Who's Running This Zoo Anyway ?
By Marc Ash
t r u t h o u t -- 3/7/01 | Losing the congressional, senatorial and presidential elections this last November appears on the surface not to have dampened Republican confidence one iota. You would think listening to them lay out their agenda, sweeping victory had been their's... hardly. It was instead the democrats who prevailed, gaining House and Senate seats and an undisputed popular majority in the Presidential race. What then do we have ?
Republicans Run Amuck.
Even the most objective observer could not help but be shocked at the tactics employed by Republican operatives in securing certification in Florida, they where in a word brazen. Why take such risks? I am reminded of a story a few years back of a Southern California man who illegally commandeered an army tank, (true story) he went on a rampage. Although the tank was not armed with live ordinance it was more than capable of flattening anything in it's path (parked cars primarily). Republicans went to great lengths to get their hands on the controls of the legislative process and apparently plan to make the most of it.
The Clock is Ticking.
The window of opportunity for Mr. Bush and his associates is short, 18 months at best. 2002 and it's Congressional elections loom, time is of the essence. The advantage they are now in possession of cannot be guaranteed past the end of next year. Mr. Bush and Republican law makers clearly intend to get everything they can before they face the American people at the polls again.
Restoring Order.
Upon closer examination Republican confidence may be a facade for desperation. John Wooden the great UCLA basketball coach used admonish his young disciples "Be quick, but don't hurry." The same child that noticed The Emperor Wasn't wearing any clothes, observing the current spectacle in Washington, would have to conclude that Mr. Bush and the Republicans are hurrying. Hurrying over time, has earned a bad rap because it leads to mistakes. Although one might wonder in light of their recent proposals if some Republican lawmakers are even concerned with reelection, it's a safe bet that some are. Those who are concerned with continuing their careers are least likely to dash off willy nilly down the road behind young Mr. Bush who, in all probability did not even win his own election. Democrats must reach out to those key individuals who hold the critical swing votes in the pivotal senate battles, it will not be easy, but if there's one the senate likes better than expensive lunches it's controlling the President.
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