Constructive Opposition

They call the minority party in a parliamentary, two-party system such as the British government, the “loyal opposition.” The derivation comes from the essential fact that in a disciplined two-party government, the majority party will always enact their agenda. That’s called the power of the majority. Party discipline reaps results.

The minority party seeks to point out the flaws of the majority, knowing full well that they have no hope of governing until and unless they can provide a viable and preferable alternative. While they can oppose the actions of the majority, they won’t gain votes or public favor by undermining the entire nation. They know that they need to provide not only criticism but viable alternatives. They remain loyal to the nation while opposing the policy choices of the incumbent majority. Makes sense doesn’t it? If they do their job well, they gain adherents and eventually the government reins.

How then to explain the US? On the one hand we’ve got a majority which seems unable to restrain their personal ambitions and sublimate individual glory for the greater good of the nation. On the other hand, we’ve got a minority party that seems quite comfortable with undermining each and every policy of the administration while proposing nothing viable in return. I’ve often scoffed at the cynics who refer to Republicans and Democrats as “Tweedledum and Tweedledee.” I’ve pointed out the basic ideological differences between traditional conservative and traditional liberal approaches to questions. But, now empirical evidence speaks in favor of the Alice-in-Wonderland twins rather than the classic view. It’s depressing.

We’ve all heard the two parties’ talking points on the War in Iraq and/or the War on Terrorism. Stay the course, versus, “we were lied to” and it’s time to cut losses. But, what are the real alternatives? Will no one come forth and provide meaningful choices?

The Wall Street Journal editorial today talks about the opposition and without questioning their loyalty, wonders about their ability to be constructive. I couldn’t have said it better myself. What More Needs to Be Said?