I'd like to sound out other Kossacks on a question that I posed in another forum....
....some time ago. I asked this question: If George Bush loses this election, what would be the major underlying reason? My thought at the time was that it was his decision to govern as if he was elected unanimously, instead of as the result of a divided electorate.
Well, I still think that's the case - and if GWB loses (regardless of the reason) it's he who must accept the responsibility. But now I think there is an even more important reason. Regardless, I'd like to hear other opinions on this.
And that is this: I don't think I've seen an Administration in which there has been nearly complete loyalty, and an unwillingness to question the policies put forth by the White House.
Even when the White House's actions go against conservative thought (i.e., the prescription drug bill, NCLB, budget deficits, protectionist quotas, increased non-defense spending, etc.) there is sometimes only the mildest of rhetorical thought - and immediately afterwards, they get back in formation and salute. Their unwillingness to admit a mistake on W's part, or to say that perhaps an action went too far is extraordinary. This was not the case in Bush The Elder's time, nor during Ronald Reagan's era.
So complete is this loyalty, it applies to:
- Members of Congress
- Other GOP elected officials
- The conservative press (Fox, Weekly Standard, etc.)
- Commentators/pundits (talk shows, columnnists, etc.)
- And even most outspoken Republican citizens
In a (very) limited sense, I suppose one must admire their discipline; to be able to soldier on, no matter what the facts are, must speak to intestinal fortitude. But I think - in time - they may regret this.
Especially for those in a position of power (who could withstand the repurcussions that not all junior people could) that gave a blank check to the Administration and now must surely feel nervous.
If the Admin thinks there are no checks on their power (that no self-respecting R would seriously call them on and say "no") it stands to reason that they would lose perspective and wind up with a runaway train on their hands.
But if more of the GOP establishment had said "No" to the Admin, and not simply parroted the party line, I think that things would be better in this country, and that the R's would be in better shape come this November.
They need not have gone as far as a very few did (openly breaking ranks) and they could still put the best foot forward on GWB's agenda. Instead, they may come to see that they have ultimately done themselves - and the GOP - a disservice.