Fantastic Bill Moyers Journal: Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann Explain Why Congress is Failing Us

[flamingdem]

Link of 26 minute program here:

http://billmoyers.com/segment/norman-ornstein-and-thomas-mann-explain-why-congress-is-failing-us/

Political scholars Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann tell Bill that Congress’ failure to make progress on gun control last week — despite support for background checks from 90% of the American public — is symptomatic of a legislative branch reduced to dysfunction, partisan ravings and obstruction.

A year ago, the two — who had strong reputations as non-partisan analysts – decided to speak truth to power with their book It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided with the New Politics of Extremism. In it, they argue that congressional gridlock is mostly the fault of right wing radicals within the Republican Party who engage in “policy hostage-taking” to extend their political war against the president.

What’s more, Ornstein and Mann say, the mainstream media and media fact-checkers add to the problem by indulging in “false equivalency” — pretending both parties are equally to blame.

“Sadly, divided party government, which we have because of the Republican House, in a time of extreme partisan polarization, is a formula for inaction and absolutist opposition politics, not for problem solving,” Mann tells Bill.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Many of us have said this here

I hate to say it, but the congress needs to look at the city of Santee. Yup, it's run by a few RWers...no, I mean it...but they are there to serve the voters. It's the only place I hav observed the Mayor coming down from heaven and talking with constituents.

It's a well run city, government works.

Would I think Voepel would do well in higher office? No, and not with the current bunch either. He is a fiscal conservative, but he believes in this strange thing called...easy there, heads will explode...compromise and doing well by those who elected him.

Unlike the Feds, this city is not run by extremists. Do I disagree with him n some things? Yup, is he brash? Take my word, you will never have any doubts of what he means...mincing words is not his middle name. While he is a conservative, the RNC left him behind a while ago...that is the kind of public servant that no longer exists in DC...and that goes for both parties.

The ATC vote makes this crystal

[flamingdem]

2. k

[kelliekat44]

3. Sad to see not many here that interested. I heard the program on the radio and it was amazing!

We need a well informed public and not a well armed militia.

[flamingdem]

5. Yes, especially since it articulates so well some of the discussions here

including those that blame Obama for not being able to wrangle congress like a dictator..

[randome]

8. DUers already know this.

The only thing that can help is to take back the HoR in 2014.

[xchrom]

4. Du rec. Nt

[spanone]

6. k&r...

[kelliekat44]

7. k$r again. nt