Gridlock

We need some memes to attract independents and even some conservatives to our presidential candidate. There are lots of folks concerned about the congress and White House spending money like drunken sailors - a recent McCain phrase which is making the rounds.

We can capitalize on this by promoting the notion that "gridlock" is good - when the White House is from one party and the congress the other, the competing spending priorities produce restraint. You know, the president proposes, the congress disposes, and at the same time the congress virtually cannot spend money without a presidential signature.

I think gridlock is a notion that could get some traction with folks who otherwise might pass us up.

You?

A group of Independents, Republicans, and Liberals has sprung up in my home county. Ane we leftists were in the minority. All the rest were the kind of folks who usually wouldn't dream of going to a demonstration. But they see Bush shredding the Constitution and spending recklessly. Even the Republicans were appalled at the way the right wingers have shut out the Democrats and have tried their best to destroy the Democrats. They have all agreed they will not only vote for but will work for the victory of the Democratic candidate. As one Republican said, "I don't really like the Democrats, but we need ANYBODY BUT BUSH."

Gridlock is good. It forces people to make compromises in order to get the wheels moving.

Witness the "gridlock" bill that the Texas Senate has always put in front of it's agenda. Up till recently, it's promoted a sense of civility.

But I don't think I'd advertise it, or count it it to fix our problems.

I like the things I am hearing Dems say. Things like the government should begin catering to regular people, rather than the Elites as is now the case.

If we can just motivate folks to believe the Dems will do the right thing, there'll be no gridlock, just progress.