Winston Churchill, though enormously admired by his people during the 1939-1945 war years, was drummed out of office in the 1945 national election along with his Tory Party. It wasn't a close vote. It was a landslide for Labour. Crushed by his countryman's rejection, he might have been expected to be vindictive in defeat. He wasn't. Rather, this is what he said to a gathering of his fellow Tories just after that election:

"I will never give way to self-pity. The new [Labour] government has a clear mandate which the opposition [his own Tories] has no right to attack in principle. The new government will have the most difficult task of any in modern times, and it is the duty of everyone to support them in matters of national interest."

The word 'greatness' comes to mind here. What comes to mind in viewing the behavior of congressional Republicans since the 2008 election?

A Not So Loyal Opposition

Churchill's definition
Of a loyal opposition?
It's rightful disposition?

To sometimes seek revision,
Or fill a missed omission,
By the ruling coalition.

Not crassly cause deep fission, 
Not endless snide derision,
Not trash the winner's mission,
'Cause you lack your own clear vision.

An opposition loyal
Doesn't willfully despoil.

******

©2010 Michael Silverstein

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