Week # 6 Assignment- Blog Entry #9

 Larry Feirman State & Local Government

February 19, 2021 Week 6 || Blog Entry #9

I believe it was in the fall of 2009, the recession was in full swing and job losses were over ½ million.  I was actually out of work that year due to a layoff and depressed business trade.  The economy had people angry and upset.  This was a major upset that had not been seen in years.

With directives from the U.S. Government, a major influx of money and assistance to help those who were suffering due to the collapse was enacted. As an example, in California, assistance was available through a plan “Keep Your Home California”.  It was a lifesaver for many. The Federal government saved the auto industry, banks, insurance companies, et.

Across the U.S. there were organized “Tea Parties” to halt the likes of Obama Care (The Affordable Care Act-ACA), control the deficit, and prevent the Federal Government from deciding what industries to save, not save.  The Tea Party politicos came from almost every state.  They were the new rebels.   A few that stood out were Sarah Palin (R-AZ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rand Paul (R-KY).

Since that time, Republicans have abandoned fiscal conservatism, especially under the Trump Regime.  Sizable tax breaks to corporations, in addition to real estate and other tax avoidance measures has ballooned the national debt.

What has emerged, or so it appears is a dual sided Republican party that consists of Trump loyalists and the old guard conservative Republicans.  The old guard, rather than vote for Trump, formed the Lincoln Project and made Joe Biden their pick.

The Republican party appears to be, and in some cases is in disarray.  Most are not legislating, but trying their best to get media attention and coverage to disparage Democrats.

Since 2011 (The Tea Party and the Remaking of Republican Conservatism) article, a lot has changed.  The Tea Party might exist in name only.  With the election of Donald Trump in 2016, the Republican Party does not resemble the old guard Republicans or the rebellious Tea Partiers. 

Trump barely resembles a Republican, as we have come to know them, rather a mix of Republicanism, a dash of Democratic thinking, and a complete unfamiliarity with how government works.  It now resembles a collection of angry people that complain to media and political pundits to display a false sense of activity on behalf of their constituents.

Addressing Chapter 5, with regards to political campaigns; even with rules/laws around campaign financing, much has not changed.  It is all about raising money for advertisement, media, travel, etc.  Most of the candidate’s time is spent fundraising and if they are already in office up for re-election their obligation to their existing role most often suffers.  

Interest groups or lobbyists armed with their agenda’s, marching orders from their benefactors are constantly pushing for tax breaks, funding, and all that goes with control.  Communicating their preferences is the ultimate end game.  Their existence is engrained in our governmental system which does not always translate to what is best for the common good, or the majority.

With regards to political parties, as with most things in government and life, there is change, relevancy, evolution and re-defining the goals and wished for your constituents.  Right now, the Democrats appear to have an upper hand, and the Republicans are lost, adrift after the fearless leader has left office.