Lots of (just) talk about 'draining the swamp'
If you listen closely, one of GOP nominee Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s campaign themes is to “drain the swamp.” Because I am not exactly sure what this means, I turned to my conservative University of Southern California fraternity brothers for answers.
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Most simply say it’s time for change. Others are more forthcoming: First, there should be term limits for electeds; second, lawmakers must live by the same rules they create; third, eliminate ObamaCare; and, fourth, balance the budget.
If this is their idea of “draining the swamp,” then count me in (all except the ObamaCare part).
As far as I’m concerned, serving nine terms in the House or three in the Senate is plenty. I also don’t think it is fair that elected officials slip in exemptions for themselves to new laws. Lastly, when it comes to the budget, Congress by and large needs to mirror state mandates when it comes to annual fiscal responsibility.
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With respect to ObamaCare, all I can say is that works in California, so I am confident it can work in every other state. Is it perfect? No. Does it need tweaking? Yes. Is it the end of modern civilization as the GOP predicts? Of course not.
It’s time the congressional Republicans give up their lies and distortions about this breakthrough legislation.
Recently on talk radio, Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainThe Hill’s Campaign Report: Bad polling data is piling up for Trump Cindy McCain ‘disappointed’ McGrath used image of John McCain in ad attacking McConnell Report that Bush won’t support Trump reelection ‘completely made up,’ spokesman says MORE (R-Ariz.) said that Republicans will not approve any Supreme Court nominee put forward by Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonWhite House accuses Biden of pushing ‘conspiracy theories’ with Trump election claim Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton qualifies to run for county commissioner in Florida MORE, should she be elected president in November (though he later went back on that pledge, somewhat).
That’s almost as destabilizing as the GOP leaders who met the night Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaHarris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Five ways America would take a hard left under Joe Biden Valerie Jarrett: ‘Democracy depends upon having law enforcement’ MORE was inaugurated in 2009 and created their now-infamous blood pact of saying “no” to everything the new president intended to propose.
Talk about un-American.
I know politics is (1) a contact sport and (2) not for the faint of heart. I get that. What I don’t understand is why there isn’t a third option.
If you ask me, politics is (3) the intersection of what is wrong and what is needed to fix it. In other words, it is the world of compromise.
Donald Trump and his followers don’t appear to be willing to compromise on much. It might be worth reminding them that a tree that doesn’t bend in a windstorm typically ends up broken.
Good luck trying to “drain the swamp” with that attitude.
Freidenrich writes from Laguna Beach, California. He can be reached on Twitter @freidomreport.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of The Hill.