A Tale of Two Joes
A contrast between two Democrats - one a US Senator, the other the President of the United States
This is the story of two Joes, two men with a lot in common, but with different roles and responsibilities.
First, there’s Joe M. Joe M is a US Senator from a southern state that leans heavily Republican. He’s managed to be reelected by being one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress. He voted often with the former president, and often votes with the GOP and against his own party.
He has to balance his responsibilities to his party with the responsibilities of keeping his electorate happy, but as a member of the Senate, he must weigh local responsibilities with those of the country.
He wants to model bipartisanship and maintain a good relationship with the Republicans, so much so that he has vocally opposed the increasingly popular movement within Democratic circles to abolish the filibuster.
It remains to be seen whether the recent use of the filibuster to block the formation of January 6 investigatory committee will change his mind. Joe M did express surprise and disappointment that the Republicans did not approve the committee.
On the other hand, there is Joe B. Joe B was elected President after one of the most disastrous administrations in American history. In his heart of hearts, he is a moderate. He also seeks bipartisanship because he wants the country to heal from the last four years, so he has tried to remain above the fray, and avoid the rancorous nature of the former administration.
But he also knows that he has been given a mandate to lead with a Democratic advantage in the House and a slim voting majority in the Senate. He has proposed and passed significant legislation in less than six months in office. He has a responsibility to represent the nation, not just a state.
Both Joe M. and Joe B. want to move the country forward from divisiveness and partisan gridlock, but they also are accountable for safeguarding our freedom and our nation’s laws, which were severely compromised on January 6.
They must find a way, using the powers of their offices, to bring justice to our nation, which was the victim of injurious anarchy, and the families of the officers who lost their lives as a result of the rebellion.
So far, the paths of Joe M. and Joe B. have diverged. For the good of America, for the preservation of the ideals of liberty and justice for all (which is not now nor has it ever been a reality), their actions must converge to protect and defend our republic.