It’s a sad day for our democracy when presidential election campaigns are conducted on the basis of denigrating opponents rather than offering reason to extend or change regimes. Blame for inaction and misjudgment is accompanied by obfuscation and distortion of facts that prolong incessant Congressional investigation of alleged wrongdoing and lack of accomplishment by both political parties.

The simple truth is that governance by ideological revenge does not work in a nation that has been quite narrowly divided politically for several successive administrations. A bare Congressional majority in both chambers conveys a tenuous sense of power demanding undisclosed sidebar maneuvers to enforce party solidarity that are costly in some way. We need more genuine negotiation between the members to reduce the clandestine backroom bargaining for votes.

A largely partisan press ignores the reality that narrowly divided government has accomplished very little other than exercising greater societal control. The media should feel compelled to perform a more educational role for a wider audience on issues of demonstrable concern to clear public majorities. Congressional dysfunctionality has minimized productive legislative accomplishment, stifled innovation, and fomented lack of transparency and public distrust.

Phil Osifer