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Isn’t the election of 2008 finished? For what reason are the members of the defeated party still giving speeches against the winning party? Why do the republicans find it necessary to provide their own “budget” before even voting upon the one proposed by the democratic leaders? When will the election cycle be completed? If I remember correctly, we have a tradition in America. We campaign hard for the candidate and/or policies that we prefer, then accept the winner and get on with our lives until the next election cycle. In that vein, although we may have voted for the loser in an election, we give the winner a chance for success. Unlike some countries that regularly stage coup against their “leaders”, our cultural tenets helps us maintain a stable society.

The election of 2008 was a long, rough, and very expensive campaign. The “primaries” lasted a year, and raised many millions of dollars. We were treated to about 25 presidential “debates”. The issues presented showed a very clear difference among the candidates and between the parties. In November 2008 it seemed that an actual mandate had been received as “the people” gave the winning presidential contender a more than 8.5 million vote victory and a clear majority in both houses of the congress. Most Americans breathed a huge sign of relief, no more politics for awhile.

Little did we know.

The campaign is still raging. Republicans regularly release statements defining their “agenda”, and act like they still believe they are in control. When the majority party proposes a bill, the minority tries to vote unanimously against it – often succeeding. For many years, the citizens of the USA have complained about partisan bickering. That bickering seems to be worse after the election than it was before or during the election.

To fuel the partisan fighting, many congressmen and several committees or groups are still trying to raise money. These financial appeals are not directed at removing old campaign debt, but to battle against the other party. And, of course, both parties are frantically raising money.

When will they realize that we already cast our vote? When will they yield to tradition and simply do their work? Don’t they realize that if this does not stop “the people” may increasingly avoid both political parties?

I don’t know anyone that likes the bickering. Listening to the news, we believe that our nation has many serious problems. Health care is in crisis. The economy is sputtering. We are involved in two wars. The people I know prefer that our representatives just solve the problems.