The Reality of Republican Governance: Is the Party Truly Incapable?
It often feels that the current state of the Republican party is one of deep disarray, with frequent episodes of in-fighting and an inability to govern effectively. This perception is primarily fueled by the recent election for a speaker, which highlighted the party's internal divisions, especially within the less pragmatic right-wing faction. However, beneath these visible cracks lies a more complex reality: governance is not as impossible as it might seem. Let's delve deeper into the real challenges and opportunities facing the Republican party.
The Nature of Party Fractures
It's crucial to highlight that the Republican party's fractures are not so much about ideological divisions as they are about adapting to a new reality where they have 'won.' Many of the more extreme factions within the party are increasingly willing to adopt symbolic and self-harming stances, believing it to be sufficient. However, this approach is short-sighted and detrimental in the long run. Sensible governance requires pragmatic and fact-based decision-making, not blind adherence to ideology.
No politician, no matter their principles, can govern effectively if they cede control to opposition forces and become ineffective in influencing policies. The mere expression of strong dissent and symbolic stands does not translate into tangible political gains. In the end, it is the party members who send representatives to Congress who will face the consequences of these actions. They need to learn that ideological purity, without the ability to legislate and govern, is meaningless.
Understanding the Basics of Good Governance
At its core, governance is about stewardship. A nation with 150 million working individuals and a thriving economy does not require extraordinary wisdom to govern effectively. The facts of economic productivity and job creation form the backbone of a stable society, and politicians can leverage these facts to claim credit for positive outcomes.
A rich historical reference point can be found in the words of Axel Oxenstierna, a Swedish diplomat and scholar, who wrote to his son that 'the world is governed with how little wisdom there is.' This sentiment remains relevant today as government officials often rely more on popular opinion and public perception than on deep wisdom or rigorous analysis. While political leadership can certainly affect the economy and social policies, the impact is often limited to minor adjustments at the margins.
Fact-Based Governance versus Ideological Standoffs
Good governance hinges on accepting and relying on solid and reliable facts, even if they are inconvenient or unpopular. This approach ensures that policy decisions are well-informed and compassionate. However, the Republican party frequently rejects inconvenient facts, as evidenced by their skepticism towards phenomena such as global warming, Russian interference in elections, and the robust economy under Democratic leadership.
While it may not be the case that all Republicans adhere to this pattern, significant differences exist among different regions and states. For example, states like Utah, which have solid Republican majorities, are often better governed because they accept and embrace inconvenient facts. Similarly, Republican governors in blue or purple states have shown a willingness to accept facts, thereby improving the overall quality of governance.
Notably, those who accept inconvenient facts are often demonized as RINOs (Republican in Name Only). This was evident in the case of Mitt Romney, a former GOP governor and presidential candidate, who was heavily criticized for accepting the criminality of the former Republican president. This sectionalism within the party makes it difficult for it to present a unified and effective voice in governance.
The economic and social performance of states can serve as a litmus test for good governance. States that tend to have better average wages, education outcomes, longer lifespans, and better health outcomes (all aspects that Republican states often claim) are more likely to be well-governed. Federal surplus money predominantly comes from blue states, which suggests that they are better at managing their resources and ensuring long-term stability and prosperity.
The Republican state of Utah stands out as an exception, being exemplary in governance and acceptance of inconvenient facts due to its unique political landscape.
In conclusion, while the Republican party may appear fractured, this is largely due to the dynamics of an ideological struggle. Effective governance requires accepting and working with facts, rather than ideologically rigid stances. The path forward for the Republican party lies in embracing fact-based policies and moving away from symbolic debates that do not contribute to real governance.