Based upon the ongoing conversation in Washington, the focus is now on securing votes.  While the discussion still revolves around addressing our nation’s problems, it quickly becomes clear that saving America will have to take a backseat to getting re-elected.  The behavior which average Americans most despise has taken center stage:  devisive politics.  The President spoke in El Paso, Texas about immigration policy but quickly devolved into a discussion of division, racism, and ridicule.  Does the President not know that alligators won’t survive in the Rio Grande because the Texans will make them into boots?  The sudden resurection of the Dream Act in the Senate further illustrates the renewed focus of our leadershipto secure the vote of a select group.  Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are berating a select group of oil executives for having the audacity to generate a profit for their stockholders, again to appeal to a select group.  It is interesting that days after an election, the victors will call for unity within our nation.  We will be asked to come together as Americans to “win the future”.  While that may make for a nice fuzzy moment, it is but a precursor to the divide and conquer strategy which will precede the next election.  How many ways can you split America to get a vote?  We are about to find out.

Those desiring a new era in Washington where solutions super-ceded politics are either disappointed or shaking their heads; I told you so.  As fuel prices continue to hover near $4.00, Republicans want to increase production and Democrats want to tax oil companies.  Unfortunately, neither position results in any short-term benefit to the American consumer.  The only real contention is who will receive the political benefit (i.e. votes) from any action.  It seems that it has only been the common American citizen who saw this day coming.  Ample opportunity has been available to develop an energy policy for this nation.  The support of the American people has been there.  Politics has been the only obstacle, which should serve as a reminder to each of us that politics thrives on contention not solution.  Until we the people remedy the problem, we will continue to pay the price.

All politics aside, I commend President Obama for seeing through our nation’s mission to bring Osama Bin Laden to justice.  That mission, begun by President Bush, proves that the interests of our nation can overcome the politics of party.  May God Bless those soldiers involved, those families now seeking closure, and our nation which still believes in justice and freedom.  While the conflict may not yet be over, the resolve of America is steadfast.