This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
On election night, I was astounded to hear newly re-elected Sen. Orrin Hatch tell a TV reporter that during his first term, President Barack Obama had been difficult and uncompromising in negotiations with Congress.
That was amazing because Republican members of Congress took pride in their unwavering obstructionism. As is well known, preventing Obama's re-election was the top priority of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Because of Republican obstructionism for its own sake, compromises became pitifully few and far between. To be told that the president was unyielding in negotiations was a joke. Revising history to suit the moment did not become the iconic Republican senior senator from Utah.
Now that Obama is assured a second term, every citizen should be watchful of the debates that face Congress. As the members of both parties struggle to find solutions to our current financial crisis, let's see who is willing to compromise.
Mary Johnson
Salt Lake City