For a Democrat like me, the results of the Mid-Term elections were greatly disappointing. However, instead of responding with anger and disgust (as so many members of the Tea Party and Republican Party were wont to do regarding the elections), I think it would be the best response to try to turn what might feel like a silly and useless step backward into a positive democratic step forward. It is always important to hear from anyone who feels that they aren't being heard, and to that extent the Tea Party's organization has been healthy. That's the process of a good democracy. But it would be a severe mistake to make as the only new agenda just more negativity and uncooperation.
For example, I have heard on the news from Republicans such as Mitch McConnell, that their primary goal now is one of repealing constructive legislation such as health care. However, the election results showed more anger over the amount of money spent for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Package), not the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act. Though some, also like me, felt that the Stimulus Package and health care legislation was actually insufficient not excessive, maybe one of the lessons of these last Mid-term elections is that peoples' voices need to be heard and paid attention to, and sooner. But one of the lessons too is that people also need to learn how to let their voices be heard most effectively.
Anger seems to have motivated and fueled many discontented people to the polls on Novemebr 2, 2010. But that temporary anger needs to subside now so that the results that those same voters want to see take place in Washington can have a chance to productively work. More negativity and anger should not continue to be the prime motivator, particularly from our leaders. Our leaders (old, and now new) need to pay attention to the anger, but they need to govern with sobriety.
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