By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
It would appear that it’s business as usual for congressional Republicans. Last Week, President Obama went before a joint session of Congress in an effort to make his case for a jobs bill.
The president, in no uncertain terms, challenged lawmakers “to pass this jobs bill.” Moreover, his tone and tenor were remarkable different from previous national addresses. This being said, it may all be for naught.
Before the president had even made his national pitch for his jobs proposal, Republican leadership (Senate Minority Leader Mitch Mc- Connell and House Speaker John Boehner) were already showing signs of being in opposition. To say that congressional Republicans have been less than receptive or excited about public policy emanating from the White House would indeed be a gross understatement. Some Republican members had the unmitigated gall to announce that they wouldn’t attend Mr. Obama’s address. And, immediately after the address, were quick to declare that the bill had little, if any, chance of passing.
Former President Bill Clinton was a guest on on Meet The Press last Sunday, and delivered some poignant political insights as well as the state of the Nation. When queried about the president’s jobs plan, Mr. Clinton was unequivocal in his response that Mr. Obama has laid out a sound and prudent proposal to put Americans back to work and stimulate the economy. However, he then went on to lament that in light of the current political disconnect in Washington conflict is for good partisan politics, but working together and cooperating was best the economy and the Nation.
For all the patriotic rhetoric and self-professed love of country, the GOP’s action, or more accurately – “in action,” belies the simple truth. The Republicans’ mission, from day one, has been to get Mr. Obama – by any means necessary!
It’s time to tell the Party of Nay to get on the bus and put the country’s interests first – like true Americans. The President deserves our full and unwavering support on this vital piece of national legislation.