shunning the GOP in astonishing numbers, the 2010 midterms will stand as the highwater mark of Paul's brand of libertarian conservatism. The Tea Party will surely be remembered fondly for generations by those politically left behind, similar in a manner as Pickett's charge was (and is) viewed by those with confederate sympathies after the civil war. The high water mark of a glorius lost cause for a demographic out of time, out of power, and out of new ideas.

Defiance Yielding No Results

Make no mistake that the economy of the US has been broken, in some sense, for a considerable amount of time. The unprecedented down turn that has transpired over the past few years seems as if it is never going away. I am just wondering if the GOP wants to keep it that way, at least through the 2012 elections, if not permanently.

John Boehner spoke about reducing debt by cutting spending and pleaded for tax cuts. Now, when given a chance to approve a tax cut that could help create jobs, Boehner wags his finger "No". I often wonder if that is the only word some on the far right know, "No".  I don't recall Boehner ever mentioning any desire to pass bills to create jobs, just asking where they were. Over and over and over again. So in that respect, you can't say he hasn't kept up his word. He never promised to create jobs, just inquire as to their wherabouts. However, to see a republican refuse tax cuts is something on a parallel with Haley' Comet. Every hundred years or so.

Boehner doesn't want to support a bill that will give tax cuts to businesses for creating jobs because he only sees it as a short term solution. With the unemployment rate being what it is and the economy making no strides currently, any solution, short or long term, should be considered progress. But that isn't what Boehner and the GOP want to see. They don't want progress. They don't want jobs created. They don't the economy to recover. They want it to fail and pin it all on Obama.

Since taking over control of the House, there have been no jobs bills passed. There has been a bill delaying regulation on food and gas prices, but nothing to create jobs. Why would we expect Boehner and his constituents to create jobs? They already have them, funded by the tax payers with nice expense accounts and transportation and 5 star accommodations covered on our dime. I have yet to see any member of the GOP decry such spending as wasteful. That's because they don't really care about government spending as a whole( see Bush Adminsistration 2001-2009 for proof), they care about government spending when it doesn't benefit them and their backers. It's okay for John Q. Public to pay these folks salaries and benefits, but let's see to it they get nothing in return.

And that is where we stand: more elected officials talking a big game, getting a big tax payer subsidized salary and doing nothing in return. Now, if you consider blocking bills that could help stimulate the economy and job growth through obstructionism and child-like defiance a return, then you are getting your money's worth.

Preparing for a Government Shutdown

Unless a last minute deal can be struck today the Federal Government will shut down tonight at Midnight. All services deemed 'non-essential' will be halted untill Congress can approve a budget for the rest of the fiscal year through September. This is one of the most short sighted and disapointing failures of Congress in a long time. None of our long term problems go away by taking this stand on such near term funding, and it can only hurt the economic state of the Country and the individuals affected by this inane squabbling. Beyond that, it once again signals to Americans that Congress is ineffective and disattached from the real world and real problems we face in this Country. We need to reestablish a bond between the People and their representation. This is not the way to do so.

Obama should put Libya engagement before Congress

The international mission in Libya seems to be extending well beyond enforceing a UN mandated 'no-fly zone.' President Obama has come out and stated that it is U.S. policy that Muammar Gaddafi has lost legitimacy and should go. When the President has made such a declaration and has the military involved in targeting forces supporting the leader to be disposed, it is clear and obvious that we are engaged in an all out war in a foreign land. That being the circumstances as they are, Obama would be gravely remiss not to put this matter before a vote in Congress for authorization to carry out these actions. As Commander in Cheif he has some wiggle room to function without Congress, but the longer this goes without a vote, the more it strays into a major violation of the seperation of powers. Even as President of the United States, Obama is still legally obligated to abide by the Constitution he has sworn to protect and uphold.

The U.S. Government will stay open. For now.

U.S. House passes temporary resolution to keep the Government funded for another two weeks. Passage expected to come quickly through Senate to avoid Government shutdown. Long term compromise still being worked on to fund gov. for the rest of the year and next years budget.