The Cowards or the Bullies?

Someone noted that in November we have a choice between a "party of cowards and a party of bullies." That assessment accurately describes the current political environment.

Since President Obama's inauguration, the Democrat's popularity has been steadily declining. It is clear now that the economic stimulus was not big enough and that top economic advisers underestimated the troubled state of the economy. While the idea that health care reform was passed is certainly a political milestone, in reality the reform has not sat well with constituents.

The Democrats have alienated their core supporters and their overall platforms in their quest to hold on to power. In this bid, they mistakenly reached out to Republicans. It is true that the Democrat majority was fundamentally fragile, but to reach out to a party that has been blatantly obstructionist is simply foolish.

Add to these lackluster accomplishments, a dire economic situation. Despite what the economists claim, many Americans are living in a depression. Once thriving areas of the nation are struggling to stave off financial ruin and there is no end in sight.

In every step of the political process, the democrats have proven to be cowards. They do not even have the backbones to pursue their special interests through to completion, let alone work for the country's interest in general. By all counts they do not deserve to be voted back in office and they do not deserve their majorities. It remains to be seen whether they still deserve the presidency.

Yet only viable political alternative has degenerated into a legion of bullies. The Republicans continue to point the finger to place blame for the economic situation when they caused it. Whereas the Democrats have mismanaged the problem, the Republicans are responsible for starting it. And their only suggestions are ruinous ones: great austerity measures and a return to a non-existent America of yesteryear.

Because the true power of the party now lies in the enraged Tea Party Movement and the reviving Christian Right, elected Republicans are now even more at their mercy. The nonsensical behavior of both groups speaks for itself and offers a truly terrifying prospect of a Republican Party in great positions of power.

The sheer amount of bullying and scapegoating of the Right, while frustrating, is typical of right-wing behavior in uncertain times, yet much of the American voting populace has been perceptive to their rhetoric. Despite this, the effect of the Republican party's fear-mongering has made them a political force to be feared. At this point in the game, the Republicans have more political energy than the Democrats because of the highly emotional nature of their core, and that advantage should not be understated.

So the outlook of the mid-term elections is grim indeed no matter who wins, the Cowards or the Bullies.

But If I had to choose, I'd rather be a friend to a coward than a bully simply because the coward at least offers the possibility of listing to my ideas whereas the bully would just steamroll them.