In 1995, Republicans gained the majority of both chambers of Congress for the first time since the 1950s. And boy, did they (ab)use it. Now, for the first time since 1995, Democrats hold the majority in both the House and the Senate.
And we have it by a wide, wide margin.
Take a look at the Senate chart above: Democrats are in blue, Republicans are in red. Look at how tall that first blue line is!
When the Republicans held the Senate majority, for the past fourteen years, they crammed legislation down our throats with nary a care or concern. Count the “Defense of Marriage Act” among their horrific legacy.
Now, we claim we want “bipartisanship.” Republicans aren’t playing fair. And it’s their policies and practices that got us to this point.
Remember Newt Gingrich and the “Contract with America”? How about Trent Lott? Ted Stevens? Bill Frist? Mitch McConnell? Remember “The Hammer,” Tom DeLay? Remember why that was his nickname? The list goes on and on.
So, tell me, with a greater Democratic majority than this country has seen in three decades, since 1979, tell me:
- Why can’t we pass major health care reform, including a public option?
- Why can’t we finally gat a Hate Crimes Bill passed and signed into law?
- Why can’t we repeal DOMA?
- Why can’t we repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?
- Why can’t we pass and get signed into law ENDA?
- Why can’t we create strong regulations for Wall Street?
Why can’t we grow a pair?