Op-Ed: Voters welcome back The Squad

“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” – Abraham Lincoln

An aphorism once championed by esoteric identity groups and justice activists has gone viral.

During the 2014 Ferguson protests, the word “woke” was popularized by Black Lives Matter (BLM) activists seeking to raise awareness about police shootings. The term spread throughout Twitter and was increasingly used by white people. It was adopted by millennials and with Generation Z. As the term spread internationally, it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017.

The espousal of new vocabulary is one sign of a social mobilization that is affecting many areas of American life. But the word “woke” is no longer “just a word.” It has morphed into a movement that many on the left use to justify socio-political change by the people. Wokes believe all “systemic injustices in American society” can be addressed and remedied by big government if the people elect more progressives. But this “woking” of America has come at the expense of party loyalty.

According to surveys by the Brookings Institute, Ipsos’ Knowledge Panel and the Institute of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), apprehensions are high among voters. A record number – 75% – of all Americans concede that “the future of our democracy is at risk in the next election.” A total of 75% Democrats, Republicans and independents say they fear for America’s future if we elect the wrong people. But “Our mistrust of the future makes it hard to give up the past.” – Chuck Palahniu

Those surveyed said they think Americans have been asleep at the wheel of democracy too long to realize what freedom and liberties they have lost and continue to lose daily. Many blame this on “pandemic politics,” and the reaction of government expanding to impress and mother hen them.

They feel government took advantage of them at a time they were highly venerable to federalism.

They cite the biggest issue that disrupted the democratic process last year was the wokes’ reaction to a Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. It maintained the use of Oral mifepristone abortion drugs with all other options left up to the states. Progressives, socialists, and mobs of woke women crossed the legal divide threatening Supreme Court justices, picketing the courts and their homes. Most Democrats and the White House stoked this controversy.

“I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released decisions.” – Chuck Schumer

Over half of those surveyed were highly critical of BLM’S reaction to the death of George Floyd and the violent riots and looting as they watched insured losses pile up. As arson and vandalism crept like a cancer from state to state, many feared for their lives and property. The USA Insurance Institute of Insurers claims property losses incurred during the George Floyd riots amounted to over $2 billion.

“The price of all insurance policies will go up to pay for this destruction.” – Gloria Walker IIA

Those surveyed expressed a consistent pattern of discontent among members of all parties with the woke movement in Congress. They concede the election of AOC has led to cultural, political and social upheaval throughout the nation as the self-anointed leader and spokesperson for the squad. AOC has fostered the wokes’ commandment that they can strong-arm changes in our legal and socio-political systems by making enough noise with demonstrations, confrontations and protests.

The current woke “Squad” in Congress has not introduced or supported any legitimate legislation.

Despite an expected 7% growth in the economy, government statistics show the post-pandemic jobs recovery has been lagging the entire year. Although President Joe Biden claims that his “build back America Act” has worked wonders for our economy, in November we only added 210,000 jobs.

Sizes of retail items have “shrunk,” prices remain high, and there are still shortages. People are angry and frustrated over the price of gas and this is going to influence their political leverage.

According to a recent Pew Research poll, Americans have grown increasingly pessimistic about their congressional representatives over the past several years; especially wokes and the justice Democrats. Their views of Congress, congressional leadership, the current president, and the vice president are all negative. Many of those surveyed believe there is more “wokeness” than work.

Although House members are accountable for their legislative voting records in Congress, the system is built to respect the will of the voters in any given district. As disruptive as the “squad” has been, it is impossible for Congress to introduce a resolution to expel any member from the chamber unless they resign or a supermajority of the House votes to expel them. Since there is a low turnout in many primaries, incumbents, no matter how inadequate they perform, are consistently reelected.

How can a member of Congress be expelled? The “Constitution gives Congress the ability to impeach federal officials and judges, but not its own members.” They can only be removed by expulsion, which requires a 2/3 vote by fellow members of Congress, not the voters who put them in office.

“Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.” – Naomi Klein

Since taking office, the four members of the “squad,” have flummoxed the objectives of the progressive base. They have promoted their social justice docket on social media, at woke rallies, protests, in Congress and on national TV, alienating members of their own party.

Known as the Squad – Reps. Ilhan Omar of MN, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of NY, Rashida Tlaib of MI and Ayanna Pressley of MS faced no significant challenges in their last reelection bids. As disruptive and nonproductive as the squad has been, all members of this squadron were reelected to serve another term.

“To permit irresponsible authority is to sell disaster.” – Robert A. Heinlein

Naomi Klein wrote, “Democracy is the right to live in dignity.” In the past, America has been able to come together and solve its problems through peaceful protests, logical discussions, and partisan agreement. This led to meaningful legislation. Yet for the past few decades, political party in-fighting has alienated even those most dedicated and committed party members from crossing the aisle.

The people’s House of Representatives was crafted to give each member two years to accomplish objectives for their constituents. If voters elected someone who did not do the job, they could easily replace them. This benefited Congress and all Americans who empowered government.

As much as political parties wish for unity, in-party agitations can be diverse and messy formations. Interacting within their political party is a common challenge. The squad is not only alienating many Republicans, but members of their own party which is increasing the political divide in Congress.

We need legislators in Congress not disruptive carnival rejects. “If you’ve been voting for politicians who promise to give you goodies at someone else’s expense, then you have no right to complain when they take your money and give it to someone else, including themselves.” – Thomas Sowell