by Greg Allen

One could conclude the Democratic Party has swung too far to the left and peril awaits them in up-coming elections. Debt is no longer fashionable; a tool many bragged was trendy. One need not look far to see citizens across the land rising in revolt to the status quo. The Democratic Party brand of broad and far-reaching government has become tarnished to say the least. And it wouldn't be ridiculous to speculate that Democrats have cursed themselves with such labeling, and they could easily lose control of the White House and Congress for the next 20 years.

It's been said recently that the American dream is now to be debt-free. That's contrary to what the Democratic Party's brand is defined. One could envision that the vast majority of Americans are tired of the shenanigans of big government and the massive debt being accumulated.

Liberty and freedom is more fashionable than ever and conservatism is on the rise, contrary to what many may say. Yet, liberalism or socialism is failing in many parts of the country and those who have favored the Democratic Party for years now question it.

The AFL-CIO has supported President Obama in the past, but they're now turning on his administration because of Obamacare. Much to the dislike of the White House, the union has signed a resolution against the new healthcare law. They say it would drive up healthcare costs for their members. The union calls the law "highly disruptive."

If Democrats lose support of the unions they will lose a vast voting block, and their hopes of winning future elections would be impeded.

The Mayor of San Diego, a Democrat, recently resigned from office in light of mounting sexual harassment charges he was facing from female accusers. It would appear it's no longer trendy or cool to bolster Bill Clinton-ish type behavior while in office anymore.

Anthony Weiner, a former congressman and Democrat, also resigned his post in light of lewd conduct while in office. It was once a belief that Democrats could rebound from such escapades and regain the confidence of voters and be reelected. That belief doesn't seem to have much credence anymore for Weiner drew roughly 5% of the vote and finished last in the Democratic primary in the New York City Mayor race for which he was running. After he gave his concession speech a reporter tried to interview him, but through the glass of the vehicle he was sitting in Weiner gave the reporter an obscene gesture by flipping him the middle finger. It's safe to say a growing number of Americans believe most politicians nowadays are flipping off their constituents too.

Evidence of that could recently be seen in Colorado where two Democratic lawmakers, including the president of the state Senate, were recalled on September 10th in elections brought about by their support of gun control. Recalled were State Senator John Morse, the body's president, and State Senator Angela Giron.  Republicans will replace both those recalled politicians.

Reported contributions to Morse and Giron totaled about $3 million, but it didn't matter.

The votes marked the first time in Colorado history that a state lawmaker faced a recall effort.

In addition, dozens of elected Colorado county sheriffs have sued to block the gun laws.

One of the Morse recall organizers said supporters were upset that lawmakers limited debate on the gun legislation and seemed more inclined to take cues from the White House than their constituents.

"If the people had been listened to, those recalls wouldn't have happened," he said.

The Colorado Republican Party called the vote results "A loud and clear message to out-of-touch Democrats across the nation." 

It's quite reasonable to assert that the Republican Party is troubled and fractured as well. The conservative, or Tea Party driven, side of the Republican Party is on the rise. Yet, if the moderate establishment half of the party doesn't drive itself to the right and sway from liberal tendencies many of those politicians will face a tough primary fight in up-coming elections and some will no doubt lose their seats.

I'm not alone in saying there's a stirring going on throughout the land. Politicians who see the trend are wise and will retain what they have worked so hard for, but those who don't will be whisked away by what's coming.


Greg Allen's column, Thinkin' Out Loud, is published bi-monthly. He's an author, nationally syndicated columnist and the founder of Builder of the Spirit in Jamestown, Indiana, a non-profit organization aiding the poor. He can be reached at 765-676-5014 or www.builderofthespirit.org.

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