Prior to Andy Harris’ election in 2010, the Spy endorsed his opponent Frank Kratovil, but we did so with far less enthusiasm than we had expected as a result of his vote against the Obama health care reform act. While there was a good bit to admire about Mr. Kratovil (and still is), many moderates and progressives felt he had betrayed his principles by voting against better health care protection for his constituents. The Spy shared that point of view.
Sticking to one’s principles is an important thing to respect in a politician, and this is particularly true on the Eastern Shore. The region’s admiration for Wayne Gilchrest and Harry Hughes are just two significant examples of the high regard our region has for those who stand tall against the status quo.
And in some ways, Dr. Harris’ first year in Congress has shown the type of tenacity which compares well with other independent Maryland leaders we admire and respect. Congressman Harris has remained rock firm, sometimes against enormous political pressure, in not compromising on matters involving the national debt limit and budget reductions for entitlement programs.
So it is difficult to find fault with this kind of political courage. And yet, sadly, we do.
Dr. Harris, while he has indeed stuck to his convictions, has also repeatedly used, or been party to, political strategies that have demeaned our system of government and threatened the good faith and credit of our country. The consequences of which have been extremely disruptive for our economy and in building the financial confidence of our people.
Since the beginning of of 2011, Dr. Harris has joined a special minority of Congress that believes that blowing things up is the only way to create change in Washington. By throwing legislative fire bombs and ultimatums, there is a belief that this form of self-destructiveness can somehow accomplish what hard bipartisan work can not. These strategies are used in revolutions not in mature democracies.
It would be disingenuous to suggest the congressman is lacking in intelligence in this regard. As his recent endorsement of Newt Gingrich for president suggests, he comes from a school of political thought that is expansive with ideas and economic theory. Anyone hearing Dr. Harris’ presentation on national debt, or the role of government, should acknowledge his intellectual conviction in this new paradigm for America.
Nonetheless, at the core, the Harris prescription to quickly and dramatically dismantle the power and role of the federal government is dangerous to our country, nor does it reflect the 1st District’s best interests.
Much can happen in a year. After Representative Kratovil’s first twelve months, the congressman appeared to be in step with his convictions and his voting record. It is hypothetically possible that in 2012, Dr. Harris might use his capacity for critical thinking and return to the world of ideological common sense.
In the meantime, we hope that Dr. Harris will come to understand that the Hippocratic Oath’s great precept “do no harm” holds true for governance as is does for medicine.
Jon LeTowt says
Dear Mr. Wheelan:
I read with great interest your piece on Congressman Harris, our representative in Congress.
I strenuously disagree with your position that Congressman Harris wishes to “quickly and dramatically dismantle the power and role of the federal government…”. On the contrary, he is trying to save the country from continuing down the path of destruction that the progressives in Washington and the liberal press have led us in the past 40 years.
Jon LeTowt
St. Michaels
Independent Voter says
Sorry, I did not understand that Talbot Spy was a platform for partisan politics. As soon as I figure out how to cancel the feed to my inbox, I will do so. Wish you could have just stuck to news and attractions about our area with interjecting your own political agenda. I could care lees what you think about politicians, especially since you don’t really openly identify who you are and what your political positions are in advance.
Tod Engelskirchen says
I have read your piece and the response of Joh LeTowt. I think Mr. LeTowt is mistaken.
Mr. Harris has knee jerk positions on too many issues to think he is a critical thinker.
Health Care: John Boehner has said that we have the best medical care in the world. We also pay twice as much for it as any other industrialized country. Any metric I can find says that we do not get results as good as many countries who pay far less. The data is out there if you look for it and don’t go with Fox News sound bites. A friend who was a Professor of Surgery at the University of Chicago Medical School puts it this way “Most countries, when they find medical care costs 10 or 12 % of GDP, do something about it. We are at 16%.” Something needs to be done if the US is to remain competitive.
Debt: Some 65% of the electorate thinks we should have a mix of spending cuts and tax increases for the wealthy. Mr. Harris disagrees. When Warren Buffet pays a lower tax rate than his receptionist there is something wrong. By making the debt ceiling issue something you are willing to shut down the government over, you risk taking down the #1 position of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency and destroying this tremendous advantage.
Social Conservative issues: The majority of Americans support the right of a woman to choose whether she wants an abortion or not. Most Americans feel that gay and lesbians should have the right to make each other as happy or as miserable as anyone else. Most of us look at hospital visitation rights etc. as a given. Most of us believe in evolution and are willing to say so.
Climate Change: 98 % of the scientific community believes that climate change is a problem. So do many major corporations. As someone who spent 35 years in research I strongly object to the demonization of science.
Sorry folks. I will be making up my own bumper sticker: “Restore Sanity, Fire Andy Harris”
Lynne Johnson says
I admire this thoughtful and courageous (in this reddest of red enclaves) editorial, to ask people to actually think THROUGH problems, like grownups have to do. I think Dr. (“Where is MY health care?) Harris is one of the 7 in the House who would bring it all down without thinking anything through. I hold no hope for him, nor do I for those who still back him, even now with his abysmal record.
lainey says
Can someone please show me one thing – just one thing – that Harris has done to help the First District or the entire USA. I’ll be darned if I can find his value outside of maybe needing an epidural.
I got a beautiful glossy colored postcard from him the other day telling me how he is fighting against gas and flush taxes. Hmmm, can someone send him the memo:
1. He campaigned against “franked” mail, yet I am amassing quite the collection on our tax dollars! .
2. He is a federal official now campaigning with franked mail against state taxes. Harris, you got NO dog in this fight. Go work on your own federal issues. Dont you have anything else to do?
Didn’t Harris campaign to replace the Dover Bridge? Another broken promise and he sits on the Transportation and Infastructure committee! Thanks for nothing again Doctor.
And then there is his chief of staff serving minors alcohol……I didnt know the college intern was underage!! Gee, who would have thunk it! So much for critical thinking….
I got a parrot that can say NO…… He doesnt cost nearly as much as Harris.