THANKS FOR NOTHING, SUPER COP-OUT COMMITTEE

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..