Once upon a time I can remember when members of Congress from both sides of the aisle were able to solve problems together. It sometimes took a determined President to twist the arms of holdouts to make a difference. Members of Congress used to consistently rise above petty party in-fighting and the influence of special interest groups to agree on the greater good. Today, our august elected officials in Washington DC are more embroiled in vitriolic attacks upon the other party's motives and actions than in seeking solutions to serious national security issues.

Never before in our history have lobbyists who represent a myriad of special interests exerted such undo influence over the legislative process. When Timothy McVeigh, an anti-government extremist, obliterated a federal building in Oklahoma City using ammonium nitrate, a common agricultural fertilizer, and motor racing fuel, everyone was appalled. Eleven years later, anyone with enough cash and a truck can easily purchase enough ammonium nitrate to fashion a deadly bomb. To date, Congressional efforts designed to control the sale of  ammonium nitrate have been foiled. Congress rolled-over due to the objections of special interests. Will it take someone with evil intentions to duplicate the tragic event in Oklahoma City before Congress acts? 

There are many potential solutions to ongoing security threats that are being thwarted because of special interest objections. All the while, bureaucracies designed to protect the homeland and fight Islamic terrorism grow at a brisk rate. In spite of all the progress that has been made in recent years, serious gaps remain in our terrorist shield. These significant threats need to be identified and prioritized. Then a series of measures to reduce potential hazards need to be implemented on an expedited basis.

In recent months, the perils of illegal immigration took center stage in the hallowed halls of Congress. After numerous demonstrations in major cities, it appears that the powers in Washington DC decided to table any effective legislation and move on to less complex issues. In our form of government, there's no easy way to hold the feet of our elected officals to the fire, and without term limits, politicians easily evade any realistic acccountability.            

When Texas billionaire, H. Ross Perot, stood up and criticized the status quo in Washington DC, people listened. He stirred the pot and energized a stagnant political process that needed to be jump-started. The dialogue that arose from his energy and passion gave hope to the masses. Unfortunately, the hope for a better way of doing business didn't last.

It's time for new political Messiahs to lead us through the perilous wilderness and find the common good. Where are the leaders with courage and vision who can act decisively and craft consensus among disparate political groups and bring the nation together? Or is this just an impossible dream?

Contributed by Karl Bossi on September 12, 2006 at 04:09 PM in Karl Bossi, Politics | Permalink

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