Reader Submission: “Drop the Partisanship!” says the Prez

Americans expect their President to be a statesman- a commanding figure above petty politicking. Yes, politics is the foundation of the democratic process, and a good politician projects integrity, strength, and confidence. The poor politico, in contrast, often confuses integrity with protecting his cronies, toadies, and other assorted flunkies in the “public service.” Relying on cheap tough-talk and John Wayne-style swagger to simulate strength of conviction, this type of pol finds it darn near impossible to admit his failures, even when those missteps and miscalculations mean lost lives and unnecessary political turmoil.

Tough times require statesmen, not back-slapping amateur politicians. Unfortunately for the country, the Oval Office and the West Wing are staffed with a strange mix of failed businessmen, angry ideologues, and vain hangers-on who can’t see the forest for the trees. This most likely explains the President’s advice to Congress on Tuesday to “drop the partisanship” over the unfairly discharged U.S. Attorneys. The Commander-in-Chief’s narrow vision and limited skills in governing prevent him from appreciating the difference between a principled stand and tired political posturing.

Too bad the President won’t dismiss others guilty of far worse political crimes. Who will be held responsible for ordering an ill-equipped Army to occupy a ravaged failed state tormented by a disastrous sectarian conflict, jeopardizing U.S. servicemen and inadvertently contributing to more suffering for innocent Iraqis? Will anyone be held accountable for exploiting the people’s fears and patriotism for the purpose of trimming unwanted liberties off the Bill of Rights?

Instead of telling congressional Democrats to “drop the partisanship,” President Bush should drop the lame frat boy attitude. The true master of disguise, George W. B. is essentially a classic, arrogant, spoiled rich kid dressed up in good ol’ boy clothes. The presidency for the last six years has been an act of cultural drag. For the America of the famed Red State/Blue State divide, the Prez has perfected the role of celebrity Redneck-in-Chief. Shoot first, praise Heaven, and ask questions later.

An insult to real people who do real work for a living, the Bush Gang’s nasty partisanship has been a hallmark of Republican leadership. True integrity, strength, and conviction have been missing in action in the White House throughout the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq. For a Bible-believing compassionate conservative, the President has mysteriously authored few initiatives to relieve the economic pressure on blue-collar Americans, whether they live in New York City or south of the Mason-Dixon Line. On the other hand, Bush conservatism has generated plenty of compassion for the wealthy GOP elite and their institutions of privileged greed like Halliburton. All the while, the born-again President and the dethroned, pious Republican congressional leadership made regular efforts to make everyday life harder and harsher for ordinary working people, both poor and middle class.

America needs more principled partisanship on behalf of average people and less hypocritical sermonizing on gung-ho patriotism, never-ending warfare, and fundamentalist morality. The Republican Party would be well advised to “drop the hypocrisy.”
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Article submitted by Kevin Johns