Politically Homeless

I’ve seen a couple of articles recently that refer to Barack Obama as a possible Eisenhower Republican (i.e. Psychology Today, the Daily Beast.) It is an interesting thought. There are some interesting comparisons; both seem to reflect common middle-American values and both were forced to deal with issues that may have interfered with their primary objectives. Obama had to face a horrible recession not of his making which got in the way of his social agenda of aiding the American middle class and the poor; forcing him into big spending he didn’t want. Both seem to be fiscal conservatives but Obama had wars and a recession to deal with as Eisenhower had to send troops to Little Rock to defend minority children. Eisenhower wanted the country to evolve and did not want revolution, but was pushed there by rampant racism in the country. He was much more interested in building the infrastructure of the country and began that work with the interstates, but the follow up with rail, air, and water travel improvements got left on the drawing board.

The Republican moderates of the 50’s and 60’s seem to have no place to lay their heads. Their party seems to be hijacked by radicals such as found in the Tea Party, and the self-serving interests of the extreme wealthy whose views are less the centrist. Note the change in Romney’s rhetoric during the Republican Campaign and his Presidential campaign.

To lesser extent democratic liberals may feel a bit homeless too and look with envy and the social progress made in European countries which seem to place more value on all the citizens that we do. We spend a lot but it has not made us happier. Consider Sweden which has an over 50% income tax rate and yet are rated as the happiest people in the world. Concern for the poor seemed to have been a casualty in the recent elections issues.

Many have pointed out that until we get the obscene amounts of money out of political campaigns the average moderate American will have lost the political voice to which they are entitled. Inherent in our constitution is equal freedom of speech.

I do think there are traditional Republicans and Democrats left in congress but they are overshadowed by their intolerant and the inflexible colleagues and the nation suffers. Though no great political mandate came from the election one was clear, increases taxes on the very rich supported by the vast majority of Americans both Republican and Democrat. But can they prevail?

Where will we be able to find a political homeless shelter for today’s moderates? We can always seem to unite against a common enemy such as in the world wars, but we seem incapable of united for common causes that benefit all citizens; fiscally responsible, thankful for the gifts we get in this country to enhance our lot, and caring for those who are in need.