The House flips: Good news for country or not

Voters in one of the largest turnouts in a mid-term election just ended one-party domination in our government and restored the balance of power our founders incorporated in the Constitution to keep presidents in check.

I think the vote shows the citizens of this country were saying, “This is not working. Things need to change.”

They signaled they wanted an end to partisan politics and one-party government. I also believe they indicated a desire to see their elected president and their elected representatives in both houses of Congress do what is in the best interest of all the citizens in the country, state or district they represent — not just those who voted for them. Finally, they were sending a message to the president and both houses of Congress that they wanted them to quit playing politics, work together and focus their time on solving several longstanding problems that only they can address. Some of these problems include: global warming, health care (including prescription drugs). infrastructure (roads, bridges, sewage, etc.), immigration, K-12 education, opioid addiction, tax fairness and voting rights.

Six possible actions that will not be good news follow. First, the president and his party ignore or misinterpret the message sent by the voters and are unwilling to work with the other party. Two, the democratically controlled House leader and committee chairs act like their Republican predecessors and pay no attention to the suggestions or objections from the other party. Three, the new committee chairs do nothing but launch investigations. Four, as happened with the Republican party, the ruling Democratic party is held captive by a small group of extremist who make it impossible to pass legislation out of the House. Five, the president fails to end his non-presidential vitriolic language and constant lying and continues to act as though his sole responsibility is to please his base. Six, a small number of popular political commentators continue to spread or create false news that fuels the current divisiveness that has split the country, neighbors, and even families.

Citizens, aided by the free press, will be closely monitoring what goes on in the new government and any elected official who puts partisan politics or special interests over what is best for ALL the citizens of their district or state will not be re-elected.

Finally, unlike the majority leader in the Senate, I hope the new Democratic party leader in the House will involve minority members and leaders in drafting proposed legislation; call committee meetings to consider legislation; provide for floor debate; allow for amendments to proposed legislation; and allow adequate time to read proposed legislation before calling for voting.

Our founders left us with a road map called the Constitution. The citizens of this country followed it. If the president and the congress do so, we can get back on the path leading us to the country we all want to live in.

JIM HAMMONS

Fayetteville