Intro and Housekeeping
Before we go into detail on our topic, I wanted to mention a couple of things.
First, on our last post, we received a comment. Its author is a long-time friend. As you'll see from the comment (about which I'll comment in a second), he's a very bright guy. What you won't see he's that he's even more intelligent than the comment suggests. He's got a great sense of humor and is someone you could talk to for hours. All-in-all a terrific guy.
And of course I think you should read his comment.
Now I'll say why I disagree with part of what he said.
To compare Reagan's situation with Obama's really isn't fair, in my view. Reagan had Tip O'Neill to deal with. Obama has John Boehner. That difference is important. If O'Neill made a deal with Reagan, O'Neill's caucus went along with him. Boehner's tried to make several deals and his caucus doesn't go along.
Also, O'Neill didn't refuse to bring something to the full House unless a majority of his party was in favor of it, as Boehner has largely done until it's obvious they have to cave to Obama and the Democratic party in the Senate.
In the present situation, we have a GOP that sponsors legislation, and when it turns out Obama favors that legislation, they turn against it. That didn't happen in Reagan's era.
Also, to give Reagan his due, he was a lot more effective than Obama because of his social skills which Obama doesn't appear to have.
But he was primarily more effective because there was someone to deal with.
Also, I agree with Steve that when there's a problem, there are usually two players both of whom share some of the blame.
Usually.
But not in this instance as I see it. First the majority of the House was in favor of a resolution to fund the government. Boehner, as is his right, chose not to bring it to the House. Had he done so, all of the costs and aggravation caused by the shutdown wouldn't have happened. That aside, they were making a demand that everyone knew wouldn't be acceded to by the Democrats - the dismantling or delay of Obamacare.
Karl Rove said it wouldn't fly. The Wall Street Journal said it was dumb. The Koch brothers distanced themselves from it. Finally, the House Republicans changed strategy, but by then it was clear that the Democrats were united and felt they'd already given something up by only seeking funding at the "sequestration" levels.
Still the House delayed.
If there's a Democratic Party action here that puts some blame on them for the shutdown, I don't see it.
Are the Democrats responsible for other problems in legislation and inaction? Hell yes. But I just don't see it on this one.
Radio
Tonight, we'd scheduled a guest who had to beg off due to pneumonia. We wish her a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, we'll talk about romantic matches based on astrological signs with the lovely Alicia Bushman who happens to be my bride. She's really knowledgeable on the subject and if you listen live, you can call in and tell her your sign and that of your would-be mate, and she can give you an idea of whether you'd make as good a match as you believe.
Next week, JT Sather who's written what's called a "short" about an experience he had a number of years ago that almost resulted in him being charged with a federal crime. It's actually very funny and entertaining reading. The following week we'll be joined by assassination author Larry Hancock.
Immigration
Speaking of legislation where a Republican sponsors it and then withdraws support when Obama's for it, we come to immigration.
The law that's been passed by a bipartisan majority in the Senate would reform immigration law and border security. It was written and offered by Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who everyone expects to contend for the GOP nomination for president in 2016. He's now withdrawn his support.
He hasn't said why and the only changes to the legislation since he introduced it are those that strengthen border security.
Congress only has about 19 working days left in the session, so the prospects of the House passing this legislation are slim to the point of anorexic.
Trivia
No time for trivia this week, so tune in next time.
Commercializing
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Also, if you look at our immediately prior post, there are links to take you to our books on Amazon which you can look at and buy if you wish.
Conclusion
That's it for this time. Don't go away mad, please. We'll see you on the radio.
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