As we watch the aftermath of this debacle of an election, isn’t it time to look at the whole way we select “leadership” in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives? I was in a discussion this morning about this, and it seems the primary reason that Sen. McConnell and Rep. McCarthy should be the new leadership of their respective chambers, is their ability to raise a lot of money in the past?
I have to ask, “what does the ability to be the best political whore have to do with the ability to lead”? After watching the pitiful operations of Republicans in this election cycle, and the last couple of Congressional Sessions, and the total lack of leadership during that period, I would suggest that it’s time to clean house and replace the whole of leadership in both Chambers. Am I wrong?
Let’s look at the current proposed “new” leadership. First, in the Senate, we have Sen. Addison Mitchell “Mitch” McConnell III (R-KY). He was first sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 1985. Yes, that’s right, he’s now been in the Senate for 37+ years! Not exactly what I believe our Founders were looking for when they designed our Constitutional Republic. Does anybody see his history as one of real leadership?
Second, in the House, we have Representative Kevin Owen McCarthy (R-CA). His path was different, but still a long term “Swamp Critter”. His government “career” started in 1987 when he became a member of the Congressional staff of former Rep. Bill Thomas, where he served until 2002. In 2002 he was elected to the CA. State Assembly where he served two terms before almost assuming his former boss’s seat in Congress in 2007. Note: McCarthy has NEVER had to run in a competitive election.
This means that both of these perspective “leaders” have been dwellers of the Swamp for 37 and 35 years respectively (even though McCarthy did take a 4 year break). I’m appreciative of their length of “service”, but I have to wonder “service to who/what”? Should longevity even be part of the deciding factor for “leadership”? Or could longevity in the Swamp be a reason to exclude someone from consideration? As I look at where we’ve gone as a Country, a Society, and a Culture over the last half century, I have to go with “Door #2”.
In closing, I’ll say that We The People must do all we can to sweep out the whole current “leadership” cabal, and start to make decisions on who our Congressional Leaders are based on a couple of foundational issues. They should be based on the next leaders supporting our true Values and Principles, and showing a history of true operational merit and true leadership. Not who are the best political whores. If not, we’re at the point of this Grand Experiment coming to an end.
And I’m sure the Democrats in Congress are thrilled with the idea of this GOP “leadership” team.
God Bless America! And America, PLEASE Bless God Again!
