Not A Game!

A dimly lit alleyway with a mysterious figure emerging from the shadows. The eerie glow of a distant streetlight casts an ominous and unsettling atmosphere.

Despite the efforts of late-night comedy shows, the ineffectual practices of Congress are far from amusing. The constant obstruction of legislation serves not to better the lives of their constituents, but to elevate politicians to near celebrity status. In addition to shameless self-promotion, much of their effort appears to be retaining their seat in Congress. This is definitely present in both major political parties, but if you were to look at the problem through a lens there would be a red tint.

The marginal leads in the Congressional chambers require bipartisan effort to accomplish anything and everything. The petty grievances and wedge issues provide more than enough cover for the Republican to deflect the public’s attention away from potential policy changes that could positively affect their daily lives. These tactics accomplish multiple purposes, but none of them are useful to the populous. By this point, everyone has heard the Democrats talking point: “All the Republicans want is to give tax cuts to the rich.” The legislation in 2017 supported that claim, but the statement is still untrue. They also want to take away civil liberties, such as women’s reproductive rights, minority voting rights, children’s literary and educational freedom with book burnings.

I would argue that the last two administrations have escalated the obstruction of legislation to a nearly irrecoverable point. The counterpoint is that a new breed of Democrats has emerged. I would name two of the most notable Congressmen Jamie Raskin and Jared Moskowitz. They seem to magnify the stupidity of the other party throughout their frequent exchanges. They use a method of comedic attacks in which the Republican must either look foolish by defending the indefensible or admit that they are gaslighting the public, specifically their supporters. Their antics are hilarious, and they effectively expose their opposition are unserious people. Jamie Raskin is incredibly intelligent. He manages to troll Republicans in creative ways and with amazing timing. Moskowitz on the other hand, mocks his opposition and is always ready for Republican fallacious accusations and stunts. He prepares props to humiliate and counter-attack those who lie or present one-sided arguments. While this is amusing, and effective counter-messaging. For the moment, Raskin and Moskowitz are really the only thing going for us, with the exception of Dan Goldman who makes intense seriousness and art form. Throughout this process, one thing gets lost:

THIS IS NOT A GAME!

This is not a swipe and Raskin and Moskowitz. As I stated, right now they are the the only effective counter-massagers. It’s not lost on the public that the three branches of the government are imbalanced and broken. People rely on certain legislation to be passed. We don’t need politicians like Joe Manchin withholding bills because SOME people MIGHT use the financial assistance for drugs. Then there’s Kyrsten Sinema who openly states that she can’t support a bill because it would be fair to her donors (never mind her constituents). These are just the Democrats. There’s Marjorie Taylor Greene who stated “I don’t want my staff educated” to the CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.  She also explains that her people don’t care about a government shutdown during an interview. She and Matt Gaetz wield the power to vacate the speakership like a cudgel. Willing to needlessly waste time during the most critical periods of governing.

They do this to maintain control of a government that they have no interest in governing. Their only goal is to keep control out of the reach of Democrats as if it were a game of “Keep Away.”

Let me reiterate:

THIS IS NOT A GAME!

— Citizen Mooney

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