The United States has always been a progressive, "can-do" nation. Presented with a problem, we will work to solve it. Our ancestors saw the vast frontier as an opportunity and moved forward, building canals and railroads. No obstacle was insurmountable. We have always moved forward whether it was with electricity, interstate highways, space travel, medical advances or computer technology. Our ethic was progressive, and our attitude was: "We can do it." We did not turn and run when confronted by malaria, polio, cancer or AIDS; we became engaged in efforts to defeat and eradicate these dangers. The "can-do" attitude is entwined into our national fabric.
At least, that has always been the case. Unfortunately in recent years one of our national political parties is becoming the "can't-do" party. To them, progress is anathema. When confronted with a problem, unlike Americans of the past, this new breed of Republican is of the opinion that "it can't be done."
"Can't-do" Republicans are telling us that this nation can't:
- support job creation programs
- keep its commitment to its retired workers
- care for its elderly and sick
- provide a substantive education for its youth
- promote science and research
- care for its veterans
- facilitate everyone's right to vote
- establish a just minimum wage
- provide emergency assistance to hurricane victims
- require background checks for gun owners
- fill vacancies on federal court benches
- allow scientists to pursue unfettered stem cell research
- maintain and rebuild the country's infrastructure
It has been said that if you are not moving forward, you are moving backward. These "Can't-do" Republicans are definitely trying to take us backward while the rest of the world is making a concerted effort to move forward.
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