Hold The Campaigns

Thomas Friedman's op-ed article Advice From Grandma has a lot of food for thought. One point which he brought up really hit home with me - a permanent presidential campaign leaves little time for governing. It seems like yesterday That Barack Obama was sworn in as President of The United States but less than a year later his stature as a President is already being critiqued. It seems that every move in Washington is being made with an eye on 2012. Obama has hardly found his way around the White House and already there are those suggesting that he shouldn't bother to make himself at home. All that is lacking right now are the campaign buttons.

As Mr. Friedman suggested there is little time for governing. The health care reform legislation is a good example. Everyone is in agreement that health care reform is long overdue. Unfortunately too many agree that health care reform must be used as a vehicle to enhance election chances in 2010 and 2012. As everyone postures themselves, a garbage bill evolves with little chance of passage. Just what the doctor ordered - a campaign issue for 2010 and 2012.

It is totally unreasonable to expect a turnaround in domestic and foreign affairs in less than a year. It is ludicrous that the failings of the previous eight years are so easily dismissed. It is time to back off and give those we elected a chance to govern.

The lobbyists cannot stomach the very thought that our elected representatives would dare govern for the people and are doing everything possible to foment distrust and fear. A perpetual presidential and congressional campaign and the subsequent need for funds serves them fine. A perpetual presidential and congressional campaign does not serve democracy.