OPINION:
Congressional Republicans are like prisoners of war (POWs). They fought a war in 2008 with Democrats and lost - a losing strategy and a weak liberal commander (Sen. John McCain) aided in their defeat.
Prisoners of war often go to their captors complaining about living conditions, maltreatment and a host of other issues. The Republicans in Washington remind me of POWs when they go to the Democratic camp commandant (President Obama) and complain about legislation and proceedings and about being ignored and snubbed.
Congressional Republicans are pitiful in their lack of power to affect anything in Congress, at least for the next four years. Their only chance of freedom or some return to power might come in 2010 should their party gain a lot of seats in the Congress, but that is a long shot.
Even though the captors (Democrats) have certain rules and agreements to which they must adhere as covered in the Geneva Convention, the prisoners should not put too much stock in them keeping those agreements.
With lack of power and no reasonable way to be heard, congressional Republicans are confined to windowless backrooms ringed by the barbed wire of failure and the cold walls of indifference.
It is a pitiful sight indeed, a once grand and powerful force brought low by following a “moderate” war plan.
It is possible that there are dedicated conservative warriors outside of the POW camp who might be plotting a return to power in 2010 and 2012. But does the party want a return to power?
It is evident that the Republicans’ worst enemies are the so-called “moderates” in their own ranks who often side with the Democrats. Should the Republican Party become more like Democrats or return to conservative principles? That is the question, and they undoubtedly will have plenty of time to think about that in the next four or eight years of their captivity.
JIMMIE HOLLIS
Millville, N.J.
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