Dakota Beacon

Politicians these days are imploring their colleagues to exhibit what they term “bi-partisanship”. There is obvious confusion in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate as to what the term means.

Ideologues advance their agenda at all costs, including their own political future, believing that the term “bipartisanship” means the opposing party simply acquiescing to their agenda. And those without passion for their party’s platform prefer re-election over principal and believe “compromise” legislation, the muddiest of all, is the preferable result’

In reality, the best legislation is that in which the only ideas implemented are those proven to work and readily accepted by both sides of the aisle. The process involves removal of the undesirable aspects of legislation by one side or the other, leaving the “cream” to rise to the top.

Of course, it is quite often the case that once all of the undesirable aspects are removed, nothing is left. And this, the absence of legislation, is perhaps the best outcome for us all, yet ironically the least favorable, in the view of those elected to office. We need to take the opportunity this coming November to remind our incumbent elected officials that not passing bad legislation is at least as important, but not as desirable, as passing no legislation.