When fiscal conservatives blinked........
Many political pundits are discussing the historical similarity between 1994 and 2010. But it's also a reminder, of just when Republicans took their eye off the ball.
In 94', as you may recall, the Clintons were stymied in their effort to create the largest of government bureaucracies in the form of Hillarycare.
Through the Contract with America, Americans were rallied to fiscal conservatism in our government. President Clinton, who was counseled that the 94' election would not be "that bad", was stunned by the incredible mandate he was handed. Americans did support a more responsible government. His quick move to the center, helped secure his re-election two years later.
In early 95', with their new majorities in place, Republicans were quick to enact many fiscally responsible measures which helped restrain the growth of government. But in late 95' a budget impasse resulted in the temporary shut down of government for several days. It was then that the Republicans blinked.
Clinton, and a compliant news media (Fox News wouldn't be created for another year) crucified the Republicans for shutting down government. Each night the network news, unchallenged by competing news channels or the internet, were able to provide wrenching stories on the impact of the shutdown. The Republicans blinked.
They capitulated to Clinton's demands. It was the turning point for his return to popularity. Unfortunately, Republicans abandoned those fiscally conservative principals that got them elected. Even through the Bush years, Republicans kept the check book open.
But times have changed. Today, information is available through so many more channels, allowing for a better dissemination of information and mobilization. It's amazing to realize that the Tea Party movement was started one year ago this month!
As the Tea Party movement begins its second year, I think they remain a critical factor in reminding politicians and voters that the demand for accountability and fiscal restraint is what a majority of Americans want.
The Republicans might have blinked in 1995, but in 2010, the Tea Party movement is doing everything to insure that Americans keep their eyes wide open.
In 94', as you may recall, the Clintons were stymied in their effort to create the largest of government bureaucracies in the form of Hillarycare.
Through the Contract with America, Americans were rallied to fiscal conservatism in our government. President Clinton, who was counseled that the 94' election would not be "that bad", was stunned by the incredible mandate he was handed. Americans did support a more responsible government. His quick move to the center, helped secure his re-election two years later.
In early 95', with their new majorities in place, Republicans were quick to enact many fiscally responsible measures which helped restrain the growth of government. But in late 95' a budget impasse resulted in the temporary shut down of government for several days. It was then that the Republicans blinked.
Clinton, and a compliant news media (Fox News wouldn't be created for another year) crucified the Republicans for shutting down government. Each night the network news, unchallenged by competing news channels or the internet, were able to provide wrenching stories on the impact of the shutdown. The Republicans blinked.
They capitulated to Clinton's demands. It was the turning point for his return to popularity. Unfortunately, Republicans abandoned those fiscally conservative principals that got them elected. Even through the Bush years, Republicans kept the check book open.
But times have changed. Today, information is available through so many more channels, allowing for a better dissemination of information and mobilization. It's amazing to realize that the Tea Party movement was started one year ago this month!
As the Tea Party movement begins its second year, I think they remain a critical factor in reminding politicians and voters that the demand for accountability and fiscal restraint is what a majority of Americans want.
The Republicans might have blinked in 1995, but in 2010, the Tea Party movement is doing everything to insure that Americans keep their eyes wide open.
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