Apathy Wins Big

As far as I can see Apathy was the big winner in yesterday’s elections.  Roughly half of the registered voters made it to the polls; in some elections fewer than 30 percent participated. This doesn’t even take into account the number of individuals who can’t be bothered to register or those millions who are prohibited from voting due to criminal records.

This means in a neck and neck race such as Virginia’s Senate race the winner will have been elected by fewer than 25 percent of the possible voters.  Speaking of which, with many of the winners winning by only a few points there certainly isn’t a mandate for the Republicans except on some national issues.

As the President said, “I’m not on the ballot this fall. Michelle’s pretty happy about that.”   “But make no mistake: these policies are on the ballot, every single one of them.” Although Apathy may have been the big winner the current administration’s policies were the big loser.

Now that the Democrats no longer hold the majority in the Senate I predict a sudden reversal of opinions on several factors. One will be that the Democrats who opposed filibuster while they were in the majority will suddenly find they are in favor of it and the Republicans who supported filibuster while in the minority will suddenly be opposed.

Republicans who were big supporters of compromise while in the minority may suddenly reverse while Democrats who refused to compromise will find themselves ready to compromise.

Harry Reid, former Majority Leader, certainly has. After congratulating Republicans on the victories, Reid said, “The message from voters is clear: they want us to work together.  I look forward to working with Senator McConnell to get things done for the middle class.”

Is it just me or do any of you wonder if we keep electing people with split personalities?

On the same lines it is time for both parties to agree that redistricting needs to be done by an independent panel based on the laws with no possibility or potential for gerrymandering for political gain.

I would remind our politicians they are there to serve the people and our great country, NOT their party.