The bitter war we call politics is an art of partisanship and word-throwing across the aisle. Both sides are radically different in a world that is consistently distinguishing itself between rich and poor, haves and have-nots.
However, the way that the Trump administration and the Democratic resistance have been fighting is both pointless and ultimately sets up more destruction.
Donald Trump is unique in that he is ruthless and willing to go after whomever is in his way to achieve his goals. We’ve seen this in his many tweet attacks, including ones most recently against Nordstrom for discontinuing his daughter’s clothing brand and also against Judge James Robart for ruling against his illegal immigration blocks. Because he has shown a relentless drive to enforce loyalty unlike any recent president, Democrats in the Senate are most likely going to be unable to work across the aisle as much as they need to.
Inarguably this is bad because without a functioning Legislative Branch the Executive Branch grows in power and capacity. However, until the midterm elections in 2018 and the presidential elections in 2020, there is not much that Senate Democrats can do to combat the growing lack of democracy we see through an enlarged Executive Branch.
So, what do Democrats do? Sit by and wait? Vocally oppose everything that Republicans and the president say and do?
By sitting on their hands, Democrats will suffer as their constituents will start to believe that they need to elect someone who is more actionable, which could restrict the Democratic minority even further in 2018. We need to see action amongst Democrats because it gives us hope — it gives us a reminder that people are fighting a losing battle for liberty and democracy.
By dramatically opposing every nominee, executive order, and bill (if we see any action in the legislature during this administration), Democrats are drumming up even more dissent among conservatives and their own constituents. Giving the alt-right and extreme conservatives more firepower against Democratic resistance is not ideal, yet neither is sitting around listless.
So Democrats in the Senate, here’s what we, your constituents, need you to do:
Be bold in the face of adversity and opposition, do not surrender to the wills of the executive. You are in your position for the exact reason of balancing power from the president and that is entirely Constitution. Hold him accountable always.
Stop being so dramatic. Senator Warren fought hard against now Attorney General Jeff Session’s nomination, yet did so in such a way that Republicans enforced Senate Rule 19 upon her for attacking a fellow senator. Whether or not those rules were enforced ethically, they still are important and need to be revered. Instead of yelling at people who will disagree with you regardless, get your messages out to your supporters, skeptics, and the unaffiliated over social media, traditional media, and through press releases.
Pick your battles. Not everything that our president or the Senate or House Republicans puts into action will be bad or flagrantly bad. Concentrate your efforts upon the things that matter most rather than simply following party lines.
Rise above. Be bipartisan and reach across the aisle even when such is taboo these days. Despite cries of evil intentions there are still many good, faithful men and women serving in our legislature. Take the high road and be above reproach. We do not need any scandals of misconduct or deed to provide political fodder for the majority. Stop presenting yourselves as morally righteous or intellectually superior and embrace humility.
It’s going to be a long four years, and without an effective and prospering Legislative Branch damage to our democracy may be levied further. Let’s keep the president in check, let’s win the midterms in 2018, and let’s do the best that we can to protect and serve the American people.
