Sarah Lenti
On Saturday, New York Times columnist Charles Blow took the opportunity to make some gross over-generalizations about Republicans. The press has been echoing his sentiment all week long.
Basically, the accusation is that the GOP is composed of a bunch of “hooligans” who are going to highjack health care at America’s expense.
Mr. Blow seems to be a bit perturbed by the fact that Republicans aren’t falling all over the wizardry of the uber-partisan health care reform bill. Further, he is upset because members of his own party are too apathetic to fight for Obamacare as juxtaposed to the “belligerent” Republicans, who are “intellectually bankrupt” and actually showing up at the town halls.
Wow, Mr. Blow must have had a bad week. After all, he reverted to name-calling, which is basically what third graders do when they don’t get their way.
To be fair, there are some informative points that can be drawn from the piece.
Take Away No. 1: On understanding the issue
Mr. Blow notes: “According to a Gallup poll… only 47 percent of Democrats said that they had a good understanding of the issues involved in the current health care debate. 58 percent of the Republicans polled said that they understood.”
Republicans — assuming that we are more informed — good for us. But please just stick to the facts (on health care), rather than getting off topic and accusing the president of (for example) not being an American citizen.
I am sorry, but let’s not stoop. President Obama is indeed an American citizen and your president. He is giving you the platform to speak freely — let’s not waste it.
Take Away No. 2: On showing up and behaving
Mr. Blow notes: “Not only are anti-reformists showing up, they’re terrorizing legislators with their tomfoolery when they do. Blinded by fear and passion, armed with misinformation and misplaced anger, they descend on these meetings and hoot and holler in an attempt to shut down the debate rather than add to it.”
First, kudos to anyone and everyone that is showing up to participate in the public debate. We are a democracy, not a monarchy. This is what America is all about.
Now, assuming that Republicans are better informed on the facts (previous point) — please stick to the facts. Stop with the rage and relay what you know in a calm and collected manner.
Being composed speaks volumes; yelling and spewing threats screams ignorance. A professor once told me, “Sarah, it’s not so much what you say; it’s how you say it.” (And then, to drive home his point, he gave me a B+ for a perfectly-researched presentation).
Bottom line — you have the argument, make it wisely and stop with the shrill screaming. It reflects badly.
Redefining our party does not mean we need to redefine our principles. It may mean, however, that we need to think about our behavior and the type of persona we are exhibiting.
Actions speak louder than words. Imagine what the story would be if we were calm and reasoned, rather than extreme.
Take Away No. 3: On being stupid
Mr. Blow notes: “Let’s face it — (the GOP) is no party of Einsteins… A Pew poll last month found that only 6 % of scientists said that they were Republicans.”
Excuse me, but since when do “scientists” have a corner on political wisdom, or political savvy at that? Scientists get a lot of credit for using their brains in unconventional and, yes, innovative ways. This certainly does not give them a special general wisdom when it comes to public policy.
Republicans are not stupid. Our task over the next 12-36 months is to prove just that.
Conclusion
Back in 2003, then-Senator and now Secretary Clinton and her Democrat-compartiots raged in exactly the same manner for which Republicans are now being reamed. Click here to listen — it’s quite the scene.
How is it that it is OK for Democrats and Democratic leaders to shout, scream and protest when the Congress and White House are controlled by Republicans, but not vice-versa? Ah, the hilarity and hypocrisy of it all.
That said, I stand by my earlier point. Let’s redefine ourselves by arguing from a position of rationality and truth. Let’s learn to respectfully disagree.
Lenti currently works as a policy consultant and advisor to Republican Party leaders, executives and candidates. She has worked in New Mexico and other states on presidential and congressional races and has a background in national security. Contact her at sarah.lenti@gmail.com.