Some Wisdom from Oren Long On The GOP

[M]

Oren sent me this e-mail;

I have developed a saying that explains the GOP Leadership's inaction on, and resistance to, Trump's agenda.   It says, "Sometimes, the only way to win is to 'lose' and the only way to lose is to 'win' ".   Please bear with me.   It will all make perfect sense.  

 

Republicans LOVE the trappings of power, but shy away from exercising the responsibility that goes with it.   They are happy to be called "Congressman" or "Senator", but avoid using the power of their authority.   Why is that; it makes no sense, UNLESS we ask, "What is the ultimate, long range goal of way too many in Congress?".  

When we recognize that the vast, vast, VAST majority of former members of Congress NEVER return to their home districts or States, but just move to K-Street, receiving millions of dollars as lobbyists, it begins to make sense. 

         

Leaders like Trump hold the GOP's feet to the fire, demanding action, upending the Washington power structure, and possibly threatening future opportunities for former Members of Congress.   This is what Congress cannot or will not tolerate.  

   

I believe the GOP would much rather lose every election for the next twenty to thirty years than see Trump succeed.   They would be perfectly happy to be the "perennial out-of-power" Party rather than take any action.   Power makes them nervous and timid.   The "trappings" of power are all they seek, NOT ACTUAL POWER.   Actually wielding their power and passing Trump's agenda would threaten their own futures.   That cannot be allowed!   Trump must fail if THEY are to succeed.   

   

We constantly hear people warn the GOP that not accomplishing Trump's agenda (promises the GOP, themselves, have repeatedly and perennially made, even before Trump) will result in electoral disaster.   I don't think they care!   Even if they 'lose', they win.  

          

I think that is EXACTLY what the Republicans in Washington are up to.   I think they are trying to engineer the defeat of Trump's (and the voters') agenda in order to secure their own, personal success.   They will throw themselves in the doorway at every opportunity to secure their own futures on K-Street.   Huge, future paychecks are on the line!    

   

Many say that the GOP greatly underestimates the electorate's fealty to Trump and their RAGE at the GOP and the Democrats.   Again, I don't think they care!   K-Street is waiting.   

This also explains why Congress resists ANY form of Term Limits.   The longer a member is in Congress, the more future lobbying power he/she has.   Term Limits would destroy that and the size of future paychecks.   

It really is that simple.

Personally, I do NOT see the GOP losing control of Congress.   What I DO see is many GOP members of Congress losing primaries to actual conservatives, and the new members forcing Trump's agenda down Congress's throat.   After a couple of elections, most of the GOP and Democrat obstructionists may well be gone -- IRRELEVANT!   The dinosaurs will all be fat and happy on K-Street.

Oren