quick thought on politics, partisanship and stimulus grows bigger than the debt in a matter of moments

I am not going to bloviate* on this subject, but I want to make something clear politically speaking. While I have been in the tank for Obama during the past 4 years I have stated on more than one occasion that, unlike some of my friends, I do not genuflect at a shrine in my home office, lighting candles as I leave offerings. I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican that has seen the light. I am a radically moderate Independent (and have probably always been one). In say this, I want to make sure you understand something...

This stimulus package blows. I would not vote for it. It has elements in it that will help the economy, but much of it is spending that is not useful in the midst of a crisis or could be helpful but not at this moment, in this package. I think the Republicans should vote against it. I think the Democrats, apart from our President, should be ashamed for not talking to Republicans about it. I hope they raise a stink- just not a disagreeable stink.

While I am radically non-partisan, I do not want Republicans to roll over for the Democrats.  I do not want unity at the expense of debate and discussion. Of course, I don't want Republicans to do as they are doing right now and whine like big bad bully Democrats stole their lollipops. While I do not like politics in the name of partisanship and power, I care deeply about philosophical differences and political realities. I want Republicans and Democrats to fight over (debate) ideas, philosophy, pragmatic approaches that will work, etc. 

In this new era of unity, let us not neglect that.

* well I wasn't when this post began. Oh well.