Washington Plays Kick the Can

In Washington there have always been bitter rivalries that produced rhetoric of the most vile nature. So maybe it's just my limited lifetime experience and memory that sees the 60's as a turning point in the character of our federal government. Still, our culture began its descent in that decade into the anti-hero, anti Christian, anti-all that was upright and noble about our land... that pervades the popular culture of today. I believe our leaders naturally or unwittingly have followed our culture's lead.

Today, every problem, challenge, and crisis is couched in the contentious game of politics. So much so, that even the most practical and apolitical solutions are tethered to controversy. A shallow and childish petulance permeates Washington and mindlessly strikes out against every move made by the opposition... making every move a political gamble. No matter how high the stakes, and with little regard for facts, partisan politics has immobilized our government at a time when decisions and policies are critical to our future way of life. The result is that Washington, faced with tremendous threats and challenges... kicks the can down the road.

Social Security faces bankruptcy but Democrats play to the politics of fear, blocking the President's privitization plan, and insuring a future of suffering and financial hardship. The budget deficit climbs ridiculously high, and the President creates a new entitlement and Republicans in Congress feast on pork-barrel politics. We face in radical Islam the greatest threat to our way of life since communism, and the Democrats treasonously undercut the war effort for political gain. Our borders are porous and illegal immigration threatens to crush our economy and change our culture forever... and our President and Congress sheepishly capitulate to the demonstrations of illegal aliens. And every move is calculated not on its merits, but in terms of political survival.

In Washington, kicking the can down the road is the easy and safe way to keep your job and avoid facing the tough decisions. It's politically expedient... and it's cowardice... and it in no way resembles leadership.

Somewhere we stopped electing statesmen. I hope and pray our nation survives this era of career politicians.