Backstop Republican policies
With the shift in control of the White House and the U.S. Senate from Republicans to Democrats, it is timely to adjudge the strengths and weaknesses of Republican rule.
First and foremost, it must be acknowledged that ordinary Republican policies have been distorted by Trumpism. Free trade, balancing the budget, and hostility toward Russia have all disappeared from Republican goals under former President Trump. Further, we know from the last four years that Republicans are not very good at competently running government services, for examples see COVID relief, economic stability, the Postal Service, immigration services, and staffing the cabinet. So what is left?
We know that Republicans are ecstatic about all the conservative judges they have approved. They may have reasons for joy there, but so far it does not seem to have made much difference in our jurisprudence.
In my opinion, Republicans are best at slowing things down. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Bringing up possibly overlooked problems in proposed new programs can be helpful. Also, looking closely at programs up for renewal can be valuable. Likewise, the traditional role for the minority party is to raise significant counter arguments to the majority proposals. In less polarized times, this could result in finding common ground with the salutary effect of boosting the feeling of national unity.
Of course, everyone must now be on the alert to the greatest weakness of the Republican Party — it easily succumbs to and promotes conspiracy theories and even adores autocracy. This immense flaw will take a decade or so to be corrected in any way that could once again engender trust. But as long as they remain in the minority, Republicans have time to try to make amends, if they want to do so. As of yet, there is no sign that they do.
John Sucke
Waimea
No jumping line
So the state is considering reordering the availability of vaccines to prioritize hospitality workers. The federal guidelines are sought to be undermined by this powerful group who are quick to point out all the risks they face dealing with travelers. And they want to jump ahead of cancer patients, dialysis patients and those 65 and older. I recently retired from my hospitality job partly because of the risks. In addition to ignoring federal guidelines, this reeks of ageism and just plain personal interest. And to complain and try to jump ahead when our 1C group has been looking forward to imminent vaccination is especially disappointing.
Jill Jensen
Waimea
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