So familiar: Shaking things up might be what Washington and the country need

There is going to be a big decision to make in 2016 -- and a lot of thinking to do before then.

It is looking very much like if you are a Republican or a Democrat, you are going to have to choose between the old and the new this upcoming presidential year.

Everyone already knows that Hillary Clinton is going to seek the Democratic nomination -- even though she has not officially told anyone yet.

And now, there is strong evidence that Jeb Bush is actually seriously considering a run for president, too.

Perhaps you recognize the names.

It is early yet and no one is really sure how all of this will play out -- remember there were "sure things" for the nominations in the last presidential bout, too, and you see how that ended.

But the fact that either of these people is considering a run for the White House brings up some questions. One of the most interesting and the most pressing is -- Do we really want to establish a family dynasty in the highest job in the land?

In other words, in the immortal words of former first lady Barbara Bush, have we "had enough Bushes" -- or Clintons for that matter.

There are arguments to consider on both sides. Each of these candidates has his or her own personality and political positions. Just because they bear the names Clinton and Bush doesn't mean they speak in a familial lockstep.

But there is a concern that perhaps we are not giving someone with fresh ideas and a new perspective a chance to offer voters a new vision for the country.

And then there is also the argument about Washington insiders. This is especially true in the case of Mrs. Clinton. Is what she has to offer experience or just more of the same duck and weave, propaganda and deals that have frustrated voters about Washington for years?

There is still plenty of time before the decision will have to be made, and there are plenty of questions that we need to ask as voters before we entrust our country to anyone who might decide to throw his or her hat into the ring.

But perhaps there is something to be said for someone who has not been in the Washington game or who does not have a famous name connection to be the pick for the White House.

In other words, maybe we need some new blood.

After all, you see how well it is working with the mass of career politicians and Washington glitterati we have in charge now. Perhaps shaking things up a little might be just what Washington needs.

We will have quite a few months before we will have to decide, but the path we choose just might be a key factor in the future we face.

It is definitely a consequence worth considering.

Published in Editorials on December 17, 2014 11:40 AM