Post #2 - Re: Assignment #5 - Op-Ed Critique

In a recent New York times op-ed piece written by David Brooks, the writer slams the G.O.P. for their actions (or lack of actions, really) amid the recent economic turmoil. He claims that the Republicans in power should be "think[ing] through a response to the extraordinary crisis at hand" rather than pointing fingers, calling names, and "repeat[ing] the familiar talking points."

Mr. Brooks' words hold true. Rather than cooperating with the new administration, or suggesting alternative methods to resolving our economic crisis, the Republicans of late have been vetoing nearly every bill that the Dems suggest. John Boehner, the house minority leader and owner of a very unfortunate last name, has even called for a federal spending freeze for the rest of the year. After nearly a decade of recklessly wasteful spending, the Republicans have called for a "rigid fiscal straitjacket at the one moment in the past 70 years when it is completely inappropriate." Doesn't it seem hypocritical that the Grand Old Party involves itself in hedonistic spending while it controls the White House, and then condemns spending of any kind once their opposition comes to power?

All in all, Brooks' editorial provided an interesting point-of-view to the embattled economy and state of the nation. I found his peice to be written well, and, although it is hard to discern whether he is a Dem angry at the Reps or a Rep angry at his own party, he suggested some insightful actions that the Republicans could take to improve both their standing in the eyes of the nation and the nation's ability to move forward through our fiscal crisis.

In times like these, we need cooperation. While such a thing may be nearly impossible in a two-party Democratic Republic like we have, it is important now more than ever before in recent history that we work together toward a common goal. Hopefully, the two parties can stop sabotaging one another long enough to take some collective steps forward. Until then, we must do what we can do educate ourselves about the issues and have an informed, intelligent debate - something I am not sure most people can do these days.