Eye Recommend --- Poltical Power Needs to be Used

POLITICAL POWER NEEDS TO BE USED, New York Times editorial -- http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/opinion/political-power-needs-to-be-used-in-washington.html

Last month Senate Democrats wimped out when they had the golden opportunity to halt the filibuster abuse that has stagnated that body for four years.  Now, some Democrats are backing away from gun reform.  Next they are going to tackle the federal budget.  It’s time for Democrats to stand up to right wing tactics and lead.

“If ever there were a moment for Democrats to press their political advantage, this is it.  Their message on many of the biggest national issues--taxes, guns, education spending, financial regulation--has widespread support, and they have increased their numbers in both houses of Congress.  But after years of being out-yelled by strident right-wing ideologues, too many in the Democratic Party still have a case of nerves, afraid of bold action and forthright principles…

…Politicians play in a rugged arena and are understandably obsessed about losing power.  But that power needs to be used for something other than perpetual re-election.  The next two years will challenge lawmakers of both parties to demonstrate that they came to Washington for a purpose.”