Holding the Country Hostage

(Community Matters) In talking with a progressive, Democratic friend last week, she vehemently objected to something because then the “Republicans” would get a win.

I’m still reeling from this conversation. Let me see . . .  there’s a political compromise or choice we have which we think would be good, but since the Republicans are proposing it, we have to stand against it? All of a sudden, I sympathize with a few of the leaders on the other side of the political aisle who face the same asinine mentality. Really? Oppose a good thing just because someone from the other side recommends it?

Local examples (I know there are more egregious examples nationally, but we gotta start where we live and where we have some control – most importantly, with our own actions):

1) the appointment of an imminently well qualified man for US Attorney, even the first out gay male to serve as a US Attorney. Not only did Lloyd Doggett oppose Robert Pitman’s nomination because Senators Cornyn and Hutchinson supported it, even a few LGBT leaders did so fearing an R win. Because they had any objections to Robert? Absolutely not, but because they didn’t want Republicans to have a win.  REALLY?

2) a new congressional district for Hispanic representation. Bridge two of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the world and tap one of the two most distinguished and hottest rising political stars in the country. But, no . . . gotta oppose it because it’s the result of an admittedly flawed, even partisan motivated decision? yeah, of course I’m talking about Joaquin Castro running in the new district.

I’m over this bullshit – over politicians and their supporters who obstruct what’s right for this country, who obstruct simply what’s right. It’s happening on both sides of the political aisle.