By Bryan Vermes

The Republican Party is still facing a hangover after the loss of their leaders: President George W. Bush and his aid Karl Rove. The recent unpopular figures in American politics may not have been the best image for the party, but it was better than the lack of one they have now.

The G.O.P is now the party of “no.” Vowing to stop nearly every Obama administration proposal, the party has continued to contract and move further to the right. The party’s leaders in the House and Senate have lost touch with mainstream Americans; instead identifying with the dwindling amount of social conservatives. They have opposed the Democrats’ economic stimulus package, and nearly every foreign policy move made by the young administration. The party believes they can blast Democratic spending, even though the $1 trillion dollar deficit was inherited from a Republican predecessor.

Although the Congress needs checks and balances, it also cannot be gridlocked. The Republican Party does not understand that the American public voted for change and would rather see some controversial action than no action at all. With many losing their jobs and homes, the United States cannot afford inaction. President Obama’s poll ratings are still high, so Republicans need to be more willing to support his policy proposals.

Rather than the conservative base moving into right-wing extremism and isolating moderate Republicans, such as Arlen Specter, the party should offer their own ideas. Voting no on every bill will not raise their approval ratings. Even if they do keep this intent, they will ultimately fail. Democrats are now using reconciliation to push through major education and health reforms this year, and are very close to the 60-seat majority. This would make it very difficult to stop many of President Obama’s plans to begin with. If Republicans can’t beat the Democrats, they might as well join them for the sake of the American people.