DO THE JOB!

So, realistically, is there a way to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling that constitutes compromise and no capitulation on the part of the Republican federal lawmakers?

Conservatives and liberal Republicans both seek an answer. So far, no proposal has moved President Obama and his Democrats, who seem an immovable phalanx in opposition. Except for a few demonstrating veterans trying to open war memorials and some tourists ignoring or removing blockading cones and portable barriers at national parks, the U.S. citizenry seems nearly bored.

When the computers behind food stamp electronic cards failed for a few hours to record limits, some savvy users denuded shelves in several Wal-Mart stores; but those opportunists were moved by greed not political anxiety.

Democrats, it seems, can hardly wait ‘til the $17 billion debt limit is breached with ensuing chaos haunting 2014 voters – such as food stamp users – so that Republicans join Whigs as historic curiosities.

And, of course, the problem of funding government for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 also requires resolution.

Had elected members of our federal governmental done their jobs, none of this would have happened. Government would be up and running and domestic and foreign investors in U.S. securities would be paying for it. Done their jobs? Well, they have not done that for a long time – even when government kept running – because that debt kept growing and growing. Jobs well done would not have permitted that, except in time of war and crisis.

Even though Oct. 17 may not mark Armageddon, it could be the starting line of a race into a dark national future.

From past history, one can assume that some temporary solution will be had in a rather short time after the deadline. Chances are, that won’t be a final solution, and it shall not be good for the country, its economy, its future.

Being optimistic, Election Day 2014 will arrive. That will be the time something should done.

But before then, the what of done has to be articulated and sold to the electorate. That’s a nationwide campaign.

Campaign? A campaign to turnover – completely – the Congress. All new members. Democrats where there are now Republicans in the House; Republicans where there are Democrats. Plus, one-third of the senators turned out by their opponents.

A Democratic House dominated by new members of both parties would be smart enough to know they were now in office to do the bidding of an aroused and demanding citizenry wanting actual representative government. Similarly, the Senate – having a third of its members awaiting perhaps a similar fate in 2016 and another third in 2020 – would consider a change in work habits mandatory.

Realistically, the election results needn’t turn over 100 percent of the House to get members doing their jobs; even losses by 25 percent of incumbents would be significant; the higher the percentage, the higher the chances of bringing sanity to Washington.

And what about President Obama under such circumstances?

The country would learn his true character.