But their lack of resistance shouldn't be overstated either -- they still refused to pass Obama's immigration bill, still refused to pass his environmental legislation, and not only refused to pass his Obamacare amendments, but actually added an amendment that barred the federal government from making subsidy payments from general revenues to insurance companies. That is crippling the bill. It's gone unremarked upon, but it was a really smart, unerappreciated move by Congress. A real hit below the waterline, Mr. napscoordinator.
By refusing to pass all those things, they've forced Obama to use executive orders instead. Some of those have been halted or delayed by courts, and all of them are easily reversed by the next President. We would be in much worse shape with a Democrat Congress, because they would have enabled him to enact all those things as legislation, not just impermanent executive orders that are easily reversed by the next President.
The Republican Party needs to be reformed, that much is clear. The primary process in some states stinks. But overall reform needs to be done how Reagan did it -- by advancing a consistent message, and inspiring new candidates to get involved at the grass roots level, election to local/state offices, etc.. There is no real shortcut, and we have to keep up at least some of our defenses while retooling.
Go Navy.
Beat Army.
Class of 1984.
I love that you are class of 84 at the best school in the country!!! I retired YNC but was stationed in Annapolis in admissions and went back as a civilian.....LOVED every moment of my time there.
I think after reading your post that perhaps the republicans have a messaging problem. One problem is not having the presidency and the bully pulpit. Mcconnell and Boehner at the time these issues were stopped really didn’t speak directly to the American people about them so most are not aware of these important steps they did. Heck not even sure everyone here truly realized this. However, you have given me a lot to digest and perhaps hive a second look at things and for that I thank you!