There are two vital ingredients necessary for democracy to succeed. One is an educated populace. The second is civil discourse. The importance of this second requirement was ironically demonstrated in the recent letter from J.T. Coyne about the health-care bill ("Lack of leadership was Democrats," Herald, Jan. 5.) In the second paragraph, Coyne wrote: "With only 40 members, it was not possible for Republican senators to stop the Democratic bill from proceeding." To stop the bill? Excuse me!
The American people do not vote people into office in order to stop the legislative process. We vote for people we believe will effectively represent our interests. This requires civil, informed discourse and a clear intention to negotiate in good faith to help ensure that our voices are heard.
This good-faith effort is particularly critical for voters who are represented by the minority party in both houses of Congress. Without this representation, the bills that go forward reflect only the viewpoint of the majority party.
Therefore, it is important that Republican senators and representatives stop hindering the process and start actively participating in it. That is what they were elected to do. Otherwise, they effectively cede any power they may have to influence the legislation for the benefit of their constituents.
Bottom line - if you want a seat at the table, you have to demonstrate your commitment to the process. Otherwise, why would any rational person be expected to pay any attention to you?
Cheryl Romanek, Durango
1 comment:
Well written piece that looks at the functioning of democracy and challenges the republicans to engage rather than stand on the sidelines stalling the process.
I was glad to see it in our local paper the Durango Herald and hope to see more from her.
Jim Fuge
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