Our illustrious politicians in Washington have been telegraphing the showdown, which has resulted in the Shutdown, for several weeks now. Like Syria, this is another major surrender of American prestige around the world. The world is laughing uncontrollably and is swiftly losing any respect for American leadership and what it stands for. The upcoming fiasco about raising the U.S. national debt will just about finish American worldwide influence. Do words like "childish" and "kindergarten" fit? How about "senile" and "unpatriotic" to describe politicians who will do anything to achieve their political goals, especially hurting the American people and the United States of America?
The bottom line is that Obamacare is a law that we must obey; no matter what devious methods the Democrats used to get it passed, it is the law of our nation. Republicans are far amiss in trying to defund Obamacare as a way of delaying or completely stopping the implementation of this stupid and unenforceable program. Perhaps a better strategy would be to allow the law to go into effect and then let the American voters decide if they like it or not. Their outrage will almost surely result in a Republican dominated House and Senate, giving Republicans the necessary legislative votes to repeal Obamacare. However, don't let Obamacare be the Republicans' Iraq: they will have to be prepared to offer and implement an alternate plan.
The hypocrisy of the issues surrounding the shutdown are incredible. Congress has exempted themselves from Obamacare and ensured their pay continues, even during a shutdown. Why should we be paying our congressional representatives for their fruitless gridlock? Perhaps a "dedicated" Republican should introduce a bill in the House to stop congressional pay during unfunded periods and require our representatives and senators to comply with the law of the land and embrace Obamacare. Perhaps someone should develop a congressional "pay for performance" compensation scheme. Perhaps the American voter should avoid casting a vote for any incumbent in the next election. Somehow, Americans need to find a way to overcome a political process that is on autopilot and serves the individual politicians hugely disproportionately to the American people. We're not being represented any longer, we are being used to fuel the egos and personal fortunes of those we elect. Now, who's stupid?
I am saddened to see the wonderful Republican alternative being destroyed by a few "at any cost" radicals. The Republican party is as adrift and leaderless as our country and is devouring itself from within. The line dividing liberals and conservatives has been blurred, if not erased. Ethics, patriotism, honesty, courage and accountability seem to have abandoned the political scene in favor of personal power and financial gain. Moral indignation and emotionalism seem to drive the political process (even elections), rather than a pragmatic goal of doing what's good for our country and its citizens. Somehow, our politicians have become proud of their ability to avoid compromise, unflinchingly standing their ground no matter the cost. Gridlock has become a badge of honor, worn by nearly all of our representatives and senators. The American people, although often used as a convenient excuse, have fallen to last place on the political priority list.
Out of laziness and indifference, we Americans are empowering our politicians to destroy the American dream and lifestyle as we know it today. There will come a sad day when even our unique and insightful Constitution won't be able to save us from political predators.
