The backlash to a huge Democratic majority and, more pointedly, a recession that began during the eight years of Republican rule and wars being fought on two fronts, has led to an exasperated America – probably unparalleled since the Great Depression. It seems dangerous to even approach the edge of the divide that exists between the two political camps.
The hostility is evident even on Bainbridge, though certainly to a lesser degree than in most American cities. Basically, the “no new tax/cut government spending/off with the career politicians’ heads” mantra of the Republicans has clashed with the Democrats’ philosophy to spend and then spend some more to help the economy and add jobs. Who is to say which approach is superior? Neither will be effective until there is less acrimony and more political compromise across party lines.
Whether it’s the Republicans acting as if they have all the answers but then don’t offer any except for the ones that have proven to be ineffective, or Democrats acting as if they’re above the fray, this year’s brand of politics seems to center on an elephant with a short memory and a disinterested donkey.
It’s a little different on Democratic Bainbridge, where we suffer our GOP minority aloofly, as was the case this week when many off-islanders dared to bring their rowdy Republican ways to the American Legion Hall to torture our sensitive U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee. As one James Watkins supporter said, “Get over it.”
Maybe, but not until Republicans are embarrassed by the results, at least, that’s what the Review’s advisory group believes will happen here. They want the winners to be incumbent Democrats Inslee, State Reps. Christine Rolfes and Sherry Appleton, and County Commissioner Josh Brown. And native son Charlie Wiggins should join the State Supreme Court. They also favor passage of the school district supplemental and technology levies, and overwhelmingly think the island’s library and the rest of the Kitsap branches could use an infusion of green.
So, go forth and vote with your fellow Americans. And step across the line with an open mind when you get a chance.
