Separating Myth From Reality for Democrats

History may mark 2006 as a landmark political year.  The Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives and Senate and some believe that the elections reflect a new turn in American politics.  Republicans are playing defense for the first time in more than a decade with a national leader taking the country over a cliff.  Many people are now rhapsodic over the Democrats taking control of both houses of Congress, but I’m here to separate myth from reality for the Democrats in Congress and their supporters around the country.  While there are many from which to choose, I think three myths have emerged that must be dealt with to avoid disappointing the many elements within the Democratic coalition. 

The first myth is: Now that the Democrats are in charge, everything will change quickly.  The reality is: That’s not the way our political system works.  While our system is “winner take all” it is not “winner take all right now!”  The political process takes a long time, so patience is critical.  Don’t expect immediate change and don’t be surprised if things don’t always go the way you think they should.  This will be complicated by the fact that various groups within the Democratic Party who have been shut out for so long are going to rush to get their piece of the pie.  That will, undoubtedly, slow down the process as who gets what is sorted out.

The second myth is: Black people are in for some good times now that so many committees and subcommittees are chaired by African Americans.  The reality is: while it is important and notable that so many African Americans are in significant leadership positions in the House, the fact is that they are operating within a larger context.  The future will be better legislatively for African Americans, but it will take a while for the damage done by the conservative movement on Black America to be undone.

The third myth is: Now Republicans will be a compliant minority until the next election.  The reality is: they will do everything they can to sabotage Democratic efforts, even if it means hurting the country in the long run.  Like a retreating army, Republicans tore up railroad tracks and planted legislative land mines to make it harder for Democrats to govern when they take power in Congress next month.  Most notable among these land mines was not finishing the fiscal year 2007 budget, leaving it to the Democrats to resolve many difficult issues.

Republican avarice, both economic and political, finally caught up to them in 2006.  Under Republican control, it is more difficult to pay for college, healthcare, and housing. Plus, wages are down, justice is too often an illusive ideal, and the Middle East is a powder keg in need of a light. The Democrats must now deliver on their promise to reverse much of what has gone wrong in recent years.  If the Democrats confuse myth with reality, it’s quite likely that restless voters will turn on them as well.

© Michael K. Fauntroy, Ph.D.
January 2, 2007