Go Big GOP

Two opportunities to do the right thing at this crucial moment by the Republicans:

1.      Stimulus Bill: This bill needs to be large enough to stimulate segments of the American economy that need it. First are unemployed or seriously underemployed. During the pandemic they have suffered the most of all citizens. Their cost of living continued while their incomes either stopped entirely or were greatly reduced. Behind in rent or mortgage payments, behind on car payments, tough putting food on the table. So many problems to fix. The stimulus bill directly targets them.

Also, local and municipal governments are targeted to help them manage huge revenue declines while expenses mainly continue or increase during the pandemic. If these units of government have to furlough staff to balance their budgets, both needed citizen services for health and safety will be reduced severely while unemployment in the regions jump. Not a good thing for anyone.

COVID vaccine production and distribution is also targeted in the current Biden stimulus bill. This is not the time to undercut our response to the largest health challenge in our history!

Investing in the people is needed at this time. This is not public aid for the wealthy; just the opposite; it is aid to the non-wealthy who are increasingly being lost in the pandemic’s swath.

2.      Party Accountability: three accountability opportunities loom for the GOP. First is protecting Liz Cheney for having the courage to speak out against Trump at a crucial time. Her leadership should have been adopted by many others. The fact they did not lend a hand says a lot about the GOP’s spine. Help her prevail over her detractors. Second, punish Georgia Congresswoman Green for her outrageous propaganda and misrepresentation. If she can be seated in the House after her behavior, there is no accountability for politicians at the federal level of our government. With that comes a dilution of credibility for the Republican Party.

Third, conviction of Trump’s impeachment. The impeachment began while he was President. The accusation is constitutional. Following the process as outlined in the Constitution is also constitutional. Accountability of a President while in office is the aim. He must face those charges legitimately. Is he guilty or not? That is up to the Senate to decide. However, a not guilty decision is a reflection on the credibility of the Republican Senators and their party. Be a part of history or not. Their actions will speak loudly forever.

Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their nation. We shall see who has the spine to do the right thing by the American People. So far Republicans have been an enormous disappointment.

February 5, 2021