I am getting a bit tired about hearing reports about how low the poll ratings are of those who were re-elected by higher margins than two and four years before. It does not salve my annoyance that the people elected such threats to our national security and basic values too much that they did so even though they were not crazy about what they stood for. Apparently Kerry was sooo bad that Bush was better. Or, they liked the latter's tough boy routine, even if deep down they feared/knew it was wrong. This is depressing.
On the issues, the people do not support the one party rule we now have in place. On issues such as Iraq, the environment (evidence altered to fit the policy*), populism, the judiciary (if the stakes are properly stated!), and economic policy (opposition to "reform" on Social Security that was in no way truly debated at election time). This includes false rhetoric on democracy promotion in Cuba (but what about that boy?!) and appointment of a bully to represent the U.N., even if the guy is counterproductive to the President's own rhetoric (if not his bully boy nature).
The same applies to the corruption in the corridors of power. Surely, many think of "Watergate" as a blot on our history, except for ex-felon Nixon aides who now are badmouthing Mark Felt. A fuller understanding of the context is somewhat different, including the fact that events occurring these days are quite comparable. This goes down to campaign finance scandals of top officials -- "follow the money!" But, "If Watergate Happened Now With the GOP controlling Congress, there'd be no Watergate hearings."
The fact that the raw material for a revival of the progressive order (or a nation that doesn't embarrass its citizens) is heartening ... but it has been here for some time. As the loyal opposition tries to regain control and hinder the damage, those a majority basically oppose will continue to be in power. This is helped by districting in the House of Representatives and the Senate skewering Congress, but what is the excuse of those who voted for the President?
So, great ... the people on some level oppose these people. Meanwhile, we are still stuck with them.
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* Ah, the reality based community: "They've got three more years, and the only way to control this issue and do nothing about it is to muddy the science," said Eileen Claussen, the president of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, a private group that has enlisted businesses in programs cutting emissions.