COMMENTARY | According to Reuters, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., spoke out Monday on the importance of compromise to solve America's looming problems and decried the current political climate that seems to punish compromise and bipartisanship. Blunt said governing was a choice between the possible and "deciding not to get anything done," criticizing the idea that politicians should seek to get everything they want without compromise. He praised Republican icon Ronald Reagan for his bipartisan efforts while president and acknowledged his current discussion of the merits of compromise could get him into political trouble.
Blunt's message is laudable, especially since he is Senate liaison to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The position is one of power and prestige, making Blunt's candid talk reverberate deeply. It could signal a willingness of Romney to consider political compromise. While much talk about compromise could be mere lip service to moderates and independents, the hostile political climate of late makes even lip service a breakthrough.
Voters and taxpayers want to know that compromise is possible. I know which side I want to prevail in the fiscal wars, but like many voters, I am willing to accept compromise. What I cannot accept is deadlock. If giving the other side a little gets you a little, you should consider the deal. Politicians who remain true to their party line but do not help combat unemployment or fiscal waste should be condemned, not applauded.
I do not agree with the views of Blunt but, were I a fellow senator, I feel I could work with him. His discussion of democracy as the art of compromise is something everyone should know and respect.
If Blunt has Romney's ear, I feel a bit better about November regardless of the outcome. If Romney truly wants to be the next Reagan, he should heed Blunt's words and recall bipartisanship is a mark of success. Should Obama win re-election, hopefully he will also heed Blunt's words and play ball to move things forward.
