Both parties in need of new strategies

The Democrats failed. Republicans failed too.

In the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, the need for… The Democrats failed. Republicans failed too.

In the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, the need for real change came to our government’s doorsteps. Both Republicans and Democrats were granted the opportunity to unite the nation. All at once, the government could have transcended ideological differences for an American triumph over terrorism nationwide.

Unfortunately, that did not happen. Before the war in Iraq, we were a united nation. Four years later, this nation stands divided without the strength we need.

Within these four years, liberals point to the re-election of George W. Bush as the mistake. However, Democrats must also realize the need for change within their party.

While looking in the mirror, they have to realize that the majority of people voting for John Kerry didn’t even like him. How can one expect a man whose own supporters don’t like him to win the presidency? Americans want to have pride in their first man. John Kerry has some positive qualities – but conviction and likeability, important for American presidents, are not two of them. As the Democrats move toward their next huge election, they need some reorganization of their ideals.

Here’s some advice for the Democrats during the 2006 midterm elections. Create a Southern strategy that can start now and win back the country. Forget gay rights, abortion and crackpot global warming estimations. We can bicker over those any old time. Right now, we need to figure out how to keep this nation safe, secure and prosperous. We must also learn how to discourage misguided teen-age suicide bombers who have the convictions to kill innocent people – without going in and invading their nations.

Meanwhile, Republicans should run as far as they can from Bush’s neo-con policies because they are not producing the intended results. My advice, give up on the politicking for now and keep the pressure on the administration to reveal the events going on in Iraq – 55 percent of the American public believes there is no plan in place to secure Iraq. That number will grow, and if Republicans follow the Bush administration blindly their majority will be trampled upon.

We need governmental competence more than anything. At this point, the Democrats do not offer an alternative vision to the currently unraveling Republican train wreck.

Does the president lack any sort of plan for Iraq? It seems quite obvious that a plan doesn’t exist. We can all agree that the administration created terrible lapses in post-war planning. The American public needs an alternative. They need a united vision they can rely on from a party they can trust in power. For the Democrats to win in 2006, they need a plan – counting on Republicans failures can only go so far.

One can point and blame Republicans all they want for the mess in Washington, D.C. Before that, though, everyone should be reminded that 250 Democrats still remain in Congress.

To give them some credit, for the first time in a long time a Democrat showed some spine. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., called for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. Now, pulling all our troops would have disgusting consequences, but the message behind Murtha’s opinion was clear: Hello, America: something is wrong here – wake up.

A strong message to gain governmental control is one that cares about the protection of Americans.

Anyone aware of the Sept. 11, 2001, Commission Report knows the crimes this entire government commits when each day it refuses its recommendations. Remain thankful that there has not been a terrorist attack on U.S. grounds since Sept. 11, 2001; the threat still lingers.

The American public must stay resilient. According to Thomas Kean, the man who led that commission, we have not prepared for one.

Money for terrorism has been spent on air-conditioned garbage trucks, armor for dogs and other insignificant novelties. Meanwhile, projections say it will take 14 years to secure our nuclear sites. The police and fire departments still can not communicate with each other through radio transmission. The richest nation in the world acts like the poorest.

We should all be embarrassed for caring way too much about less significant issues. The next time someone asks about abortion, gay rights or global warming, respond with: What about national security?

Tell Scott your views about the state of the nation at sdn2@pitt.edu.