polarized

But the political theater that played out in the House chamber during and after the president’s State-of-the Union spoke louder about the country’s current politics: they’re polarized to the point of absurdity.

The president proposed “quality child care” for all. Democrats rose en masse, clapping and whooping. Republicans sat en masse, looking almost as solemn as a solemn John Lewis.

Obama called for a week of paid sick leave for every American worker. Democrats rose, Republicans sat.

Equal pay for women for equal work, the President suggested: “It’s 2015, it’s time.”

Maybe not, not in Washington’s age of virulent political polarization. Democrats rose, clapping and whooping still more. Republicans sat.

Obama asked that Congress send him a bill that would “lower the cost of community college to zero.” Again, Democrats rose, Republicans sat.

Obama gave thanks to the brave men and women who have served in America’s war and urged employers to hire vets.

At last, Democrats and Republicans all rose, all clapped and whooped lustily.

-- Dan Boylan, Midweek, January 28, 2015