Less talk ... Old adage might be best advice for Washington to win back public favor

There could not have been too many people who were too surprised that the president's State of the Union address covered the same old promises of bipartisanship and setting aside differences to get work done to benefit the country.

And it was no great shock either that the opposition party's response had the same "let's work together" undertone.

Americans are used to hearing those same lines every election year -- and every January. But wouldn't it be nice if this time, both parties meant it?

Think how much could be accomplished if each side really listened to the other and the best ideas from both parties became the basis for meaningful legislation and serious changes for the better for American families?

Perhaps we would not have to continue talking about the economy, jobs and health care. Somebody would actually be doing something about these issues.

Now, this achievement would not be easy. It would take setting aside some pretty enormous egos and putting a time limit on showing off for the cameras.

And while we're at it, we would almost have to institute a fine for shameless partisanship plugs or for continuing to blame legislators who are long gone for political ineptitude. We could solve the budget crisis with that revenue.

Perhaps they did mean it this time in Washington.

Maybe they really are going to put the country first and do whatever it takes to get the job done.

We will just have to wait and see. Just don't hold your breath.

Published in Editorials on January 29, 2010 11:03 AM