Editorial: Democracy at Work

The calm that pervaded America after what was probably the closest presidential election in the nation’s history is a strong affirmation of our democratic institutions.

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As fervent as Republican and Democrat loyalists may be in the wake of the Nov. 7 balloting and how strongly they may express their opinions on what should happen next, the nation has continued to operate normally. And it is sure to continue to do so.

This is a nation that believes in its institutions, even when “the other guys” are in control of them.

Trucking doesn’t have to wait for the final determination of who will live in the White House to begin preparing its strategy for the new year, however.

While the executive branch of government certainly will help determine the legislative and regulatory agenda, obviously having an effect on trucking’s interests, the smaller GOP margins in the House and the Senate for the next two years may well mean it will be more difficult to push new, industry-friendly initiatives through Congress or to stop industry-unfriendly efforts.

This will make it more incumbent upon trucking to build consensus positions on Capitol Hill, as it did so successfully over the hours-of-service fight earlier this year. When you have bipartisan support, party pluralities are not an important issue.

The industry is facing what could be difficult fights over the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s attempt to impose ergonomic regulations related to lifting and repetitive motion on the American workplace, which could have a major impact on trucking and many other industries.

Moves to tighten up environmental regulations could also become a partisan issue, although much of the trucking industry doesn’t seem overly concerned about regulations to mandate cleaner diesel fuel. Diesel engine makers are already embarked on a program to meet tougher emissions standards.

Ending the estate tax penalty that make it harder to pass family owned trucking companies to down to heirs is also on the agenda.

The drive for creation of a national energy policy to help keep fuel prices down and supply plentiful is another issue near and dear to trucking that needs to be addressed by the next Congress.

If this is going to be a Congress that is marked by the necessity to build coalitions in order to get legislation passed, trucking must begin to look for partners to help bridge the divide of party politics.