So Close Yet So Far: The Senate’s Not-So-Final Resolution

Blaise Hwang and Parijaat Jain

With each day comes a new trial, and the second day of US Senate proceedings were definitely not smooth sailing - for the Whigs and the Democrats. While the senators did show surprising productivity in writing a resolution, there soon proved to be a price for their haste…

A Shaky Resolution

In their second session of the day, the senators achieved the remarkable feat of proposing a resolution to wrap up the issue of the annexation of Texas. But while the resolution seemed promising, it fell apart under scrutiny.

The resolution proposed was seen to be lacking in many areas, with several factors left unconsidered by the US Senate. Factors such as war with Mexico were simply brushed aside and regarded to be of little concern. This lack of forward thinking and ignorance of political repercussions is bound to cause issues if not amended..

Various inconsistencies were also observed during discussion and in the resolution with some senators compromising on their previously held stances. In particular, certain Whig-affiliated senators broke from the Whig party’s long held anti-slavery stance, not only quickly compromising with Democratic senators but agreeing to annex Texas (while allowing it to remain a slave state).

This was indeed a surprising turn considering the firm (and admirable) stance the Whig party has always taken against the cruelties of slavery. While there were still many who stayed true to their beliefs, one hopes that all members of the Senate can be more consistent and firm on what they stand for in future sessions, so as to allow debate to proceed smoothly.

The Democratic Dilemma

While there is no denying the pitfalls of the recent resolution, one must note a far more worrying occurrence - or rather, the lack of an occurrence at all. Far from proposing a controversial resolution, the other bloc (mainly formed of Democratic Senators) failed to produce their own resolution at all. One does wonder which is worse: the crime of trying and failing, or the crime of refusing to try at all. Then again, it may be too soon to say - the US Senate still has two more days to reach a concrete resolution. As such, hopes of a resolution from the Democratic bloc (which consists of almost half of the US Senate) are still present, albeit lessened.

The Manifestation of Enlightenment

Although there are concerns that some Whig senators have failed to uphold the interests of the Whig party, the senators seem to have finally understood the importance and logic of westward expansion. The Whig party has come to acknowledge the economical benefits arising from the Manifest Destiny. They have finally recognised that the Manifest Destiny will also bring great prosperity to the American people, who the Whig party has always sought to serve.

Tentative Hopes

Needless to say, the US Senate still has far to go. However, it is worth noting that significant progress has been made. The senators have responded well to feedback on their resolution and on productivity of debate and have taken their setbacks in their stride. One looks forward to seeing more of such a positive attitude in future council sessions.