Isn’t it about time after all these terms that Bob Goodlatte gets serious about what he believes, instead of going for some longevity record in Congress?
I consider myself a conservative. Our congressman wears the same political stripes. But, I have this sinking feeling that he has never gone into battle for our common cause.
Why? I believe it is because the congressman from the Sixth District of Virginia is like too many members of the Republican establishment. They play politics like I swing a tennis racket. They hit the ball. But there is no follow through. As a result they fail to score any lasting policy points.
Nonetheless, they keep getting elected. And keep letting us down. Could it be because of their reelection strategy? You know it. It is when incumbents infer that they may be the devil – but it is always better to vote for the devil you know than the one you don’t.
This better-than-the-other guy strategy is common in Washington political circles. It is why DC is a town where cynicism rules – no matter who rules at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
And we wonder why so few bother to vote. If those we elect get serious about governing – not just campaigning – we will get serious about voting.
Our congressman reminds me of two others who came up short in representing me. One was a Republican; the other a Democrat. Yet they shared the same values. They valued their job above policy and party.
First the Republican. He served Northern Virginia. And did he serve NoVa! His name was Joel Broyhill. And Joel was all about serving his constituents. Not even the federal policy wonks who lived in Arlington could tell you much about his views. However, if anyone’s social security check was late, he got it fixed in short order. This led to a long term.
The other was a Democrat from Pennsylvania. His name was Dan Flood. Few knew much about his accomplishments, except that he was able to grow a mustache and wax it. And I’ll also credit him with three large federal buildings in Wilkes-Barre, PA. One is a Social Security Administration office, one is a VA hospital and the other one allowed my dad a place to work. But Dan’s real longevity weapon was that every constituent received a birthday card from their congressman. That’s how Dan used his campaign funds. He bought birthday cards!
Bob also sends more than a few cards. I love his Christmas cards. Bob, you sure have a fine growing family and your wife, Maryellen, is a gem. She is smart. And I have never seen her on the campaign trail without a smile.
But, Bob, as with dear old Dan, I expect more of my congressman than smiles, cards and handshakes, especially one with seniority. It’s called leadership. Leadership isn’t acquired by taking strong positions on safe issues of minor importance. It’s tackling the major issues and making enemies. And I also expect him or her to debate all credible opponents.
If I could, I would pull up the stakes of my elephant tent and rejoin my old friends who did a fairly decent job running the circus we call government. But I can not. They are dead. And so is their party.
So, Bob, you’re it. You’re a good man, but drop the symbolism. We know that your balanced budget amendment is just that. Do a Mark Warner and form your own Gang of Six. And please stop giving speeches to friendly groups telling us how devilish the other guys are. And then leave.
Mr. Congressman, terms on the hill can be long, but life is always short. When you get serious about leading, I’ll get serious about you. And I’ll stop throwing your fund raising letters in the waste basket. Fair enough?
Column by David Reynolds
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