Big Night For U.S. Democrats As They Take The House of Representatives
I really didn’t want to write anything much about the Midterm elections in The U.S. since I didn’t think it really has any impact with our nation. But, I got to thinking that again we live in a Globalized world, and that everything somehow or another does have an impact with our nation.
But then again, The Philippines has always been a strong ally with the U.S. and in recent years this cooperation between the two nations have been centered on terrorism. I think, the focus within the next few years will still be within the realm of terrorism but I have to believe that other agendas like trade and other economic issues will also play a bigger hand. The Democratic party, let’s face it, has always had a different agenda as compared to that of The Republican Party.
Anyway, as expected, The Democrats did win back The House of Representative from the Republicans. The Senate is still in limbo as to who will take over because of counting in 1 to 2 states.
This is, as many have predicted, a referendum on The Bush Policy with regards to Iraq. In a poll that I saw last, over 60% of americans said that Iraq was the main reason that they voted for their candidate.
On wednesday mid afternoon, Bush held a press conference and one of his first announcements was that Secretary Donald Rumsfeld would no longer be Secretary of Defense. Clearly a move to reach out to the Democrats. This is the most humble that I have seen this current president. Bush has only 2 years left in his presidency, and if he wants any of his agendas pushed through, then he really has no choice.
So, what are the changes to made? First of all, the first Speaker of The House will be Democrat Nancy Palosi. Second, Donald Rumsfeld is out. Third, Robert Gates a former C.I.A Director will be the new incoming Secretary of Defense upon confirmation.
In fact, outgoing Secretary Rumsfeld is probably one of the bigger headlines today.
However, even with the acceptance of a probable new direction, Bush is still insistent that The U.S. will not leave until there is victory. But what is lacking is the definition of that victory. In the next couple of weeks we will know just exactly how victory will be defined.
If anything, this should be a great example of what true democracy should be. Despite a war in Iraq, a Republican in the White House, the people of The United States spoke out. If The current administration of Arroyo wants to see how democracy works, then they should take a clear look at just what happened last night. That things can get done even without having to change the form of government.
I still think that our current system can work. But with too many political parties, with fickle agendas and no real stand, it’s clear why sometimes our elections can sometimes be confusing. The electing body, the people, don’t exactly know what the candidates stand for. Each and every politican always says the same thing. We are for the poor. But what will you do?
Politicians here in The Philippines do not have a clear and definite political affiliation, no clear political agenda, no clear stand on issues. In The U.S. you have liberal and conservative. If you’re liberal then you stand as a Democrat. If you’re a conservative, then you stand as a Republican. What does this mean?
Well, without too much generalization, Conservatives usually stand for pro life, pro business, tax cuts, anti-abortion, indeed very conervative.
Liberals are open to pro choice regarding abortion, gay marriage. Liberals have a lot of focus on the environment, always more open to a political solution, and will usually not give up taxes as a source of revenue.
People know if they are a democrat or a republican. But here in the Philippines, it is rarely discussed what party affiliation you belong to because, well… political parties here in The Philippines are fleeting. They appear then disappear.
I hope however, you can see the significance of this eventhough the elections weren’t held here in The Philippines. We still have our own elections here next year, and I hope that whoever wins maybe they can do as Bush has done and reach out to the other political parties. It seems to me, that this final step in an election, of reaching out and the other politicians acceptance of that gesture is important if they want to start out in the right direction so as to actually get some work done during their term in office.
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