Lesson To Be Learned From the Stimulus Wrangling: The GOP Will Be Known By That Which They Destroy.

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS
by Christine Bowman

Clearly, it's hard for Republicans to change. All those GOP Congresspeople watched the election returns, and they also heard Barack Obama's inaugural speech. That's when he pointed out to them, "the ground has shifted." He explained that Americans "have chosen ... unity of purpose over conflict and discord [and] ... the time has come to set aside childish things." President Obama offered to "extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." (Well, that line ostensibly was directed at foreign leaders. But many fists are still clenched in Washington.)

President Obama then spent his first two weeks in office trying to woo the GOP. He invited them to his Super Bowl Party and made an unprecedented visit to pay homage on their Capitol Hill turf. He invited Republicans into his cabinet. He has been respectful.

For what? Congressman Boehner's gang in the House responded with a 214 to 0 vote against unity of purpose and the urgency of now. On the Senate side, a couple of moderates are engaged in negotiations with the President, but meanwhile Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and 40+ others have sought to block passage and redefine the goals.

One other inaugural quote may help the GOP members of Congress to recall what's needed at this juncture:

"... know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy." 

Has the GOP congressional minority so much as lifted a hammer yet? Heck, they haven't even begun to demolish the "old construction" of partisanship. They'd better roll up their sleeves and help get the stimulus passed. Show us what you can build. Even you can be a part of Obama's "new era of responsibilty."

And Mr. President? You and the constructionists can do this without the obstructionists.  Just keep hammering away. Don't keep waiting for some kind of GOP building permit.

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS