Democrats look for solutions, and Republicans look for blame. I am not sure where I heard that phrase and I probably rejected it as just political rhetoric. Recent events have given me reasons to examine and not dismiss the statement. Democrats are not perfect as demonstrated by the wavering support for the fifteen dollar minimum wage and the acquiescent move toward compromise over debt forgiveness for college students by the Biden administration. Having said that, Democrats have proposed several solutions to move people out of poverty. I may be wrong, but I have never heard a solid number proffered by the GOP to lift people out of poverty. They use catchphrases like ‘American exceptionalism and bootstraps.’ The conservative view is that the more people you have working for poverty wages will somehow make poverty disappear. It does not take an advanced degree in mathematics from Stanford to realize that it is impossible to support a family on $7.25 an hour, without subsidies like food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, LIHEAP, etc.
We have waited ten or more years for the magic health care plan from Republicans who have spent years blaming former President Obama for rising health care costs. Instead of raising wages and giving the working man a sufficient slice, they give tax cuts to the rich in hopes that the crumbs trickle down from the big loaf. Instead of putting on a mask Republicans blamed liberals for ruining businesses. I believe that healthy counterproposals are essential to sparking debate and advancing the efficacy of the solution. Sadly, Republicans rarely propose an alternative, instead, they look for a place to lay the blame. In the past week, Texans froze and went hungry and thirsty; not because it was unavoidable, but because Texas Conservatives were anxious to increase fossil fuel profits over the security of its’ people. A small-town west Texas Mayor, Tim Boyd, demonstrated his blaming skills, “No one owes you or your family anything; nor is it the local government's responsibility to support you during trying times like this! Sink or swim, it’s your choice!” he wrote.
The Republican’s inability to govern has morphed into performance art. Unfortunately, their performances only place blame on those with whom they disagree. Former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley recently said that Mr. Trump “genuinely” believes he won the election. "I understand the president. I understand that genuinely, to his core, he believes he was wronged. This is not him making it up," said Haley. Apparently trying to appease the former President’s feelings and justify his incitement of insurrection, she continued; “That would be like you saying that grass is blue and you genuinely believing it. Is it irresponsible that you're colorblind and you truly believe that?" she said. "There's nothing that you're ever going to do that's going to make him feel like he legitimately lost the election,” said Haley.
Sorry Ms. Haley, using that logic means every home should be mandated to have chimneys because thousands of five-year-olds believe there is a Santa Claus. Sorry kids— for comparing you to Mr. Trump.
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