Gone are the days when we can have an honest debate of issues. This has been coming for a while but the final nail was put into the coffin of civil discourse on September 9, 2009 with the words “You Lie”.
Two simple words that say so much about the political environment in which we now find ourselves. These are not words that were mumbled to oneself while watching a speech on TV. These words were spoken on the floor of the House of Representatives at a joint session of Congress. And they were directed toward the President of the United States.
It would be too simple to write it off as another Republican attack against the President. In fact this is just continuing a pattern that has been emerging for a while. President George W. Bush was booed and heckled by Democrats at his 2005 State of the Union address. Republicans routinely booed and hissed during President Clinton’s State of the Union addresses. This is different. This is from a sitting member of Congress. This is taking it one step further and directly attacking the integrity of the President. We as a nation no longer have respect for the Presidency; let alone each other.
Now is the time for thoughtful and substantive debate. The country is in the midst of a recession not seen in generations. Unemployment is at levels not seen since the 70’s. Plus, we as a nation are embarking on a journey to totally revamp the delivery of health care that will change the relationship between the individual and government forever.
The risks of making the wrong decision on any of these issues is enormous with the potential for catastrophic results to the economy and to society as we know it.
Like the President, “I still believe we can do great things”. In order to accomplish great things, we need to have great leaders; not just skilled politicians. There are defining moments in every life where we have an opportunity to achieve something bigger than ourselves; to put country first. For President Obama, this is his time. For the Congressional leadership, this is their time.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Do you want to lead or to rule?
Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative John A. Boehner: Do you want to govern or to obstruct?
In the immortal words of Uncle Ben to Peter Parker/Spider Man, “With great power comes great responsibility”. Even super heroes understand their responsibility to protect and further mankind.
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