Populist hope for the National Future

At last one can sense a convergence of national thought about the nation’s interests coming first. Ideas of vital national interests superceding smaller groups interests have a larger plate at the table these days. Suddenly what is good for America -- its workers, communities, technology base, and ultimately its economy gets included in the decisions of our politicians. Our courses of actions in the cauldron of the Middle East are more and more guided by what is good for the USA in the long run. How refreshing.

Narrower issues like party power objectives, or even media hyped issues such as animal rights, capital punishment, celebrity gossip, and political correctness have smaller plates at the table. Even past decisions and past mistakes can be updated or corrected if need be. Problem solving over polarization is back in. Again, how refreshing.

Much of this breath of fresh air is from the many patriots we voters sent to Congress in the 2006 elections, to include the newest Democratic members. Even phrases like “a revival of populism” and “economic patriotism” are being said out loud and in writing. To balance things a little, populism can be many things to many people of all persuasions, but I associate it with the idea of nationalism and our shared values being political objectives. Populism certainly does not mean we will all be singing kumbaya together.

Changes as large as a revival of populism will not come easy. Politicians from older schools have vested interests in the status quo. Aggressive interest groups, especially those with money, will rail against national interests first. Observing all this until the 2008 elections should be interesting, humorous to some, and frustrating to others. And then we get to vote again in 2008 to help move things along to our satisfaction.