The greased chute of government
“The only thing worse then gridlock it the greased chute of government.” –Henry Hyde
When one like minded group controls government, there agenda gets passed unchecked. This is a dangerous formula that often results in trouble. Times the same political party controls Congress and the presidency include the 1930’s through the great depression, the 1970’s through double digit inflation and unemployment, and during the Bush administration, where the federal deficit skyrocketed to unbelievable measures.
Opposite that, times often referred to as good prosperous times have seen the branches of government being held by opposite parties. The 1950’s and 1980’s had republican presidents and democrat congress and the 1990’s had a democrat president with republican congress.
This is not a new position for me. I started making this argument in the 2005 local elections.
“I used to think it was best to have a group of like-minded individuals on a board or council to be able to make some changes and get things done. They would be able to move their agenda and set policies to how they saw best. I no longer believe this is the greatest idea.
While they can make some accomplishments, the lack of opposition can lead to some unwise decisions and missed opportunities. Without debate, many ideas are not considered. A vocal opposition can either change ones mind or reinforce their original opinion. Either way, both sides are being considered. And as taxpayers, we deserve that from our elected officials,” was how I put it then.
The Mattoon City Council has only seen one”no” vote in almost four years. Motions are passed 5-0 with no discussion. Any opposition voiced from the public falls on deaf ears. Fiscal responsibility has been thrown out the window. This is the greased chute of government in action.
It will be interesting what the next two or four years bring at both the national and local level. Will the democrat agenda get passed unchecked? Will that lead to trouble? Will the next city elections bring more debate to local government? Will our leaders slide down the greased chute of government?
When one like minded group controls government, there agenda gets passed unchecked. This is a dangerous formula that often results in trouble. Times the same political party controls Congress and the presidency include the 1930’s through the great depression, the 1970’s through double digit inflation and unemployment, and during the Bush administration, where the federal deficit skyrocketed to unbelievable measures.
Opposite that, times often referred to as good prosperous times have seen the branches of government being held by opposite parties. The 1950’s and 1980’s had republican presidents and democrat congress and the 1990’s had a democrat president with republican congress.
This is not a new position for me. I started making this argument in the 2005 local elections.
“I used to think it was best to have a group of like-minded individuals on a board or council to be able to make some changes and get things done. They would be able to move their agenda and set policies to how they saw best. I no longer believe this is the greatest idea.
While they can make some accomplishments, the lack of opposition can lead to some unwise decisions and missed opportunities. Without debate, many ideas are not considered. A vocal opposition can either change ones mind or reinforce their original opinion. Either way, both sides are being considered. And as taxpayers, we deserve that from our elected officials,” was how I put it then.
The Mattoon City Council has only seen one”no” vote in almost four years. Motions are passed 5-0 with no discussion. Any opposition voiced from the public falls on deaf ears. Fiscal responsibility has been thrown out the window. This is the greased chute of government in action.
It will be interesting what the next two or four years bring at both the national and local level. Will the democrat agenda get passed unchecked? Will that lead to trouble? Will the next city elections bring more debate to local government? Will our leaders slide down the greased chute of government?
posted by Unknown | 9:51 PM
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