Now that President Obama's stimulus package has been signed into law, the budget is next. Despite his efforts to achieve bipartisan cooperation, Republicans seem unwilling and unable to get into the same book, let alone the same page concerning how best to pull this country's economy out of the ditch. The fact that, for the most part, these same Republicans presided over the economic collapse is a bit ironic at best and downright hypocritical at worst.
Case in point: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Here's a man who was more than happy to accept federal money to help rebuild his state in the aftermath of two hurricanes: Katrina and Gustav. When offered federal money again through the new stimulus however, he made a very public spectacle, refusing the money and using it as an opportunity to play tyipical political games; putting partisan political gamesmanship over the needs of his constituents. Money that could be used to imporve Louisiana's devastated infrastructure or extend the unemployment benefits of the hundreds of thousands Louisianans who've lost their jobs is being offered and at least publicly refused by Jindal and other Republican governors.
The hypocrisy is what's most appalling. Standing on a soapbox of fiscal responsibility, we've received lectures and rants from Republican leaders about the spending spree of the new administration. Coming from the very folk who presided over an adminstration that nearly doubled the national debt from $5.7 Trilliilon to over $10 Trillion in eight years is a little tough to take seriously.
And the party itself is becoming increasingly difficult to take seriously. From Gov. Palin to Gov. Jindal to the always amusing Michael Steele, the party seems to be grasping at any and all straws as it sees itself slipping into irrelevance. Perhaps the grandstanding and opposition to all things Obama can be seen as a desperate attempt to remain relevant. What appears more likely however, is that we are witnessing a ridiculous, large scale case of sour grapes.
The fact is, America voted against this type of politics in November. At all levels, the majority of Americans seem to be tired of the typical gamesmanship that has made Washington (in)famous. By playing these types of games, the GOP is truly doing itself a disservice. Which, for the record, is fine by me since I was part of the revolution to get as many of them out of office as possible. It's not enough to be anti-liberal or anti-democrat or even anti-Obama (particularly since his apporval rating is off the charts at the moment). You have to "for" something and right now nobody, including most Republicans, seems to know what it is they stand for. What are the priciples by which the party stands? What is their foundation? After eight years of Bush-o-nomics it sure isn't fiscal responsibility. So please spare us the lectures, soapboxes, and public displays of indignation and start getting to the task of pulling the nation out of this recession. It may already be too late but at least by exhibiting even a semblance of a cooperative spirit, you might actually be able to hold onto some of your positions in upcoming elections; and if not your positions, then perhaps a shred or two of your dignity.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Dream Fulfilled?
As I watched coverage of this unprecedented inaugural event I heard many pundits reflecting on the significance of now President Obama's achievement juxtaposed with Dr. King's legacy and what it all means. Many suggest that Obama's assent to the highest office in the land signifies the fulfillment Dr. King's "dream. " Others make the case that there is yet more work to be done before we can claim "mission accomplished." I find myself in the camp of those who express the latter sentiment. Dr. King's vision for this nation was not limited to winning political office, although it is an important step. His dream was that America would advance to a place where differences; whether racial, gender, or class, would be recognized and appreciated, but where ultimately, they would have no bearing on people's ability to achieve their own individual dreams.
It is in regard to issues of class where I am least ready to proclaim King's dream fulfilled. Racially, we have come a long way in America. Barriers are being shattered every day and today's events are proof of just how far we have advanced. But a careful examination of the President's resume' shows an education gained both within the walls of institutions of higher learning and outside those walls, that the average American will never achieve. Columbia University and Harvard Law are only accessible to a very select few and the political circles he has navigated for the last 20 years are even more exclusive.
While there is little doubt that President Obama is supremely qualified and competent to be President, it is equally obvious that there is an ever widening gap between people at opposite ends of the socio-economic specturm in this country.
Some may counter my argument by pointing to Obama's modest upbringing in a single parent home and laud the fact that he pulled himself up by his own boot-straps and made a way for himself despite tough circumstances. And they would have a valid point. I guess I would respond to that by saying that you cannot point to the exception and attmept to make it the norm. Put another way; for every one Barack Obama there are thousands of others in similar situations who live a drastically different reality. There are tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people who apply to the likes Columbia and Harvard every year and the vast majority of them are denied.
There are millions of people in the supposed wealthiest nation in the world, who still live without healthcare. Millions unemployed. Millions living below the poverty line. Millions of children who don't get proper nourishment. Millions being edcuated (or mis-educated as it were) in schools that are under-funded. And the list of economic disparites goes on and on and on.
There is a ruling class in this country; it's not based on bloodlines or birthrights, but it is steeped in wealth. The door of opportunity is always open, provided you can afford to walk through it.
Nothing in business or politics occurs wihtout vast amounts of money changing hands. Somehow, the wealthiest people in America manged to CONvince our leaders to grant them even more wealth in the form of "rescue" plans and "TARPS." Meanwhile, the average American is struggling to provide even the most basic necesities as the leaders of these financial and auto manufacturing institutions land safely under the protection of golden parachutes. And the Coingressional parade of hat-in-hand executives has only just begun. The question at this point is not "how much is this going to cost the taxpayer?" but rather, "who's next?" Which industy will present their case next? Which company will come crying that the sky is falling? Which multi-millionaire executive will come begging for assistance with a repayment plan outlined on a cocktail napkin?
Unfortunately, Dr. King's dream has been watered down and romanticized and if we asses the weakened version then the case could be made that it has been fulfilled. If however, we analyzed the more nuanced, complex version of his dream and evaluate all of it's intricacies, we'll be forced to confront the reality that in many ways we have made great strides. But in others, particularly areas of classism, we have many miles to go before we sleep.
It is in regard to issues of class where I am least ready to proclaim King's dream fulfilled. Racially, we have come a long way in America. Barriers are being shattered every day and today's events are proof of just how far we have advanced. But a careful examination of the President's resume' shows an education gained both within the walls of institutions of higher learning and outside those walls, that the average American will never achieve. Columbia University and Harvard Law are only accessible to a very select few and the political circles he has navigated for the last 20 years are even more exclusive.
While there is little doubt that President Obama is supremely qualified and competent to be President, it is equally obvious that there is an ever widening gap between people at opposite ends of the socio-economic specturm in this country.
Some may counter my argument by pointing to Obama's modest upbringing in a single parent home and laud the fact that he pulled himself up by his own boot-straps and made a way for himself despite tough circumstances. And they would have a valid point. I guess I would respond to that by saying that you cannot point to the exception and attmept to make it the norm. Put another way; for every one Barack Obama there are thousands of others in similar situations who live a drastically different reality. There are tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people who apply to the likes Columbia and Harvard every year and the vast majority of them are denied.
There are millions of people in the supposed wealthiest nation in the world, who still live without healthcare. Millions unemployed. Millions living below the poverty line. Millions of children who don't get proper nourishment. Millions being edcuated (or mis-educated as it were) in schools that are under-funded. And the list of economic disparites goes on and on and on.
There is a ruling class in this country; it's not based on bloodlines or birthrights, but it is steeped in wealth. The door of opportunity is always open, provided you can afford to walk through it.
Nothing in business or politics occurs wihtout vast amounts of money changing hands. Somehow, the wealthiest people in America manged to CONvince our leaders to grant them even more wealth in the form of "rescue" plans and "TARPS." Meanwhile, the average American is struggling to provide even the most basic necesities as the leaders of these financial and auto manufacturing institutions land safely under the protection of golden parachutes. And the Coingressional parade of hat-in-hand executives has only just begun. The question at this point is not "how much is this going to cost the taxpayer?" but rather, "who's next?" Which industy will present their case next? Which company will come crying that the sky is falling? Which multi-millionaire executive will come begging for assistance with a repayment plan outlined on a cocktail napkin?
Unfortunately, Dr. King's dream has been watered down and romanticized and if we asses the weakened version then the case could be made that it has been fulfilled. If however, we analyzed the more nuanced, complex version of his dream and evaluate all of it's intricacies, we'll be forced to confront the reality that in many ways we have made great strides. But in others, particularly areas of classism, we have many miles to go before we sleep.
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