Political Lords of the Flies

Democrats have created a national political firestorm out of their positions on health care reform, energy, labor and other measures. In their arrogance, the have lost governor's races in two states that went for Barack Obama and the oldest Democratic Senate seat, held by a Kennedy since 1953. Now it is the Republican Party's turn.


A couple examples are all that is needed to illustrate how short-sighted the Republican party is at the present time. Each is significant as to what it means either for the economy, or for the prospects for future Republican success in the 2010 election cycle.

The current Republican opposition to Fed Chairman Paul Bernanke is understandable, given his participation in the AIG, big bank and auto bailouts over the last 15 months. Republicans are outraged that he implemented law that they participated in writing and want to hold him accountable since he is the penultimate figure of leadership for the highly secretive organization.

It is a mistake to threaten or act in such as way as to not confirm him for another term. The uncertainty that even the threat of such an action is causing Wall Street pundits to take pause and market losses have indicated historically that whenever something like this occurs, there will be significant turbulence until it gets resolved. If Bernanke is not reconfirmed, it is likely that the Senate will confirm someone more damaging to the national economy as it will assuredly be someone further to the left from an ideological sense.

J.D. Hayworth, former Arizona Congressman has announced that he will be seeking John McCain's Senate seat next time around. Hayworth, a strong conservative is hoping to ride the rising wave of conservatism by going after McCain, whose stance has often frustrated members of his own party over the years. It is unlikely that J.D. Hayworth will be able to unseat McCain, but the mudslinging that will likely come out of the J.D. Hayworth camp will damage McCain's ability to participate in the Senate if he is reelected.

Conservatives are tired of wandering through the darkness. Even with stunning victories in recent months, there is a sense of foreboding that self-centered politicos will act not in the interests of their constituents or the nation as a whole, but will continue to act for themselves. It is a lack of leadership at the highest levels of the party administration and Michael Steele needs to do a better job of reining in these people who have lost sight of the long term and now are seeking to score political points.

Michael Rowland