Losing battles for the GOP

The Republicans continue their obstructionist tactics, and it is at their own peril. They have their tea bagging parties, which have been ruthlessly ridiculed for it's perverse branding, they have attacked Meghan McCain for pointing out the flaws within the party, they come up with a budget with no numbers, and other than the National Review, they have been silent on the ruling that Al Franken has won the Minnesota Senate race. They are showing themselves as sore losers, the adults in the country are still faced with tough decisions and spending monies to repair the damage done.

While it is a chuckle for the liberals, Democrats and progressive minded people in the country, work is not getting done in the interests of the constituents. While the Democratic Party has it's unresolved issues from it's base and within, it is clear, we find a way to work together to at least accomplish something. Allowing partisanship to prevent a bill from being passed, or a Senator elect to be seated you find yourself a party in exile. I am speaking of course of, Senator Al Franken.

Some within the Republican Party are looking to Gov. Tim Pawlenty for leadership, but he has not shown any, other than being a likable guy. Like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I am a Democratic Socialist, yet I like Gov. Pawlenty. However, his recent cow-towing to party leadership over the eventual seating of Al Franken in the Senate is clearly putting his hopes of a Presidential run in 2012 in jeopardy. Allowing the people of Minnesota to be
underrepresented any longer is divisive, and it is unethical as a Governor. The appeals process could take months, which is what is being proposed by scared Republican Leadership. Really? You guys are that afraid of Al? He too is a likable guy.

That said, at what point do we see progress being made out of both parties? Ever? Nothing is permanent in politics, and Democrats may see their majority wilt in coming years. When we vote, we look to someone to lead our communities in a collective direction for improvement. To what end do we allow partisanship to overwhelm representation?