Here are a few of the historically significant accomplishments by both parties followed by commentary.
What The Hell Happened Since!
As you can see none of these (maybe except for Obamacare) would never have happened without both parties working together for the good of the nation. This is especially significant given the fact Democrats controlled the U.S. House for 62 years from 1930 to 1992 (Except for 1946 and 1952). And yet things still got done. When did this divide begin?
Some say it began back around 1965. Up until that time southern states were largely made up of Democrats. After Democrats enacted the 'Civil Rights Act of 1964' more then a few of the southern white middle class felt betrayed after new political voices emerged. Opponents of the Democratic party exploited the a less-educated, blue-collar whites planting seeds that now their jobs and way of life will be taken away by the blacks.
No doubt about it, making the most of playing to one's fears when it comes to income or threatening someone's way of life by anyone not of their ancestry can be quite successful. History has clearly demonstrated this. Given that it has, it should come as no surprise today's Democratic opposition members are playing this very same fiddle tune.
Not only conservatives are playing on peoples fears and weaknesses. It works just as well for both sides. When it comes to so-called outside threats from terrorists, immigration, government regulation or anything else the both have become bullshit virtuosos using this ploy trying to get what they seek.
Gone Are The Days
Once you couldn't pick out a Democrat from a Republican in a lineup. 'Southern Democrats' once acted more like Northern Republicans in their day. Also gone are so-called 'Rockefeller Republicans' from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Today either of these would be labeled and ostracized as 'RINOS' or 'DINOS' and tossed by either of their respective parties.
In Summary
In today's political climate both sides are so far away and radicalized that we'd have none of those past legislations I've listed. There'd be no Social Security, Medicare, women or black rights and so forth. Over the last few years Congress has produced little to no legislation regarding immigration reform, campaign reform and hell they can't even produce one full budget other then one small sliver at a time. Why?
Because they're too busy conducting dozens of committee hearings trying to roast any and anyone who actually tries to do something. In doing so I feel they are attempting to mask their own failures to enact legislation on important issues. Congress doesn't like the way IRS does business? GO WRITE A LAW. Congress doesn't like Obama's executive actions on immigration, regulation, education or foreign policies. GO WRITE A LAW! Don't like the way states are doing their elections? GO WRITE A LAW.
Here's a extensive list of defunct congressional committees along with a selection (at the bottom) of today's. Most which served for investigate purposes. Can there be any wonder why so many actual legislative bills are drawn up by lobbyists or special interests groups? They're too damn busy holding hearings and committee meetings investigating everything and anything (including themselves) to get much else done.
that two become a lawfirm,
and that three or more become a congress.”
~ John Adams ~
