Fresh when it gets here from
Julie Barrett
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Well, I'm glad it's over.
John Scalzi wrote a really good piece regarding what the
GOP needs to do from here. Some of my points will echo his, but hey, I was thinking about them before I saw the article. But it's a good read. So go forth and read, but please return.
I'll wait.
Okay.
First the moderate wing of the GOP needs to get some gonads and wrest back control of the party. If not, maybe it's time for a third party. Some moderate Democrats would likely join them.
Second, the electorate (specifically the moderate Republicans) need to watch their Representatives over the next two years. If their representative can't work with the other side, vote 'em out, as long as the opposition isn't even more intransigent than your current representative. (And yes, this applies to Democrats as well. No single party has a lock on the crazy.)
Third, listen to the other side. This goes for everyone. I know this sounds very touchy-feely, but there's nothing wrong with building a consensus. Compromise is not a dirty word. It's possible to stand on your principles and forge a consensus. It's not easy, but it can be done.
I hope we don't have four more years of gridlock, but I think we'd have been looking at a similar situation with a Republican in the White House.
The people have spoken. Now we need to hold our representatives accountable.