I'm appalled by what some new Republican representatives in the House and some new Republican governors are doing. But I'm impressed, too. These people actually believe what they said at election time. They actually deliver (or seriously try to deliver) what they promised their supporters. They didn't get sold on trying to be bipartisan when they arrive in Washington or state capitals just because some talking heads say this is what voters really want. Don't we wish we had pols like that working for our own issues and causes?

Who Delivers On
Promises, Who Doesn't

Republicans are funny folks,
They practice what they preach;
They don't win then convince themselves
Their goals are out of reach.

No matter how unpopular
The measures they enact,
They've made a true bond with their own,
And honor this made pact.

Democrats don't act like this,
They're of another order;
They, too, make lots of promises,
But honor them? Well, sorta.

They'd rather try bipartisan,
Seek always compromise,
And when the other side don't play,
Think: "Gosh, that's a surprise."

I'm not attracted to the right,
Their goals have me a'fearing;
But watching my own side at work
Has rendered me despairing.

******

©2011 Michael Silverstein