BRYCE ON POLITICS
– No more excuses; let’s roll!
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Congressional Democrats have drawn a line in the sand by making it clear they intend to obstruct any action or decision President Trump intends to make. By doing so, they hope to slow him down and discredit him in the process, thereby presenting an opportunity to retake power in the midterm elections. In other words, the Democrats have made it clear they have no interest in working with Mr. Trump, which is unfortunate.
With this in mind, it is time for the Republicans to flex their muscles and show the Democrats who is in charge of the Congress and the White House. President Trump has demonstrated he is ready to undertake an ambitious agenda, but we haven’t seen the Congress do likewise, at least not yet. Maybe the GOP is intimidated by the push-back of the Democrats, or perhaps they are in awe of the Trump juggernaut, or perhaps it is as simple as they are not used to leveraging political power and forgotten how to do so. Whatever the reason, it is time to flex their muscles and grasp victory from the jaws of defeat.
It appears the only thing the liberals understand is strength. As such, it is time to remove the kid gloves and aggressively change America, which many prefer to call a “correction.” For example, it is obvious the Democrats will move heaven and earth to defeat Neil Gorsuch as nominee for the Supreme Court. The President is correct that the Senate should invoke the “nuclear option” for his appointment, meaning election through a simple majority of Senators as opposed to a minimum of 60 votes. The door for this was opened by then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) during the Obama administration and used to expedite presidential appointments and Obamacare. Now the Republicans are in charge and the Democrats wish this rule didn’t exist as it may very well be used to appoint not only cabinet positions, but to elect Mr. Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
Prior to the “nuclear option,” Senators of both parties were forced to work together and compromise, which could be construed as a positive working relationship. However, with the “nuclear option” enacted, party polarity has risen which has led to walkouts and boycotts of committee meetings.
President Trump has made significant progress in the early days of his administration, but Americans are impatient for such things as tax reform (both personal and commercial), reducing bureaucratic red tape on companies, repeal and replacement of Obamacare, revoking the Iranian nuclear agreement, and ensuring peace in the Middle East by destroying ISIS and stopping the Syrian civil war. These are all major undertakings, and the GOP needs to be addressing them now, not later. They should be mindful there is no time to lose.
Just remember, the midterm elections will be held on November 6, 2018, that’s just next year. At this time all 435 seats in the House and 33 of the 100 Senate seats will be contested, not to mention 39 governorships. A lot is riding on this election which means it is time for Congressional Republicans to move boldly.
As Lincoln said, “The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.”
Let’s roll!
Also published with The Huffington Post.
Keep the Faith!
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Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at [email protected]
For Tim’s columns, see: timbryce.com
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Copyright © 2017 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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