Over the last four years, conservative Republicans, attempting to reclaim squandered political power, chose to sabotage our nation’s economy, obstruct majority rule, tempt America’s racist tendencies and besmirch the legitimacy of Barack Obama’s presidency.
Despite a solid wall of opposition, Democrats and President Obama have pulled America’s economy back from the edge of depression, saved both the financial and auto industries, turned the corner on our worst recession in 80 years, and passed new regulatory control over the banks and institutions responsible for our recent economic mess.
Democrats and President Barack Obama achieved all this and more with no help from Republicans. We passed universal health care. We passed equal pay for equal work, expanded college student loans and discarded "Don’t ask, don’t tell." We ended Bush’s Iraq war.
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The re-election of Barack Obama was indeed a referendum on the last four years. It cements the president’s accomplishments, ensuring their completion and application. It affirms that these achievements are appreciated by the American people. It validates that an agenda of needed economic and social changes will not be punished for being bold. It protects America’s commitment to our social insurance system comprised of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. And it establishes a mandate to tackle outstanding issues structured around Democratic ideals.
But additionally, President Obama’s re-election smashed the extremist tactics of naked obstruction and mindless opposition. Conservatives sought to regain power simply by refusing all compromise. At a critical moment when we needed all to pitch in, Republicans rejected this long-established and essential American value.
A rational, sane Republican Party would now evaluate these last four years of failed tactics and objectives, and for the good of the country change their behavior.
N. Timothy Smith • Webster Groves