Brittany Richards
Government 2305
On-line
A Government Divided

A Government Divided Based on the U.S. National Debt each American citizen contributed debt is $47,724.00. This does not mean that we are accruing debt our self this is a representative number of how much debt is comparison to all the American citizens (US Debt, 2011). According to the U.S. Social Security Office the average income for an American citizen is $41,673.83 (Social Security Administration, 2011). Although these statistics are loosely based the average is a sample. One could argue it is not accurate to the current economic standings although the debt values are. This explains why currently the approval rating for Congress is below 20% according to the new Gallup polls (Gallup, 2011). The Washington Post posted an article called, Poll: Voters say throw out entire Congress, where the writer explains that Americans are displeased by Congress and a high percentage wish they were all removed (The Washington Post, 2011). All of these statistics are pretty predictable considering the 112th Congress is filled with uncompromising members who value the census of their constituents over the importance of making good Public Policy. In addition, the loyalty is no longer focused on making good “Public Policy,” it lies with member’s political party. As a result members are unwilling to work together which leaves bills on hold and a lack of oversight. Presently, we are faced with a divided government and a President that has received many backlashes as a result of it. Republicans currently hold the majority of the House while the Senate is split. This has created a congress that has chosen not to work with one another and see compromise as a sign of weakness. The Washington Post article, Bipartisan group of senators to push for larger deficit cuts, by Peter Wallsten addresses this issue completely. Wallsten points out that the appointed “Super committee” is not driven by expertise but for the agenda of their party. While all members know that the Budget deadline is coming near, the twelve members of the super committee are faced with more than there November deadline (Wallsten, 2011). The infamous super committee is chaired by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.); their roles are increasingly stressful since they need to focus on cutting the deficit and ensuring that their parties vote is heard (Wallsten, 2011). Many spectators have argued in favor of the Republican proposal since they are not trying to raise taxes. Moreover, since Congress has come back from holiday they have continue to silence the Presidents’ wishes and not pass the job bill nor agree to any of the measures he has continually crusade on. Despite the struggle congress has continue to demonstrate their loyalty to their perspective political party and not to the nation which they were elected to serve for. In the New York Times Mark Landler wrote an article, Obama Challenges Congress on Job Plan, which he provides details about the particular plans President Obama has for his job bill and how it could help the American people. The article goes on further by implying Congress will not concur with the Presidents order. And, the quarrel continues with Obama addressing the congress indirectly and saying, "The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy" (Landler, 2011). Though his words are strong and apparent to what is going on it seems Congress doesn’t care. Members of Congress have continued to disagree and as a result the Budget is undone, bills are stagnant, and Americans are unhappy. Yet, nothing is being done. Consequently, the divided government has led to a huge movement of protesters calling for change and accountability of Wall Street. In return many members of Congress have removed themselves or not taken a stance on the measures. Cantor a congressman and member of the Republican political party have called the protesters’ “Angry Mobs” which he later recanted in the article, Cantor: Republicans agree there is 'too much income disparity, when the movement gained notoriety (Pecquet, 2011). Cantor agrees that there is income disparity among the American people and argues that the Republican is well aware of it, however suggest that raising taxes is not the key. Moreover the process in assisting the wealthy Americans in investing their wealth will create growth and job opportunity (Pecquet, 2011). His statements are rigid and favor the views of conservative idealist. While Cantor is one among many in congress he does seem to carry clout within the Republican Party. Whether all members share his point of view is unknown, but it is likely to assume that some do. Therefore, it explains why Congress is at odds and continues to snarl at the idea of compromising. And, this is clearly seen throughout Congress and currently is the focus on the “super-committee.” The Hill wrote in an article, Divergent debt plans highlight partisan divide, by Sean Lengell who addresses the rumors surrounding the super-committee and reassures that the bipartisanship within congress is well and thriving (Lengell, 2011). At this point the Republican Party controls the House which creates a dilemma for the executive branch since they will need the House and Senate in order to accomplish anything. While in history divided governments have seemed to work, presently the divided government has caused more of a mess within Government. Republicans alike are adamant on opposing higher taxes and Democrats are continually trying to find a way to raise taxes to close the deficit. The increasing pull between the two parties has caused a war that the American people are against. Studies by Gallup and other recognized polls have showed that Americans are increasingly tired of the lack of maturity within government and congress. While the Budget deadline is approaching more Americans are in fear of what could happen if an agreement is not made, yet one could look back a few weeks when Congress was able to come together and compromise on a supplement budget to continue to keep congress afloat while the Budget is being reviewed. The media outlet, CNN, disclosed that congress was able to reach an agreement that led to a secure amount of funds for the Emergency Department in the event that Americans needed assistance after Hurricane Irene (CNN, 2011). Conceivably, the ability to compromise could be as a result of Americans suffering and Congress wanting the position to provide relief at a national level which could offer them the opportunity to claim credit. Either way, it is remarkable how they can work with one another for the common good of the American people and to ensure that government does not shut down. Yet, in the face of a major shut down Congress is focused on what fits the needs of their political party and constituents and not of public policy (CNN, 2011). In the midst of all this commotion members are trying to campaign and rebuild their treasure chest in the process. Presently, some members are campaigning with the help and support of their political leaders and parties while others do not. In such cases like Virginia native, House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong who is currently campaigning and running ads that distance himself from Congress, his political party, and President Obama (Kumar, 2011). Although, Congressman Armstrong may feel this will help him in getting re-elected one could think that this is not a smart move. In the article, Some House Democrats Looking for New Minority Leader, the author suggests that within congress this is looked upon as a sign of career suicide and reaffirms by quoting members of congress. Like, House member, Lionell Spruill Sr. says, "he “likes and respects’’ Armstrong but will not support him for minority leader (Kumar, 2011). Contrary to popular belief incumbents are not secure and in current times when governments are in despair is when incumbents are faced with possible rising challengers or a decline in support. Either way, Armstrong an incumbent is running on thin ice. With a divided government, growing income disparity, and radical movements spurring up across the nation it is plausible that the structure within congress has added to the economic and political problem rather them assist it. While members of congress are parading around with their ideals and arguing for notions that stall the progress of the American people it is unlikely that things will change before the election of 2012. In the past few months, the media has captured the true connotation of Congress which is the continual action to resist any notion of consent. Although, representatives could argue that they are fighting for the will of their people and opposing the opposition is what their constituents would want. But the greater question would be at to what expense. Moreover, the republicans in congress are not doing justice for the American people at a National level.

Works Cited

Gallup. (2011). Politics. Retrieved October 27, 2011, from Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/poll/146567/Congressional-Approval-Back-Below.aspx
Landler, M. (2011). Obama Challenges Congress on Job Plan. The New York Times .
Pecquet, J. (2011). Cantor: Republicans agree there is 'too much income . The Hill .
Social Security Administration. (2011, October 24). Automatic Determinations. Retrieved October 23, 2011, from U.S. Social Security Administration: http://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/AWI.html
The Washington Post. (2011). Poll: Voters say throw out entire Congress. The Washington Post .
US Debt. (2011). National Debt. Retrieved from US Debt. Org: http://www.usdebtclock.org/
Wallsten, P. (2011, September). Bipartisan group of senators to push for larger deficit cuts. Retrieved October 27, 2011, from Washington Post:http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/2446222921.html?FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+9%2C+2011&author=Peter+Wallsten&desc=Bipartisan+group+of+senators+to+push+for+larger+deficit+cuts&free=1