The will of the people

Because of the continuing chatter over what the election means, by both winners and loser's I again remind everyone we will do well to heed the words of Thomas Jefferson:

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

In the true literal sense of the word "mandate", the President's win equals one.  Yet in the political sense, a 2.4% margin in the popular does not come close to one.  There can be no dispute that the President won the election,  He did indeed take a majority of votes cast.  In fact as of 4:30 A.M. this morning, as being reported by RCP the vote split was 50.4%  to the President and 48.0% to Gov. Romney.

With Florida still undecided, we have 24 states that went Republican, 25 states and D.C. went Democrat.  You will forgive me, but no matter what side Florida falls into, there is no clear mandate.

In fact, looking at the matter in the coldest political climate, we could argue forever about every progressive issue that "won" the election, in the end it came down to demographics, and it is clear that the right needs to shift gears to the reality of moderating its stances.    

For today, it is important to point out the reality for everyone.  The shifts in the House and Senate do not indicate a mandate.  Plain and simple, many of the persons elected to Congress received a substantially stronger "mandate" from their local electorates than the national results.  Some receiving even less than that.

The main point being, those elected to Congress have as much an obligation to represent their specific constituency as the President has to represent the national constituency.  When the obstructionist cries are once again raised, keep in mind that one is elected to Congress to represent their individual constituencies.  

Whether you like it or not, a member of Congress elected from Iowa is not elected to represent the people of say Massachusetts.

The President and Congress must find a way at this point to work together, to find the essential common ground that seems to have been beyond the grasp of everyone involved.  They are all leaders of our country.  Leaders, true leaders, find a way to get it done.  

I think you can find the votes for tax reform, if it is true tax reform.  

Simply increasing taxes for the purpose of continuing to grown programs is wrong.  Simply increasing taxes for the purposes of meeting "level services" is wrong.  The debt must be realistically dealt with, spending must be dealt with.  We need real leaders who will deal with real issues.  

The bottom line is for this country to get back on track, both sides are going to have to bite the bullet on certain positions. Simply put, you don't end up with a Republican majority in the House without a majority of people in a majority of Congressional districts supporting their positions more than the positions of those who ran against them.

Do not expect, nor demand, any elected official to ignore or disregard the "mandate" under which he or she was elected.  

There are only two offices elected to represent the nation.  

All other's are elected to represent the people who casts ballots for them.  

Whether you rail against the vote of an Ohio Congressman or a Nevada Senator, try and keep that in mind.