Well, I think I don't think I will get quite as personal as you, but, if you don't understand how federalism impacts the relationship between the executive and the legislature, I might suggest reading up on the separation of powers. Federalism is not simply about division of power across local, state, and the Federal government; but also about the division of power between different branches of government and those levels.
And no
this is not a troll thread. I had honestly hoped that the reaction to Donald Trump's presidency would include an attempt to pull power back from the executive to congress, and back from the Federal Government to the states, to get it away from him. That would have been a classic example of the founders intent; faction checking faction.
Nothing personal at all, my friend. I disagree with your
assertions. Moreover, the "separation of powers" within the government is
not federalism - by definition (you know I'm a sticklerfor definitions). It is, however
the plan of the Constitution. So I get your point. Indeed, the legislative branch is outlined in Article I for a reason.
I happen to agree that Congress, as a body, has over several administrations, failed to wrest its authority back from the Executive, and that this has been detrimental to the functioning of government. Indeed, it was a
particular fault of the Republican leadership in both houses of Congress, who could have, with principle, taken some of that authority back. They similarly failed during the Gulf War abuses.
I think it important to note, however, and contrary to your premise, that this is best done by the members of the same party. Then it is a point of
governing, not
politics. It is, I think, disingenuous, to suggest that this is the fault of the opposition - regardless of party affiliation. This is matter of governmental structure.
Indeed, I think that we could have gone a great deal toward your goal if the party of the Executive had seriously considered the articles of impeachment, or the results of the Mueller investigation, when those were first at issue. Moreover, the proper approach to the January 6 events would have been to move forward with
bipartisan support with the Commission that was proposed. It was right there, and it is hard to argue against fact-finding on the subject when Congress itself was the object of the attack. Again, party politics won out over principle.
I agree with the thrust of your complaints, but I think the effort to tar "the left" with the failure is inappropriate.