Regarding Fred Barnes's "Democrats
at Ramming Speed" (op-ed, May 4): To fully appreciate the historic
nature of the current Democratic majority, consider that the last time
there was a Republican in the White House along with Republican control
of both houses of Congress, including 60 seats in the Senate, was a
century ago during the administration of President William Howard Taft.
The passage of Obama Care
already establishes the Obama administration as a third leap toward a
European-style welfare state. The other possible 2010 legislative
efforts set forth by Mr. Barnes—cap and trade, immigration reform (with
amnesty) and a VAT—represent a package of game changers which, along
with ObamaCare, would be as transformative as were the New Deal and the
Great Society. Given the political winds now blowing against Democrats,
they have very little to lose and a great deal to gain by swinging for
the fences this year, as Mr. Barnes suggests. By the time Republicans
get up to bat, the game could be over.
Dan Gordon
Sarasota, Fla.
Mr. Barnes, apparently
the majority of Americans just need to get over this idea of what they
think they want. President Obama and the Democrats know what's best for
us, and they are selflessly pursuing their agenda in spite of its lack
of popular appeal. When the bill comes due, we can take to the streets
as the Greeks have, and protest against the "thieves" who want their
loans to be repaid.
John Foster
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 