Sweeping Changes Ahead?

As I got thinking, the Belly Bean has lived only 6 months with a Democratically controlled house; the rest of her years, and the entire lives of her siblings, have been under the control of a Republican house. As a favorite native son of Minnesota once penned... "the times they are a changin."

Bush should heed the wake-up call and at least try to extend some consideration for ideas, policies and discussions from "across the aisle". He has already acquiesced by accepting Rummy's resignation. But it remains to be seen if this was simply a ruse to pacify the growing anger he faces regarding policy in Iraq.

Conversely, if the Democrats want to hold on to this precarious balance of power, they will need to demonstrate some cooperation with their republican counterparts. For instance, be judicious about launching over-zealous congressional investigations and oversight committees. Instead the Democrat's (and Republicans) should focus on policies and best practices that will result in progress, lower deficits, improved international relations, improved education, reformed welfare programs, simplified taxes, more appropriate minimum wage, better environmental care, equal rights, smart immigration strategies.

Party politics and selfish practices will only result in continued voter disatisfactoin and a crappy democracy. Compromise and cooperation will win the day for everyone. Sweeping changes ahead? Probably not, but a balanced approach will make for smarter changes, that's for sure.