Leave Trump Alone

The first Democratic priority, if they take control of the House of Representatives, should be to move forward on legislative initiatives and not investigate Trump's malfeasance. Restoring citizen confidence in the value added of government will not be enhanced by political infighting.   This will be seen as government as usual, and will be subject to the false equivalence arguments put forth by the President and his cohorts.  The Democrats need to stand up to the President to be sure.  Perhaps more importantly, they also need to lay down legislative milestones- bills passed by the House of Representatives- that demonstrate what America can expect should the Democrats take control of the government in 2020.

It is not enough to talk tough.  To regain the Presidency and have a shot at a veto-proof Senate, Democrats in the House of Representatives have to provide concrete evidence of Republican intransigence -seen in the refusal of the Senate to pass bills passed by the House- in addressing national issues.  The 2020 political agenda would revolve around the merits of these specific measures as opposed to 'not Donald Trump'.   Moderates and independents need a reason to get to the polls in the numbers required to change the political balance.  They need to understand that their vote can result in a meaningful change in their lives.  Polling demonstrates that the majority of Americans want the changes favored by the Democratic party.

Specifically, the House should pass legislation that:

• Leads to a single payer system of universal health coverage.  Provisions can be included whereby existing insurance programs can piggy-back onto the system: everyone doesn't have to have the same level of health care coverage, but everyone should have access to basic health care.
• Brings an end to the debate over immigration. The 2013 Senate-passed bipartisan bill can be revisited, with changes to address issues of chain migration and border security.  We need to move forward on this issue,  providing an equitable, humane, and workable solution to those who have long been productive members of our society.
• Addresses the growing wealth disparity in America.  A bill should be passed that applies the same tax rate on unearned income - dividend and capital gains- as earned income - wages and salaries from one's labor.  This was true under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, a law championed by President Ronald Reagan. This bill should also tighten loopholes that work to the advantage of those with substantial wealth and salaries. 
• Provides for a livable working wage.  American taxpayers bear the costs of low minimum wages through payments to support housing, Medicaid, and the SNAP program.  It would be far better to have those who consume the goods and services provided by fellow Americans bear the impacts of higher minimum wage than the population as a whole.

These bills may go nowhere in the Senate: sobeit.  Their passage however will demonstrate to Americans that the Democrats mean business should they have the power to govern.  It will provide a concrete alternative to Republican policies put in place under the Trump administration.  It will give individuals a reason to go to the polls in 2020. Getting into the swamp with Trump does no one any good at all.