Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Bipartisan is an adjective meaning ‘of, relating to or involving members of two parties; specifically: marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties. Yet, we should consider who is a partisan and what partisanship is. A Partisan is a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person; especially: one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance. In a technical sense partisanship is simply the state being a partisan. What is the importance or even relevance of considering and attempting to understand the meaning of such words on a deeper level and, I suppose, on a political level as well? Our nation is facing one of the worst financial crisis in our history and the continuing crisis of our military commitment (WAR) in Iraq and Afghanistan. I admit and realize that there are many well intentioned people who have varying opinions about how and why we find ourselves in such dire situation as we do today. I am one who is convinced that this day has come because of the ill conceived policies and the inept implementation of those policies over the past eight years. I also believe that both of these major crises are interrelated. If you have been following my writing this past week, you probably noticed a common thread/theme or whatever you wish to call it. First, there is a need to take direct and immediate actions to address the financial strangle hold that a small elite of extremely wealthy individuals have imposed on this country. I don’t begrudge any business person in this economy earning a reasonable profit that benefits us all in the long run. However, this wealthy elite I was talking about has created an environment of greed that is both indifferent to how their actions will impact upon the lives of Americans and I would suggest are a greater threat to our National Security than from any foreign source. The House of Representatives is voting on the President’s Economic Stimulus Bill today. The partisan political rhetoric that has preceded this vote is nothing new to Washington, but what is new is the fact there is a president who is willing to enter into a dialogue with his opposition in Congress. Will this dialogue result in bipartisan consensus in Washington? I seriously doubt it but I believe the bill which will emerge from the Senate, which has always been more collegial and less contentious than the House, will address at least some of the concerns from the opposition. If there were complete consensus in Washington, it would be the first step to one party rule. I would suggest partisan political discourse is crucial for any democratic society. Yet, there is still the question of how should we expect Congress to react to a national crisis such as this one which is threatening an ever increasing number of American families. I do believe that spending needs to be brought under control, but I also believe it has a lot to do with how we spend our money. This goes hand in hand with what priorities becomes the basis of the formation of public policy. This is where a greater degree of consensus does become more critical. If I had the influence to affect public policy, I would extricate the United States from both Iraq and Afghanistan including a reduction of our financial commitment to both nations. However, I know this will not happen because there is not a consensus on this issue especially as it relates to Afghanistan and I wrote about that yesterday. I am also opposed to an open ended policy on tax reduction. I am not opposed to a restructuring of our tax codes that bring greater equity and justice to how and who supports the government. Yet, the immediate result in whatever action Congress takes will entail increased deficit spending. If we want a larger military to protect us, an expanding intelligence network to control terrorism and infrastructure to support domestic commerce, and the list can go on; we have to be willing to pay for those expectations. Hopefully political partisanship that is devoid of ideological gamesmanship seeking power for its own sake will allow us to achieve a reasonable resolution to the crises we are faced with today. Senex Magister Dissent is the Highest Form of Patriotism. ~ Thomas Jefferson 
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