The Angry Middle?

For the first time in decades, a Republican holds the Senate seat left empty by Sen. Ted Kennedy's death. I have read his acceptance speech and he promises to be the people's senator. He says that he has heard the people say that they don't want new taxes, a back-room health care bill, and lawyers for terrorists. He promises that he will work with Democrats and Republicans to get things done and to support the people of America. He is going to help the angry middle America fight for what they want and need.

The middle America that I know is not angry. They are too busy protecting their jobs and homes and trying to afford their lives to be angry. They might still be able to pay their mortgages and might still have health care but they have a sense that this could go away at any time. They have been convinced from years of Republican rhetoric that taxes are bad but they don't understand why the government can't help. They would love to see some strong actions from Washington to help them protect what they have. But what they see is groups digging in, stubbornly firm in their own ideas without any chance of listening to a different idea. They are aware that big business and big banks run the Congress and wish someone would finally put a stop to it. Many of them realize that it took eight years to get to this point. Although they wish the fix was immediate, they are aware that substantial gains can occur only over time. Many also would like to see the repairs with an eye to the future, willing to accept alternative fuels and sustainable farming practices.

This is why I am concerned about Scott Brown's election. I don't see how he is going to be the people's senator if he doesn't realize we aren't angry. He talks about not "hiding costs, concealing taxes, collaborating with special interests, and leaving more trillions in debt for our children to pay" forgetting that his own party was the one who started these practices in the last presidency. He speaks of "our political leaders have grown aloof from the people, impatient with dissent, and comfortable in the back room making deals" not realizing that he is characterizing the Bush presidency and the image of the Republican party. He also sees his election as the start of things to come. But, if he goes to Washington and doesn't deliver, he will be perceived as another Republican blocking the administration without a clear idea of his own.

I do have some hope though with the results of the elections. Without a filibuster-proof Senate, the Congress might have to actually discuss the health care reform bill. And, as a new Senator, Mr. Brown hasn't been purchased by the lobbies and hasn't been fully indoctrinated by the Republicans ... yet.