By Judith Gayle | Political Waves
If intention is everything, then we’ve established our intent, here in the United States. We have set our sights on putting the irrational behind us, committed ourselves to remediating our near-past. There are signs: John Boehner’s demand that Obamacare be put on the negotiating table has been rejected, Pub loyalists are consigning Grover Norquist to the cornfield and the nation has reduced Mitt Romney, deservedly, to a quickly-fading memory.
Yes, these are signs of progress, moving us past the energy of deadlock, in intent if not in fact. There are other signs, as well. Climate change is now being discussed openly, thanks to Hurricane Sandy’s unexpected devastation. Florida Rep Allen “up to 80 Democrat communists in the House of Representatives” West, beaten soundly but unwilling to believe it, has finally thrown in the towel, signaling the Tea Baggers’ fall from power. An energized Elizabeth Warren has joined those legislators who would eliminate the filibuster as an obstructional tool, its rare traditional use highjacked by the radical right. (Go here to sign a petition urging Warren’s assignment to the Senate Banking Committee, where her talents most certainly belong.)
Oh sure, not everything looks rosy in the state of our nation. We’ve only put a toe in to the tidal change we’re seeking. The right continues to throw tantrums over looming tax hikes on the wealthy, as Pub governors march in lockstep to refuse creation of state insurance exchanges (unwittingly allowing the Fed to step up to the plate). Obama’s recent statements raise hopes he’ll more aggressively deal with global warming, although action remains stalled due to economic concerns, even as methane levels have set a new record.