The Georgia Senate runoff happening tomorrow still matters.
In the summer of 1980, I met my bride to be. At that time, I worked in a bar at the beach that had a very limited 8 track tape selection. Included was Willie Nelson singing “Georgia On My Mind”, over and over again. It has come to mind again recently, concerning the US Senate.
In the weary minds of many, the November 4 election has been over for a long time. That will hopefully prove true after January 6, despite the ongoing challenge to democracy still being urged by the President.
How much power President Biden will hold is still very much in doubt. If the Republican Party holds one seat in Georgia, we have a divided government, and his agenda will need Republican Senate support.
Whether that is good or bad depends on your leanings. As I have aged, I have become more cynical about the ability of politicians of either party to do anything other than looking after their own interests. The current constitutional crisis being Exhibit “A”. Maybe my lack of faith in anything resembling forward progress is from watching too much news and holding perhaps a naive belief in the noble nature of many of our past leaders. It may be from overexposure to a depressing lack of character and leadership at the top level.
I blame some of the turmoil of today on our 24-7 news cycle, which prevents backroom deals, where stuff got done, with everyone somewhat less than satisfied. These deals often represented common sense. Today our leaders appear to be painted in corners, unable to take steps needed to help the country because of the indignant intolerance of their “base”.
I never thought I would be quoting with favor the words of Richard Nixon. He believed in a “Silent Majority” of reasonable people, who in recent times seem largely unrepresented. Maybe with a split government, we can hope for some reasons for compromise.
I hope that 2021 brings a fresh perspective and leadership with integrity, whether I agree with the platform. We certainly need it.
