Demise
of GOP imminent, Democrats take over
Lauren Williams
For years Democrats have been waiting for deliverance from the tyranny of the
Republican Party. The GOP has dominated the country’s politics for the
past two decades, with the exception of the fairly centrist
Clinton administration.
It began with President Ronald Reagan and the return of religious morality in
the 1980s. Although Reagan ignored important social programs, he won the hearts
of many Americans nevertheless by lowering taxes and ending the Cold War. Now
it seems the reign of the Republican Party is coming to an end, and liberals
couldn’t be happier.
President George W. Bush has made some serious mistakes during his final term,
which could lead to fewer seats in Congress for Republicans or, dare I say, a
move away from the Republican Party entirely.
Bush was unresponsive to the needs of hundreds of thousands of people in the
South after Hurricane Katrina. Gas prices have skyrocketed, and he hasn’t
created an effective plan for dealing with Iraq.
During the 2004 elections the most vehemently Republican supporters were found
in the Deep South and the Bible Belt. These same people were abandoned for days
without food, medicine and proper shelter after Bush failed to provide adequate
aid for Katrina victims. Millions of Americans across the nation are anxious
to know when they can be expecting their sons and daughters home from the war
in Iraq. These are the same Americans who might be reconsidering their political
orientation when the 2006 mid-term elections come.
Also, the Republican Party may have to choose between the passionate conservatives
and the more moderate members of the party. Bush is trying to win minority groups,
especially Latino minorities, by lessening the requirements for U.S. citizenship.
In doing so, he is alienating many of the GOP’s strongest supporters.
The party has also tried to maintain firm ties with the more radical Republicans
by supporting legislation that alienates independents and centrists who lean
right. The rift being created between the intra-party differences could push
away many extreme and moderate Republicans, causing its eventual downfall.
Several times throughout U.S. history these rifts have lead to deep chasms. In
the past, radical party members left their party to create an independent one.
In the election of 1860, the year Lincoln was elected, radical Democrats left
the Party. The Democrats were weakened. Consequently, the Republicans succeeded
in electing one of the most influential presidents in U.S. history.
Historically, the United States shifts from one political party to another every
20 or so years in a process known as realignment.
During the Progressive Era, Republicans dominated U.S. politics, then throughout
the 1930s and 1940s Democrats became the prominent party. This trend can be seen
throughout history. Bush’s actions are just hastening the inevitable.
By pursuing legislation in favor of his own personal beliefs, Bush alienates
many Americans.
The Democratic Party needs to cross its fingers and hope that in 2008 people
will remember the offenses GOP politicians have committed against them. Surely,
Bush will fail many more times throughout his presidency to remind voters why
they should vote Democratic.
Lauren Williams is a sophomore journalism major and assistant opinion editor
for the Daily Forty-Niner.
|
