So much for the "Super Committee" and its efforts to come up with 1.2 trillion in budget cuts and/or extra revenue, otherwise known to the Dems as taxes. The committee, which was comprised of six Democrats and six Republicans, could have been called "same song, different verse", decided that failing to do their assigned duty was a better option than jeopardizing their reputations during an election year. So, now what? Supposedly, we now kick into a pre-ordained do or die edict called "sequester", whereby severe cuts will automatically be made to both domestic and military budgets. The former will hurt lots of people, but the latter could seriously compromise our very security as a nation---up to 600 billion, in addition to a previous cut of 450 billion, may not be much in our total national budget, but it's blood-letting, traumatic surgery for our military. There is talk that congress will find a way around this trigger-cutting last ditch effort to save us from these dire slashes; but President Obama says he will not allow for any such meddling---how very staunch----but where was he during the negotiation phase?? It would appear he did not care to involve himself in the political "sausage making", getting his hands dirty and thereby steering clear of controversy---- preferring to do what he enjoys most---mixing it up with the people, sharing his views, otherwise known as campaigning. We could have used a dab of leadership about now---a president who might have been present and presidential---who might have actually led by putting politics aside and said, "Look, people----this is what you gotta do---- raise a little, cut a little, compromise, negotiate---but get it done!!! Forget the election and do your duty and mine---it's the right thing to do, even if we personally lose." How noble and awesome would that be? It might even win them all votes, based on extraordinary wisdom, courage and a patriotism that refuses to be responsible for the demise of a once great country. But it didn't happen, not going to happen---we are grid-locked.
It was Obama's golden opportunity, his moment in time to rise to the occasion, and he blew it---all of them did. So, now we face the prospect of sinking into the same morass as Europe. Well, you can't say they didn't try---but was it all lip service? Political ideology and ambition trump conscience and reality. It is painful and distressing to watch our system not working, as though the problems are too big to be solved by mere politicians and their petty agendas and self interests. The differences between the two parties seem to have become more of a "my way or the highway" loggerjam than a celebration of diversity and balance. It is as though we are engaged in a tug of war, with one side pulling for an America that is traditional and rooted in our past; and the other wishing to mold and morph into a new America that will somehow blend our past capitalistic history with socialistic principles---a "new" system. Proponents of this theory argue that a few countries such as the Norwegians, have done this---so why not us. We are not Norwegian, or anyone else, that's why. We are Americans, a different breed of cat, sprung from the alleys of an oppressive English monarchy, with a fierce wish to be free of unnecessary government intervention, to pursue our happiness with all the inherent risks of independence. We do not wish to go backwards---or even sideways. We wish to be what we've always been---a great, roaring motor of free market enterprise, entrepeneurs, and a labor force which benefits from the success of revenue gained from product and labor, not taxes---or even over zealous labor unions.
But the game of tug of war has turned ugly and threatens to dismantle, rather than build. upon our differences. The occupiers of New York and other big cities are hopefully fading away, as they lack a true compass, leadership, and focus. The spectrum of people causing mayhem, destruction, and dangerous conditions were more distasteful than inspiring. Their rallies could have been a teachable moment, in that it might have shone a light on the growing unrest and impatience with the state of our economy and those who helped get us where we are. But the protesters didn't have a leader to clarify and state a constructive message. The only vision they showed the world was one of resentment, rebellion, rape, drugs, and demand for more entitlement---not a recipe for reasonable change. It didn't fly, because it didn't reflect the true American spirit---which is still that we play by the rules, not mob frenzy. Unfortunately, the current administration used the occupiers for their own agendas, emphasizing and promoting class warfare for political advantage---- they have missed an underlying and sincere angst of the so called 90 percent of us---- unemployment and our very profound concern regarding our future as a healthy world power.
But what about closing the income gap between the rich and the middle class? Again, those who assign all our troubles to that complaint, do not represent the "can do" spirit of this country---don't we all want to do well, to make as much money as possible? Is the disparity of income a result of the rich having made too much money---or is it what happens when a country can no longer afford the entitlements given to the middle class and poor, thereby collapsing under it's own weight?? That is the real question, isn't it? The unions will answer a resounding "no", but they too have become part of the problem. Burning the house down isn't the answer---cleaning it out, is. Get rid of the dishonesty and greed that contaminated the financial empires.. Regulations are already doing that, but they must also be tempered, lest it suck all the oxygen out of the room. Fire the politicians that march only to their special interest groups. That is not an easy task, as politics are fueled by money, and special interest groups are the money trees, but integrity is becoming a more effective currency as the American people begin to take more interest in the workings of government and demand transparency and integrity. Champion the rights for the poor and middle class, but guard the parameters of that which is fair versus undue and excessive benefits. Supply a safety net for those who cannot help themselves, but don't tear it apart with the weight of those who can.
It appears we have reached a tipping point, teetering on the edge of a philosophical disagreement too polarized to even consider compromise and balance between social responsibility and fiscal practicality. But on the eve of our Thanksgiving holiday, there is still hope that we will find our way back to, if not what we were, a healing, chastened country who will once again work together, having tasted the bitter fruits of too much dissention among ourselves. Look closely and you will see a longing for a national ability to get along with one another, to once again be proud of ourselves, to work together towards health and prosperity for all.
The path to the future is already here---we're on it. We're stumbling, falling, hesitating, getting lost, but not down yet----because we're too big to fail---big, as in big spirited. To coin a phrase, it really isn't our economy," stupid", it's our heart. It beats as one, refuses to lose, and in spite of our diversities, wants to include everybody who believes in the American dream. To do anything else is to lose our identity, give up our heritage, give in to forces within and without that have weakened and diluted our unitedness.
The upcoming election is part of the journey we're on---take note, watch the debates, read, read, read. Study the nominees, the current president---take part in the process that will ultimately shape our destiny. This is a big deal, this election----Newt Gingrich, currently the front runner in the Republican presidential nominee race, recently stated that he believes we will begin to get well on the eve of election night, given we elect a Republican president. How in your face is that? But memo to the Dems---it played very well with the conservatives, according to the polls. And likewise, President Obama says loud and clear that his is the way, that he needs another four years to get his goals accomplished. His poll numbers are not so good---but predictions are that he will still win the nomination---go figure.
The American people must decide which way to turn, left or right--- but given the extreme polarization in the country, perhaps the only electable way is down the middle. Whatever, we march forward, and history will remember this time as our major fork in the road. The" super committee" may have failed us, but they are not us---we will hopefully find a way to salvage ourselves sooner or later. May that goal be included in our prayers as we bow our heads in remembrance of a people who once sat together in thanksgiving for freedoms they were willing to fight and die for. Their passion for their country, not their "party", is remembered still today---may we find the same, as we struggle to restore even a semblance of the United States of America---God bless us, everyone..
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
IS CAIN ABLE, AND IS MEDIA GOD??
Herman Cain, the rising star in the murky sky of Republican presidential candidates, has just experienced a harsh reality of politics in America----the blinding, punishing light of the scandal seeking media. Politico magazine broke the story this week and the rest of the media picked it up like vultures after fresh meat. Mr. Cain, a successful business man and CEO of Godfather's Pizza chain, was getting a little too much attention lately, coming in a surprising second to Mitt Romney, the front runner. Time to dig up the dirt----in this case, on Mr. Cain, who has been accused of improper behavior regarding the opposite sex---what?? What kind of improper behavior?? Well, that hasn't been clearly explained yet----unless you consider Mr. Cain's remarks about his chin being at the same level as a woman's height---uh, well---excuse me?? Perhaps there's more to the story, but we haven't heard it yet. Mr. Cain did admit to a legal entanglement and a payoff of some kind, but so far, no details. Where there's smoke, there is usually some kind of fire---but this sounds like a push deal, a rush to judgment. As this blog is going to press, both sides seem to be tip toe-ing around how much they can say under confidentiality contractual terms. But even the charges turn out to be nothing but a" he said she said" situation, or prior cultural norms, mis-interpretations, or even somewhat offensive behavior ---Mr. Cain's reputation has been put up for suspicion. Another Republican presidential hopeful bites the dust---at least in the eyes of the media, who have been doing a superb job of eliminating all comers to the job of challenging their suspected favorite, the incumbent President Obama. Is that an unfair charge against the media? Let's look at what's been said so far about a few of the most promising candidates---what's left of them.
Michelle Bachmann, congresswoman and--- once a promising presidential candidate, with lots of sass and class. She has now been reduced pretty much to an also ran,with a strong conservative message--- too many holes in her historical references---and just a touch too religious. Note to Ms. Bachmann---identifying oneself as "Christian isn't hip or cool these days---and above all, our media is hip and cool.
New Gingrich, a previous Speaker of the House, author, and current political consultant---obviously the brightest kid in the room with impressive experience and Washington know-how to get the job done. But sorry, he's got personal baggage, involving a divorce. Never mind that was many years ago, and that divorce is hardly an uncommon sin among the media, let alone the general populace. But hey, we want 'em squeeky clean. After all, if our ship is going down, the chief thing we want said about us is that our leaders had no infidelity and wonderful marriages, if nothing else.
Rick Perry,Texas Gov---this guy was promoted like global warming by the media for a short while. Mitt Romney was running away with the prize, and somebody had to stop this run away train that might actually de-rail the Obama stop and go locomotive. So, what to do? Shine the spotlight on someone else---casting all others to oblivion. It worked, until Perry showed himself to be less than stellar on the debate test. Bye-bye media. Though Perry did it to himself, they were more than happy to accentuate the negative. This guy can run Texas like a well managed gushing oil well, but no one showed him how to know when to fold 'em or hold 'em up there on that TV stage with all the other Republicans. Note to Perry---the enemy ain't them. Show us how you'd bring your Texas " git 'er" done expertise to Washington. Meanwhile, the media has all but written you off. Get back on your horse, man, and stop the attack Romney schtick---it's not working. You need to bring it--because the media isn't about to do that for you.
Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts---the most presidential looking one of all, would probably make a very acceptable, if not exceptional, president. He has all the credentials---he is a smart, experienced business man, with moderate conservative views---a-a-and---he's squeeky clean. No personal baggage here---yet. Don't think the dirt baggers haven't tried. But there is that one little thing. This man is RELIGIOUS. What?? Not only that, he's, gasp, Mormon! Double whammy. Terribly sorry, but that just does not fit the media's presidential template. On the other hand, they're not too worried about Romney, because, guess what? The Republicans don't seem too excited about him yet, either. Maybe they, also, have been reading too many left wing editorials. After all they are " the third rail", and have a lot to do with how all the voters think and respond. Wouldn't it be nice if the National Republican Committee could rise above the media and publicize all that is good about all of the nominees, and how each could improve the current situation?
President Obama, meanwhile back at the ranch, isn't spending much time on the ranch. Touring the country in his tax- payer financed jet, spreading the "tax the rich" gospel, all the while proclaiming that this trip is not about the election, but about putting Americans back to work. Please. That, coupled with his sudden alliance to the Wall Street Occupiers, is really outrageously transparent---the guy is in trouble, and has retreated to the only thing he seems able to do---preach class warfare to the masses via speeches, teleprompters, and TV talk shows.
President Obama made an appearance on Jay Leno's show last week. He made a very revealing statement when Leno asked who Obama was most concerned about as a serious competitor in the next election. Obama replied that for now he wasn't worried---he was just waiting to see who would be "voted off the island next." It rang true---why worry, when the media seems to be doing all the heavy lifting for him. Hm-m--m, not a bad plan they've got going either----vote everyone off the island, until there's no one left but---who we've already got! No worries, man---another 4 years coming up. Happy days are here again,--- or will be as soon as they figure out this little economy problem. They're working on it---it's not their fault, you understand, they inherited it, they're learning as they go, and they don't have a lot of experience . But we have irreproachable behavior coming out the ying -yang with our prez. He's never been divorced, nor involved in any personal scandals, (never mind the Jeremiah Wright or x-terrorist Bill Ayer's associations) not overtly religious, has even given up smoking, is thin, good looking, cool, and very well spoken at all times. Not to mention he's black. But wait---so is Herman Cain. Well, that's different. He's a Republican. Doesn't count. I believe they call that "reverse discrimination."
So moving right along, we're still a year away from the big election, but it feels like we're down to the wire, and just one or two are left standing----isn't it a bit premature, and shouldn't we demand as much fair handed reportage from our journalists as they demand from anyone who dares to run for president against the incumbent Mr. Obama. Printing or releasing all the dirt that's fit to report, may be the unfortunate standard today, but it would seem in the Herman Cain case, especially that they could have waited until they had just a few more specifics. Perhaps the public is finally catching up and has had enough of this kind of journalism--word has it that contributions have been pouring into the Herman Cain campaign coffers since the news reported the, whatever it was," gotcha'" scoop.
.
Herman Cain may or may not be guilty of personal indiscretions, but he will probably be the latest victim in the media controlled selection of an acceptable Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, and that may be our loss. Back in the late 50's, I remember a man who wanted to be president and who was enjoying his own indiscretions with Marilyn Monroe, among too many to count others, while married and before the election. I knew about it, not from the media, but from people I knew who were privvy to such secrets. It was not public knowledge, and his continued dalliances never became widely known, even after he became president. John F. Kennedy would never have made the current media litmus test----or would he?
Note to Republicans, and everyone else---don't believe everything you read, and don't form opinions too quickly. The best leaders, may not always be the squeek-iest clean.Think Eisenhower, Bill Clinton---Thomas Jefferson. It's about the economy, governing philosophy, the very future of this country. What we need now isn't necessarily idol love, media style, but it.is a real person, perhaps a little humanly flawed, but who has know-how, business acumen and experience, an international diplomacy that believes America must remain strong, and a touch of Solomon,----not a media perceived and conjured picture of impossible perfection. Been there, done that. Is Cain able to overcome this vague, but probably very calculating move to down grade his chances to become the next president? Stay tuned---sometimes the American people smell a rat.
Michelle Bachmann, congresswoman and--- once a promising presidential candidate, with lots of sass and class. She has now been reduced pretty much to an also ran,with a strong conservative message--- too many holes in her historical references---and just a touch too religious. Note to Ms. Bachmann---identifying oneself as "Christian isn't hip or cool these days---and above all, our media is hip and cool.
New Gingrich, a previous Speaker of the House, author, and current political consultant---obviously the brightest kid in the room with impressive experience and Washington know-how to get the job done. But sorry, he's got personal baggage, involving a divorce. Never mind that was many years ago, and that divorce is hardly an uncommon sin among the media, let alone the general populace. But hey, we want 'em squeeky clean. After all, if our ship is going down, the chief thing we want said about us is that our leaders had no infidelity and wonderful marriages, if nothing else.
Rick Perry,Texas Gov---this guy was promoted like global warming by the media for a short while. Mitt Romney was running away with the prize, and somebody had to stop this run away train that might actually de-rail the Obama stop and go locomotive. So, what to do? Shine the spotlight on someone else---casting all others to oblivion. It worked, until Perry showed himself to be less than stellar on the debate test. Bye-bye media. Though Perry did it to himself, they were more than happy to accentuate the negative. This guy can run Texas like a well managed gushing oil well, but no one showed him how to know when to fold 'em or hold 'em up there on that TV stage with all the other Republicans. Note to Perry---the enemy ain't them. Show us how you'd bring your Texas " git 'er" done expertise to Washington. Meanwhile, the media has all but written you off. Get back on your horse, man, and stop the attack Romney schtick---it's not working. You need to bring it--because the media isn't about to do that for you.
Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts---the most presidential looking one of all, would probably make a very acceptable, if not exceptional, president. He has all the credentials---he is a smart, experienced business man, with moderate conservative views---a-a-and---he's squeeky clean. No personal baggage here---yet. Don't think the dirt baggers haven't tried. But there is that one little thing. This man is RELIGIOUS. What?? Not only that, he's, gasp, Mormon! Double whammy. Terribly sorry, but that just does not fit the media's presidential template. On the other hand, they're not too worried about Romney, because, guess what? The Republicans don't seem too excited about him yet, either. Maybe they, also, have been reading too many left wing editorials. After all they are " the third rail", and have a lot to do with how all the voters think and respond. Wouldn't it be nice if the National Republican Committee could rise above the media and publicize all that is good about all of the nominees, and how each could improve the current situation?
President Obama, meanwhile back at the ranch, isn't spending much time on the ranch. Touring the country in his tax- payer financed jet, spreading the "tax the rich" gospel, all the while proclaiming that this trip is not about the election, but about putting Americans back to work. Please. That, coupled with his sudden alliance to the Wall Street Occupiers, is really outrageously transparent---the guy is in trouble, and has retreated to the only thing he seems able to do---preach class warfare to the masses via speeches, teleprompters, and TV talk shows.
President Obama made an appearance on Jay Leno's show last week. He made a very revealing statement when Leno asked who Obama was most concerned about as a serious competitor in the next election. Obama replied that for now he wasn't worried---he was just waiting to see who would be "voted off the island next." It rang true---why worry, when the media seems to be doing all the heavy lifting for him. Hm-m--m, not a bad plan they've got going either----vote everyone off the island, until there's no one left but---who we've already got! No worries, man---another 4 years coming up. Happy days are here again,--- or will be as soon as they figure out this little economy problem. They're working on it---it's not their fault, you understand, they inherited it, they're learning as they go, and they don't have a lot of experience . But we have irreproachable behavior coming out the ying -yang with our prez. He's never been divorced, nor involved in any personal scandals, (never mind the Jeremiah Wright or x-terrorist Bill Ayer's associations) not overtly religious, has even given up smoking, is thin, good looking, cool, and very well spoken at all times. Not to mention he's black. But wait---so is Herman Cain. Well, that's different. He's a Republican. Doesn't count. I believe they call that "reverse discrimination."
So moving right along, we're still a year away from the big election, but it feels like we're down to the wire, and just one or two are left standing----isn't it a bit premature, and shouldn't we demand as much fair handed reportage from our journalists as they demand from anyone who dares to run for president against the incumbent Mr. Obama. Printing or releasing all the dirt that's fit to report, may be the unfortunate standard today, but it would seem in the Herman Cain case, especially that they could have waited until they had just a few more specifics. Perhaps the public is finally catching up and has had enough of this kind of journalism--word has it that contributions have been pouring into the Herman Cain campaign coffers since the news reported the, whatever it was," gotcha'" scoop.
.
Herman Cain may or may not be guilty of personal indiscretions, but he will probably be the latest victim in the media controlled selection of an acceptable Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, and that may be our loss. Back in the late 50's, I remember a man who wanted to be president and who was enjoying his own indiscretions with Marilyn Monroe, among too many to count others, while married and before the election. I knew about it, not from the media, but from people I knew who were privvy to such secrets. It was not public knowledge, and his continued dalliances never became widely known, even after he became president. John F. Kennedy would never have made the current media litmus test----or would he?
Note to Republicans, and everyone else---don't believe everything you read, and don't form opinions too quickly. The best leaders, may not always be the squeek-iest clean.Think Eisenhower, Bill Clinton---Thomas Jefferson. It's about the economy, governing philosophy, the very future of this country. What we need now isn't necessarily idol love, media style, but it.is a real person, perhaps a little humanly flawed, but who has know-how, business acumen and experience, an international diplomacy that believes America must remain strong, and a touch of Solomon,----not a media perceived and conjured picture of impossible perfection. Been there, done that. Is Cain able to overcome this vague, but probably very calculating move to down grade his chances to become the next president? Stay tuned---sometimes the American people smell a rat.
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