SAD DAY IN AMERICAN POLITICS

Well, in about seven months we will be saying goodbye to Senator Arlen Spector--at least politically speaking--unless of course the President gives him a job. Ole Arlen has come along way from his days of being a Junior Counsel for the Warren Commission!

I am sad about Spector's defeat. Not that I don't think Sestak doesn't have something to offer--he is a former 3 star admiral. I honestly don't know a lot about Pat Toomey. And honestly, my concern is not that Sestak or Toomey would either make a bad senator. My sadness and concern--is that the old lions of both parties--who were moderate and flexible--are slowly being pushed out more and more.

I did not always like Spector's votes, but he could be counted on to often at least be reasonable. He was a Republican for many years--but not an ultra die hard zealous one. And as a Democrat, he was not an ultra liberal. He typically voted for what was good for Pennsylvania and he could at times be a bridge builder between opposing sides.

Some might think that being a moderate politician who can sometimes go either way means they are unprincipled. I disagree, I think it is more unprincipled to be one who always refuses to compromise and that they are right and everyone else is just wrong. Don't get me wrong, there are times to stand up for beliefs and not waver. But there are many times where we need politicians to pursue compromise and get part of something good done--instead of nothing good done!

Some may say we need all fresh and new faces--and maybe that has some merit. But we also need veteran lawmakers who can work with other members of both parties and actually accomplish things for the people. Its hard to do that when everyone is so polarlized and they are either very liberal Democrats or very conservative Republicans.

So maybe all of us non-elected citizens should get more involved and make a difference! You don't have to be an elected official to get something done!

Lets have a conversation!