Frustration

Watching the Democrats in Congress (and the Obama Administration) is a frustrating experience for many of us.  We had such high hopes for what they could do once in power.  The Democrats set a high bar for us.  Before they could actually help working families, we were told we would first have to win back the House, then win back the Senate, then get a 60 member filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, then win the White House.  If only we could win all that, then they would help us.

Well, we did it.  We gave them everything they asked for, and more.  But somehow, the Republicans are still calling the shots in Congress.  Democrats seem afraid to take bold action or to stand on principle or even to stand up for what they campaigned on.  It’s enough to make you wonder what they will fight for. 

Republicans understand power better than Democrats.  Out of frustration, a colleague told me yesterday that he was so fed up with the Democrats that he thought he might as well become a Republican.  At least they deliver on their promises.

 I told him that happened to a friend of mine once. He worked night and day to elect Democrats and then was frustrated with them once they took office.  He wanted them to be like the Republicans, to exercise raw power without flinching, boldly rewarding his friends and mercilessly crushing his enemies. But the Democrats wouldn't do it. So he changed parties and learned the secret to being a good Republican. 

The first thing they did was remove his heart.