For many Republicans, conservatives, libertarians and tea-party activists, political frustration is not so much with Barack Obama.
They understand Obama is doing exactly what he said he would do seven years ago when he was first elected. He's fundamentally transforming America. He's keeping his campaign promises to his constituents.
They are not surprised by Obama's policies. Instead, they are deeply frustrated by the lack of opposition from those they elected in Congress in 2010 and 2014.
Two people represent the focus of that angst – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner.
Those Republicans, conservatives, libertarians and tea-party activists have been wondering why the rank-and-file representatives and senators they helped elect continue to back that leadership.
Finally, it seems there's hope – thanks to an unlikely warrior from North Carolina.
Last Tuesday, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., introduced a resolution to "vacate" the chair – a move that could lead to the ouster of Boehner from arguably the second most powerful position in Washington.
Who is this new hero to the conservative grass roots?
Unlike so many members of Congress who have made a career of Washington politics, Meadows is a relative newcomer, having been elected in 2012.
Meadows was born at a United States Army hospital in Verdun, France, where his father was serving in the Army and his mother worked as a civilian nurse. His mother was from Sevierville, Tennessee, and his father from Pineville, Arkansas.
He grew up in Brandon, Florida, and graduated from the University of South Florida in 1981 after briefly studying at Florida State University. In 1987, Meadows started a small restaurant, sold it and used the proceeds to start a real-estate development company in the Tampa, Florida, area. He is currently the owner of Highlands Properties, which specializes in construction and land development.
In his first bid for a congressional seat in 2012, Meadows won 57 percent of the vote.
Known around Washington as a very nice guy (He was called "the friendliest guy in the House" by the Washington Post), Meadows got a brush of hardball politics last month when House Republican leadership removed him as chairman of the subcommittee on government operations over his opposition to a procedural motion on fast-track authority on trade agreements that would have handed Obama unaccountable power.
The action shocked many in the Republican House – so much so that rumblings began about a palace revolt against Boehner.
To head it off, Boehner backed down and gave back Meadows' chairmanship.
That did not placate Meadows.
Last Tuesday, he filed a motion that could force Boehner from his leadership position. He did so, he said, because the speaker has:
- "endeavored to consolidate power, bypassing the majority" of Congress;
- "through inaction, caused the power of Congress to atrophy";
- "uses the power of the office to punish Members who vote according to their conscience";
- "has intentionally provided for voice votes on consequential and controversial legislation to be taken without notice and with few Members present";
- "uses the legislative calendar to create crises for the American People";
- allows members less than three days to review legislation before voting;
- and limits meaningful debate on the House floor.
Meadows has pushed for a balanced budget amendment. He opposed federal "stimulus" spending and has advocated a cap on federal spending growth tied to inflation. He supports a moratorium on all earmarks until the budget has been balanced. He has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, and he opposes increases in all taxes, including the income tax. Meadows supports a flat-rate income tax for all income-earners, and a repeal of the raise in the capital gains tax. He also supports the elimination of the estate tax. He supports lowering corporate tax rates as a strategy to promote new employment and thus create more jobs.
Meadows opposes any restrictions on gun purchases and opposes a national gun registry that would list detailed information about firearm ownership.
His energy policy is pro-growth. He opposes cap-and-trade emission policies. He wants to scrap Obamacare. He's pro-life, opposes same-sex marriage.
Does the palace coup have a chance?
"It's really more about trying to have a conversation about making this place work," Meadows said. "Hopefully we'll have some discussions about that in the days and weeks to come. It's more about having an inclusive process where you have debate on a regular basis, where you have open dialogue and an exchange of ideas. That's what this is all about."
Even among the 30 to 60 conservative House members known to oppose Boehner to varying degrees, few rushed to defend Meadows. Some question the timing. Others wait to see which way the wind blows.
But Meadows said he just "couldn't be silent any longer."
"Indeed, it's something that had to be done regardless of the consequences, and there will be consequences to pay," he said. "This particular decision may send me home. It may make sure that I don't get re-elected, but ultimately, it's one that had to be made. Personally, I don't relish being punished, but, yeah, the punishment is surely going to come. But, it's nothing compared to the sacrifices that our founding fathers had to make."
Isn't this exactly the kind of representation most Americans want in Washington?
Media wishing to interview Joseph Farah, please contact [email protected].
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