The Norman Transcript

Columns

Discussion

September 6, 2012

Parties should embrace a compromise

By Vince Orza The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — I’m not sure why the Democrat and Republican conventions meet, since they already have their platforms and candidates.

Both parties think they have all the answers and the other party has none. Compromise isn’t even a consideration, which is why they haven’t created a budget in three years.

In politics, unlike everywhere else in life, “compromise” is a dirty word. The Israelis and Egyptians compromised and signed a peace treaty. A Soviet/American compromise kept the world from nuclear war. Husbands and wives compromise or they wind up divorced.

Nations at war even compromise and take days off from fighting to celebrate holidays like Christmas. Yet, the Republicans and Democrats can’t find common ground on virtually any important subject.

A compromise of sorts occurred at the GOP convention. Vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan’s wife is a cousin to Oklahoma’s Democratic dynasties headed by the Little and Boren families. 

Ironically, the parties agree on all the wrong things. Both have kept us in Afghanistan too long, spent more money than they have the courage to raise in taxes and taken America to the brink of financial disaster. 

It would be helpful if the two parties decided to do what we pay them to do: compromise and accomplish something for the good of America. But if you listen to the convention speeches, you’ll fast realize the parties are more concerned about their future than the future of America.

Vince Orza is president and CEO of KSBI television.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Columns
  • Gas stations used to command loyalty

    More than 50 years ago, Ed Ruscha set off on a road trip from California to Oklahoma City and back. The young artist was driving to see his mother, who still lived in Oklahoma....

    May 19, 2013

  • Mothers today aren’t like early mothers

    Early mothers were known for their ability and willingness to sew for family as well as friends and neighbors. When clothes needed mending or someone needed a dress or a jacket, many mothers could always come through. “You have to stand ...

    May 16, 2013

  • A few ‘tells’ predict who will blow their money

    During Kentucky Derby week, gambling was at the forefront of my life. Along with non-stop activities in my home state of Kentucky, I spoke at a dinner for the Society of Settlement Professionals in Las Vegas. A film crew flew in from Rome ...

    May 14, 2013

  • Remembering George Nigh

    George Nigh was sworn into office four times and served longer as Oklahoma’s chief executive officer than any other person in the state’s history....

    May 12, 2013

  • Cleveland County needs district judges

    Politics makes strange bedfellows. Rep. Bobby Cleveland and I have had our disagreements, and likely neither wishes to share a bed with the other. Perhaps we’ve forgiven but not forgotten, but on the issue of an additional district ...

    May 9, 2013

  • New budget is fiscally responsible

    Over the course of the legislative session, the crafting of the state budget is the biggest task we face each spring....

    May 7, 2013

  • Testing limits, cadets

    When the Norman police sergeant insisted on taking me home after a night of binge drinking this week, my first thought was what would the neighbors think when the patrol car creeped into my driveway and my exit was from the back seat? ...

    May 5, 2013

  • Bangladesh factory collapse: beyond mourning and money

    Last Thursday, I went to the weekly meeting of Norman Rotary Club with Andy Rieger, the executive editor of the Norman Transcript. He introduced me and Rotarians responded with a waving hands and lovely applause. Just moments after I sat ...

    May 4, 2013

  • Legislature needs to take steps in criminal justice

    Most prosecutors and public defenders are sincere in their desire to dispense equal justice. Both sides are vastly overworked in many Oklahoma counties. These public servants are not the rich lawyers of myth. Pay for both sides is too low ...

    May 2, 2013

  • ‘Equality for all’ exemplified by attorneys

    The concept of “equality for all,” celebrated by Law Day 2013, is exemplified daily by attorneys working with the Norman-based Oklahoma Indigent Defense System. When judges determine that a citizen accused of a crime and facing loss of ...

    May 2, 2013