What about our congressman, Mike Rogers? Unfortunately, he is part of the problem, not the solution. In his long nine years in Washington, he has proven to be a knee-jerk, right-wing partisan (92 percent voting with his party) and strong ally of the rigid ideologists who in the last two years have refused to compromise, or even negotiate, with the other party.
While the country was crying out for solutions to the monumental problems of recession and looming debt crisis, the right-wing partisans spent the time passing through the House bill after bill they knew very well the other side would reject. Cut, cut, cut was their only mantra while their line in the sand was no tax increase on the rich (or even a return to the pre-Bush rates). Hence, Congress is frozen in place. Washington is broken. Meanwhile, we know democracy works only by negotiation and compromise. Everyone has to give at least a little.
Anniston voters have shown us the way to deal with incompetent politicians. They voted out that bunch of overgrown children masquerading as a city council. Likewise, the people of Alabama arose a few days ago to reject the Tea Party’s unacceptable scheme to cut, cut, cut the state budget. The people of Anniston and of Alabama arose and demanded good government. Let’s continue on this wise track. When we go to the polls in a few weeks, let’s take back our house. Let’s say enough is enough to our obstructionist congressman. Let’s send this Mr. Rogers back to his neighborhood to stay.
Ronald J. Caldwell
Professor of History Emeritus, JSU
Jacksonville
