He's not really our king, but the closest to one we have, and if he were, he would not need speech lessons. This week's State of the Union speech was one of President Obama's best. It was perfect in pitch, tone, and style. But substance? Not so much. It was more of an effort to soothe our concerns, cheer us up, and convince us that he is now more of a peace maker, than a politician. It was air tight in terms of covering all the contentious issues and the opposing views to each, such as high unemployment,lack of jobs, the health care bill, and the deepening debt crisis---he knows about these things, feels our pain, and plans to work on them---he's on it. But exactly what he plans to do, was not clear. There was the frequent mention of investing in our infrastructure, clean energy, and education, which may be fine goals for the future, but will not bring enough jobs and will increase our debt even more. He will instigate a 5 year freeze on all government spending, but that is far from enough and will at at the same time lock in all the heretofore many programs he has advanced since he has been in office, which are considerable. In other words, the borrowing will go on, and the national debt will continue to rise. There was, disappointingly, no mention of entitlement cut backs, as that is too hot to handle for a president seeking a second term---but is precisely the source of much spending.
To Obama's credit, he did say he would vetoe any bill which has earmarks attached to it. But that had a familiar ring to it--he had said that during his campaign run--and unfortunately broke his promise. It was like he had thrown a cookie for us to munch on, while we continued to wonder where the real meal was.
He tried to rally our flagging spirits by telling us that we are still a great country---even strong. Yes, we used to be thought of as "exceptional", but I don't think he used that word---too politically proud. Somehow and regretfully, all the pep words rang hollow. There is too much wrong now, and not enough going right. We don't feel great or strong, and there is a sense of gathering gloom. One had the feeling that Obama was trying to recapture his popularity and the passion from those who voted him into office. Unfortunately,his first two years have been so filled with partisan attacks and forced legislation, like the health care bill, that it's hard not to sense hypocrisy and self serving lip service.
But this was a speech that had to be made. President Obama is nobody's fool---and his time is running out. The American people spoke loud and clear during the last mid-term election. He either has to change his course, correct more to the middle, or go down with his ship. And so, we saw a very different man last night. His words were encouraging, softer, very civil, and even at times filled with the hint of compromise on some things. But so far, they are just words---the President's speech was almost classroom or kingly perfect---no stutters, or gaffes. But we're not a classroom, and Obama's not our king. Many of us were left wondering why we didn't feel better about it---this is two years after his election, and we are in big trouble. We desperately need jobs, jobs, jobs and the feeling that there is light at the end of the tunnel under this crushing, ever growing debt load---and all we're hearing is that our roads and bridges need repairing, along with developing cleaner energy, and more financial support for education. All of them are noble pursuits, but not helping the urgent needs of now, ways to get the economy moving again. That will take much more than pretty words,like "sputnik moment". We need a more specific road map, and one which will include less spending(investments) and more incentives and opportunities(fewer taxes and less government intervention) for the innovation and entrepenurial advancements the president spoke of and for which we have always been known. Those two things do not come from more government programs---and therein lies the core of the president's speech flaw. It's hard to speak of individuals seeking the American dream, becoming innovators and entrepenuers, while simultaneously seeking bigger and more expensive government---the two simply do not mix well.
Government was initially meant to provide a safety net for those in need, not a tent under which we all must labor to keep it from falling down. It certainly has never been known, as witnessed by other nations, as a breeding ground for creative and industrial people. President Obama in his heart believes in bigger government,and that it is the answer to society's woes. His challenge as he moves toward the next election will be to temper his own ideologies with the practicalities and the reality of the days we are living. If he continues to do nothing more than "invest" and construct an even bigger bureacracy that must be eventually paid for by higher taxes, he will make a mockery out of his speech, and perhaps an even weaker country. If on the other hand, he manages to blend his own beliefs with those of the other side, we may just see the evolvement of a young President into a true leader. Believe it or not, I still think that's possible---miracles happen.
The proof will not be in "the pudding", but in the president ---who, as he is learning on the job, may start to see things differently--- that the power to move forward, is not found in the government, but within its people who are given enough freedom to build, grow, innovate--and who are not constrained by over regulations, higher taxes, and unaffordable entitlements. The American dream Obama spoke of in his speech was a dichotomy to his own native thinking, which believes more in the can-do of a government ruling class,than individual effort, risk, and enterprise. May he dream a little bigger.
If there was ever a time for change, this is it---and the change must come in great measure from Obama, himself. He is only one man, but he is at the helm and must see through the fog of politics into the reality of our situation, which is dire and needs more than platitudes. The clock is ticking toward 2012, but our crisis is now. May this be, if not our "sputnik moment", at least one in which we decided to lighten our load, fly again, and not crash into the heap of history, which is littered with other failed countries like Greece and Ireland. How? The suggestions have been there all along--- start with repealing the very expensive Health Care Bill,which needs retooling and more bipartisan input; go through the budget and cut all unnecessary spending, line by laborious line; and yes, take a hard look at all entitlement programs, even social security and medicare---not to mention pension and high union benefits. And then, take the tight reigns off business and corporations-- regulations are necessary, but not to the point of suffocation and stagnation caused by fear of government retribution--and lower their taxes, which are the highest in the world, all of which would would encourage expansion and hiring again.
These are difficult words, not pretty or soaring---but the kind of help that could go straight to the bleeding wounds of our problems. It was lovely to see both parties sitting cozily together during the president's speech---a nice touch, but not really what we hired them to do---to just get along. We expect robust, couragageous debating, even passionate hashing out of our problems---and we expect hard decisions to be made, based not on personal politics as usual, but what is fiscally best for this country. There are always going to be differences of philosophies and opinions, and the ruling administration wields the most weight--but also bears the burden of finding the right balance, not the most politically expedient.
The last two years were a glaring example of one party forcing its will, ideas and policies against the other and onto the public. They did so at their peril---and the results were the mid term rising up of the electorate. Speech or no speech, now is the time for action---bring it on, and civil or not so much, find us a way out of this hot mess, and back to what we used to be---exceptional. We were and still are healthy, and strong enough to help not only our own, but others in need around the world. Let's get our house in order---China is knocking at our door--- some say to measure the drapes--- and I hear they're not nearly as friendly to their citizens or their neighbors.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
"WHERE'S YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE?"
Today I read that the the governor of Hawaii has failed in a search to find President Obama's original birth certificate. I'm sure the "birthers" will love this news, though it would seem we have more important things to worry about. However, President Obama is not the only one to have ever been asked that pesky question.
But before we get to that, and speaking of birthdays, have you heard the latest astrology news? It seems that due to some perceived change in the positioning of the planets, some of our personal zodiac signs may have also changed. This could be quite alarming and cause severe identity problems---if you're into that sort of thing. In other words, if all along you thought you were a very organized, idealistic Virgo, you could have become a Libra over night---frightening thought. I once had a roommate, Suzy,in New York who claimed to be an astrologist. She was always talking about "charts" and the placement of the planets versus your destiny. She was a little on the "bizarro" side anyway, so I didn't think much of it until she began to get personal---she wanted to "do a chart" on me. "Thanks, but no thanks", I said. You'd have to know this girl to imagine that she did not take "no" for an answer---she could be scary wicked at times. Come to think of it, she actually did resemble Esmeralda in the well known play, "Wicked". She had coal black, straight hair and wore pointy-toed shoes, which were worn down to the nub--maybe from being used as brakes on a broom. She was attractive in a sort of sophisticated, cool, detached way. She was not green,like poor Esmeralda--- she only wore black, and had the same intellectually bored attitude with a smile that never projected joy---it was more of a condescending smirk, a sort of side ways, half smile. The only thing that belied her outer hard shell, were her green eyes, which would twinkle and sparkle, if she were occasionally moved to actually smile full on. Well, if Suzy was Esmeralda, I was her nemesis, Glinda ----the good, sweet witch, if you recall, and who was looked down upon with utter contempt by Esmeralda. Suzy tolerated me and my small town, cheery, smiley, California ways, but made it clear that I was more of a guest, than a roomate, which would imply an intimacy in her mind. I was not to clean the apartment, as that would also imply a sort of ownership, which was definitely not going to be the case. That place was hers, rent controlled, and no one was going to take it from her. Groovy. That part was just great with me, though I never saw Suzy lift a finger to tidy up the place. Maybe she hired it out, or---maybe she waved her magic wand, as everything always seemed spotless. She became obsessed with wanting to know my birth date and time of day I was born, so as to do a proper "chart". I,on the other hand, became obsessed with withholding that information from her, mostly just to assert my will over hers, but also because I had been brought up not to mess with any kind of witch craft----even one named, Suzy. Somehow she found out that I carried my birth certificate in my wallet and one day I discovered to my indignation that she had invaded my wallet and gotten the information she supposedly needed to then inform me as to my future. I begged her not to tell me, as I really preferred to find out the old fashioned way, but tell me she did, even though I stuck my fingers in my ears and sang a loud song. She didn't care, just kept on gleefully yelling out my future. Like I said, she was bizarre, and I'm not kidding. Once when we were awakened in the night by a false fire scare in our apartment building, she ran out of the room, screaming "every man for himself"----like I was going to crowd her out of the elevator or push her off the fire escape as I scrambled past her---not that she wouldn't have done the same for me.
Did her prophesies about my future come true---and was she really a witch in black New York street clothes? Actually, some of what she predicted did come eerily to pass. I won't go into detail, but she predicted in very specific terms how my personal life would surprisingly turn out in terms of romance and marriage. She then went on to say I would break one of my limbs in later life---I'm still waiting for that one. Thanks a lot, Suzy. She may have something to do with my having given up skiing some years ago.
I don't know whatever happened to Suzy. In a rare moment of roommate bonding,I actually invited her to move back to the west with me when I left. She seemed lonely and actually expressed something akin to regret at my leaving her. I thought if I could get her out of New York, she might find a softer, happier version of herself. Don't know if I was imagining it, but she was getting harder all the time---and a little green around the edges. Probably just her eye shadow--couldn't have been envy. She thought of me as totally hicksville. Anyway,she stared at me as though I had asked her to go to the moon, and said she would never survive outside of New York. She was probably right, and I was relieved--I couln't imagine her anywhere else either---especially not in my life anymore. I contacted her once when I was visiting New York. It had been many years since we had not so sadly parted ways. I didn't exactly anticipate a warm welcome---Suzie certainly wasn't what you would call "warm"-- had always been mildly amused at my small town friendliness.She was a chain smoker and could stare a hole right through you as she blew smoke in your face, while sizing you up. Still, I mistakenly thought that perhaps the years would have mellowed her a bit and that she would be, if not happy, well, --- mildly amused to hear from me---I said,"Hi, this is Kellee, your old roommate?" She said, "who?" I said," Remember, the one from California who was born at 12;00 a.m. on a Monday?? I continued with, "Just thought I'd call and say Hi". There was complete silence, and then she said simply--"Why?" She didn't even sound amused. That was pretty much it---maybe she was still miffed over the birth certificate thing. That was decades ago, and I've never heard from Suzy again. When I left her, she had been fired from her job----maybe she became a fortune teller. I think of her every time I read my horoscope in the newspaper---which is pretty much every morning. I don't think of that as consorting with witchcraft, and really don't put much stock into it--just a little,especially now that the planets are in a different arrangement than previously thought. Who knows, maybe our whole lives will take a huge turn for the better, now that our signs are a little different. I never did really feel like a total Virgo, anyway. Too much perfection, and not enough adventure---and maybe I've been let off the hook regarding a broken limb. I may even take up skiing again. Think I'll call Suzy one more time and tell her what I think of her "charts". Maybe somebody should put her in charge of locating President Obama's birth certificate---I'm pretty sure she could find it, if there is one.
Hey, Suze, if you're reading this, don't take it too personally---I was mildly fond of you---you taught me a lot about the big city and how to comport myself---only smile half way, always wear black, and don't even think about dusting the furniture. But you didn't fool me---I just know below that sideways smile, beat a heart of green, I mean gold. And President Obama, if you happen to be reading this,---- maybe you should have kept that birth certificate in your wallet! I'm just sayin'---
But before we get to that, and speaking of birthdays, have you heard the latest astrology news? It seems that due to some perceived change in the positioning of the planets, some of our personal zodiac signs may have also changed. This could be quite alarming and cause severe identity problems---if you're into that sort of thing. In other words, if all along you thought you were a very organized, idealistic Virgo, you could have become a Libra over night---frightening thought. I once had a roommate, Suzy,in New York who claimed to be an astrologist. She was always talking about "charts" and the placement of the planets versus your destiny. She was a little on the "bizarro" side anyway, so I didn't think much of it until she began to get personal---she wanted to "do a chart" on me. "Thanks, but no thanks", I said. You'd have to know this girl to imagine that she did not take "no" for an answer---she could be scary wicked at times. Come to think of it, she actually did resemble Esmeralda in the well known play, "Wicked". She had coal black, straight hair and wore pointy-toed shoes, which were worn down to the nub--maybe from being used as brakes on a broom. She was attractive in a sort of sophisticated, cool, detached way. She was not green,like poor Esmeralda--- she only wore black, and had the same intellectually bored attitude with a smile that never projected joy---it was more of a condescending smirk, a sort of side ways, half smile. The only thing that belied her outer hard shell, were her green eyes, which would twinkle and sparkle, if she were occasionally moved to actually smile full on. Well, if Suzy was Esmeralda, I was her nemesis, Glinda ----the good, sweet witch, if you recall, and who was looked down upon with utter contempt by Esmeralda. Suzy tolerated me and my small town, cheery, smiley, California ways, but made it clear that I was more of a guest, than a roomate, which would imply an intimacy in her mind. I was not to clean the apartment, as that would also imply a sort of ownership, which was definitely not going to be the case. That place was hers, rent controlled, and no one was going to take it from her. Groovy. That part was just great with me, though I never saw Suzy lift a finger to tidy up the place. Maybe she hired it out, or---maybe she waved her magic wand, as everything always seemed spotless. She became obsessed with wanting to know my birth date and time of day I was born, so as to do a proper "chart". I,on the other hand, became obsessed with withholding that information from her, mostly just to assert my will over hers, but also because I had been brought up not to mess with any kind of witch craft----even one named, Suzy. Somehow she found out that I carried my birth certificate in my wallet and one day I discovered to my indignation that she had invaded my wallet and gotten the information she supposedly needed to then inform me as to my future. I begged her not to tell me, as I really preferred to find out the old fashioned way, but tell me she did, even though I stuck my fingers in my ears and sang a loud song. She didn't care, just kept on gleefully yelling out my future. Like I said, she was bizarre, and I'm not kidding. Once when we were awakened in the night by a false fire scare in our apartment building, she ran out of the room, screaming "every man for himself"----like I was going to crowd her out of the elevator or push her off the fire escape as I scrambled past her---not that she wouldn't have done the same for me.
Did her prophesies about my future come true---and was she really a witch in black New York street clothes? Actually, some of what she predicted did come eerily to pass. I won't go into detail, but she predicted in very specific terms how my personal life would surprisingly turn out in terms of romance and marriage. She then went on to say I would break one of my limbs in later life---I'm still waiting for that one. Thanks a lot, Suzy. She may have something to do with my having given up skiing some years ago.
I don't know whatever happened to Suzy. In a rare moment of roommate bonding,I actually invited her to move back to the west with me when I left. She seemed lonely and actually expressed something akin to regret at my leaving her. I thought if I could get her out of New York, she might find a softer, happier version of herself. Don't know if I was imagining it, but she was getting harder all the time---and a little green around the edges. Probably just her eye shadow--couldn't have been envy. She thought of me as totally hicksville. Anyway,she stared at me as though I had asked her to go to the moon, and said she would never survive outside of New York. She was probably right, and I was relieved--I couln't imagine her anywhere else either---especially not in my life anymore. I contacted her once when I was visiting New York. It had been many years since we had not so sadly parted ways. I didn't exactly anticipate a warm welcome---Suzie certainly wasn't what you would call "warm"-- had always been mildly amused at my small town friendliness.She was a chain smoker and could stare a hole right through you as she blew smoke in your face, while sizing you up. Still, I mistakenly thought that perhaps the years would have mellowed her a bit and that she would be, if not happy, well, --- mildly amused to hear from me---I said,"Hi, this is Kellee, your old roommate?" She said, "who?" I said," Remember, the one from California who was born at 12;00 a.m. on a Monday?? I continued with, "Just thought I'd call and say Hi". There was complete silence, and then she said simply--"Why?" She didn't even sound amused. That was pretty much it---maybe she was still miffed over the birth certificate thing. That was decades ago, and I've never heard from Suzy again. When I left her, she had been fired from her job----maybe she became a fortune teller. I think of her every time I read my horoscope in the newspaper---which is pretty much every morning. I don't think of that as consorting with witchcraft, and really don't put much stock into it--just a little,especially now that the planets are in a different arrangement than previously thought. Who knows, maybe our whole lives will take a huge turn for the better, now that our signs are a little different. I never did really feel like a total Virgo, anyway. Too much perfection, and not enough adventure---and maybe I've been let off the hook regarding a broken limb. I may even take up skiing again. Think I'll call Suzy one more time and tell her what I think of her "charts". Maybe somebody should put her in charge of locating President Obama's birth certificate---I'm pretty sure she could find it, if there is one.
Hey, Suze, if you're reading this, don't take it too personally---I was mildly fond of you---you taught me a lot about the big city and how to comport myself---only smile half way, always wear black, and don't even think about dusting the furniture. But you didn't fool me---I just know below that sideways smile, beat a heart of green, I mean gold. And President Obama, if you happen to be reading this,---- maybe you should have kept that birth certificate in your wallet! I'm just sayin'---
Friday, January 14, 2011
Sticks and Stones May Hurt My Bones, but----
A relatively quiet Saturday was shattered with the news of the awful tragedy in Arizona. It wasn't the first time we became aware that our country is not free from senseless shootings. It's been going on a long time from the assassinations of President Kennedy, then later his brother, Robert who was running for President, then the attempted murder of Ronald Reagan. Add to the mix, the murder of Martin Luther King, drive-by shootings by gang members, school shootings, and the Oklahoma City incident, not to mention attacks on our very own military bases, and other sordid incidents. And those tragedies are just some of the ones we know about----there are countless threats made every day, that we are never made aware of for security reasons. We are not a country safe from violence on our streets and public places. What's going on here? Are we coming apart at the seams as a society? The media would have us believe that while we may not be unraveling, we are being attacked from within by our own violent, virulent rhetoric. This concept was articulated carelessly by the sheriff of Tuscon on Saturday, when he implied that the perpetrator of the shootings may very well have been influenced by people who have expressed views counter to those of Mrs. Griffiths, an advocate against stricter immigration laws sought by Arizona. Not only was this imprudent of the sheriff in terms of possibly tainting the case against the shooter, it was an indictment against anyone who chooses to speak strongly their political differences and a threat against one of our most treasured rights---free speech. Turns out that we have now learned that the young man had some very strange habits, but listening to political dialogue on TV or radio, were not among them. But even if that had been the case, are we to pander or shrink from our freedoms because of the actions of one mentally unbalanced individual? It was a ridiculous and wrong-headed comment, which in of itself could be considered a virulent, political attack on those who disagree with the sheriff's views. Would he have us all bow meekly to whatever political power is in office, afraid that we might cause or be blamed for another tragedy? It would seem he thinks the opposing parties to his beliefs, namely the Republicans and most specifically the conservatives, should use kinder, softer words. If that be the case, then perhaps he should also advise and caution those on the other side of the political aisle and remember back to the Bush years ---when the well known directive was to take President Bush down by impugning his presidency and character at every opportunity. The attacks were and continue to be savage.President Obama personally called the sheriff and congratulated him on a job well done shortly after the attack. It would have been refreshing, presidential, and leaderly of the president to have added that airing of the sheriff's political view would better be left unsaid at the scene of a terribly sad and devastating crime.
Emotions run high during times of tragedy and loss---but please---let's stop playing the blame game---particularly when there is really no one to blame, except the person who committed the crime. Harsh words are never pleasant, but nicer words would not have stopped this young man from his actions. Perhaps our efforts should better be directed towards offering more concern and aid to those who are mentally ill, before they become a threat to society and themselves.
Self righteousness and hypocrisy from both parties are nothing new in the political realm---in fact, they are often bedfellows with speechifying and self proclaimed positions of moral leadership---which is why a lecturing tone by any politician never goes down very well with the American public,particularly when done during times of heart-breaking, emotional events. It comes across as opportunistic, and the current polls are reflecting that feeling toward the sheriff and the recent media tone.
We, as a nation, may be polarized and in the throes of much political narrative---but we are not coming apart at the seams, mentally unbalanced, or out of control. We are exercising our rights to be heard and if that sometimes means using disagreeable words, not withstanding slander or libel, that is the nature of politics and a free country--- not attractive or admirable, but part of who we are. Love her or hate her, Sarah Palin could be the poster politician for verbal and written abuse. She has endured endless professional and deeply persoanl attacks from the left, and very few have come to her rescue or defense. Absolutely, civil discourse should always be the aim, and "civil" means to use one's words within a frame work of common respect and dignity for the opposing view point--not to intimidate, ridicule, or overpower, but to persuade, enlighten, clarify and even respectfully point out weaknesses of the other side. We expect this from our civil servants, and judge them accordingly. But what about right wing talk radio and left wing t.v. pundits? Should they be allowed to speak their very opinionated views, which at times could be said to be not so civil? Do they not have their rights as well, and we to listen, if we so choose? Some people within the government think not-- there are already legislative moves underway to silence conservative talk radio and prohibit use of certain symbols or language. Whose rules and standards, one wonders, would govern and monitor these actions? This type of self appointed arbitrator of our rights to speak and listen to and read other opinions has always been referred to as "censorship"---it bears intense watching. And what about our very violent and often politically motivated movies and TV programs---or should we also seek to silence them?
President Obama last night spoke before a crowd of heart broken people in Arizona, anxious for comforting and inspirational words. He gave them exactly that in a 30 minute speech. But it began to sound like a lecture as he advised the country to speak in healing words, not those which would wound. Wound? That was a strange choice of word---words of opposition will hardly ever heal, and may offend---but the word "wound" seemed a bit dramatic. One hopes he will take his own advice in the future and not refer to his opponents as "the enemy" as he has done on occasion. His style has not been of healing, but often combative, as in when he said the Republicans could sit at the back of the car, but not be allowed to speak, or when he mentioned in regards to his opponents that if they bring a knife to the fight, his side should bring a gun. President Obama is human, with flaws like the rest of us, but hopefully as he matures, his presidency will lift him above his own instincts and elevate his rhetoric to a more uniting tone. He showed great promise last night that perhaps he, too, will change and lead the country to a place of more civility. That would be lovely. But the goal should also include the hope for more, not less discourse. Many people already do not voice their opinions for fear of being called rabble rousers or trouble makers. We need to keep talking and not be discouraged from doing so---for therein lies our strength to stay able to do so--and to remain a free, democratic society. Weakness would soon follow a country afraid to speak out --China , Russia, Iran come to mind---very "civil" countries, but their citizens best keep their opinons to themselves.
Become more civil? Oh, yes-- that's what this blog is all about--civil, sprightly conversation and debate without anger, malice, arrogance, or personal attacks----but more is the worry that in our efforts to become so very politically correct and non-offensive to anyone, we will become less inclined to say anything at all. Silence can be worse than words---
Emotions run high during times of tragedy and loss---but please---let's stop playing the blame game---particularly when there is really no one to blame, except the person who committed the crime. Harsh words are never pleasant, but nicer words would not have stopped this young man from his actions. Perhaps our efforts should better be directed towards offering more concern and aid to those who are mentally ill, before they become a threat to society and themselves.
Self righteousness and hypocrisy from both parties are nothing new in the political realm---in fact, they are often bedfellows with speechifying and self proclaimed positions of moral leadership---which is why a lecturing tone by any politician never goes down very well with the American public,particularly when done during times of heart-breaking, emotional events. It comes across as opportunistic, and the current polls are reflecting that feeling toward the sheriff and the recent media tone.
We, as a nation, may be polarized and in the throes of much political narrative---but we are not coming apart at the seams, mentally unbalanced, or out of control. We are exercising our rights to be heard and if that sometimes means using disagreeable words, not withstanding slander or libel, that is the nature of politics and a free country--- not attractive or admirable, but part of who we are. Love her or hate her, Sarah Palin could be the poster politician for verbal and written abuse. She has endured endless professional and deeply persoanl attacks from the left, and very few have come to her rescue or defense. Absolutely, civil discourse should always be the aim, and "civil" means to use one's words within a frame work of common respect and dignity for the opposing view point--not to intimidate, ridicule, or overpower, but to persuade, enlighten, clarify and even respectfully point out weaknesses of the other side. We expect this from our civil servants, and judge them accordingly. But what about right wing talk radio and left wing t.v. pundits? Should they be allowed to speak their very opinionated views, which at times could be said to be not so civil? Do they not have their rights as well, and we to listen, if we so choose? Some people within the government think not-- there are already legislative moves underway to silence conservative talk radio and prohibit use of certain symbols or language. Whose rules and standards, one wonders, would govern and monitor these actions? This type of self appointed arbitrator of our rights to speak and listen to and read other opinions has always been referred to as "censorship"---it bears intense watching. And what about our very violent and often politically motivated movies and TV programs---or should we also seek to silence them?
President Obama last night spoke before a crowd of heart broken people in Arizona, anxious for comforting and inspirational words. He gave them exactly that in a 30 minute speech. But it began to sound like a lecture as he advised the country to speak in healing words, not those which would wound. Wound? That was a strange choice of word---words of opposition will hardly ever heal, and may offend---but the word "wound" seemed a bit dramatic. One hopes he will take his own advice in the future and not refer to his opponents as "the enemy" as he has done on occasion. His style has not been of healing, but often combative, as in when he said the Republicans could sit at the back of the car, but not be allowed to speak, or when he mentioned in regards to his opponents that if they bring a knife to the fight, his side should bring a gun. President Obama is human, with flaws like the rest of us, but hopefully as he matures, his presidency will lift him above his own instincts and elevate his rhetoric to a more uniting tone. He showed great promise last night that perhaps he, too, will change and lead the country to a place of more civility. That would be lovely. But the goal should also include the hope for more, not less discourse. Many people already do not voice their opinions for fear of being called rabble rousers or trouble makers. We need to keep talking and not be discouraged from doing so---for therein lies our strength to stay able to do so--and to remain a free, democratic society. Weakness would soon follow a country afraid to speak out --China , Russia, Iran come to mind---very "civil" countries, but their citizens best keep their opinons to themselves.
Become more civil? Oh, yes-- that's what this blog is all about--civil, sprightly conversation and debate without anger, malice, arrogance, or personal attacks----but more is the worry that in our efforts to become so very politically correct and non-offensive to anyone, we will become less inclined to say anything at all. Silence can be worse than words---
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
WILL THE MEETING PLEASE COME TO ORDER?
In case you didn't notice, the 112th congress opened this week to much media fanfare, ceremony, and even attendance by some family members of the newly elected officials. As Nancy Pelosi graciously-ahem-handed over a very large gavel to John Boehner, the new majority speaker of the house, one would have thought we had entered a new era of peace, love, and tranquility between the two parties. One would have been dead wrong. Before the session had ended, both parties had made clear their objectives---and they were not conducive to any resemblance of bi-partisanship. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid made very clear that she and her party will defend to the death the health care bill and other controversial issues passed under her watch. John Boehner, under pressure to represent his constituents, including the influential Tea Partiers, and what the Republicans feel was a very definite mandate from the American public, countered with his announced intentions to challenge and change the direction of the congress back to a more conservative stance. For starters, he required that the first day's session would begin with the reading of the Constitution. What? What does that have to do with anything? Much to the chagrin of the Democrats, they seemed to feel they were being chided---and perhaps they were, for playing a little fast and loose with some of the founding father's rules, at least according to the Republicans. In addition, and to make life even more difficult for them, any new proposed legislation will first have to pass muster by attaching the appropriate section of the Constitution to the bill. Oh, the headache of it all---just when they were on such a roll. Life just isn't fair---but the original idea was to stay balanced---and fair. That being said, we're in for wild ride---hold on to your party hats.
But will the Republicans be able to really do much damage to the Democrats with a Senate still controlled by the Dems and a president who would surely veto anything counter productive to his liberal agenda? The answer is probably no, but it is their assignment to go through the motions, and so they will, just for the record--and possibly their political future. On the other side of the aisle, The Dems must show a little willingness to open the door and their minds to compromise. Obama himself may have the trickiest, most difficult job ahead, ideologist that he is---not only must he try to hold the line for his threatened health care bill and defend his position on others, but he must appear flexible and willing to listen to the other side---or risk losing his job all together in the next election---to say nothing of the extreme left wing who continue to breathe down his neck and press for even more of their liberal wishes. You have to wonder what part of the last election results they did not understand. But still, Harry Reid, who so adamantly labeled the Republicans "the party of 'no'" came out, dukes up, with warnings that any challenges to modify or change will be met with defeat---otherwise known as no, no, and no. Harry doesn't appear to play well with others. Obama must learn to do so, and might start with muzzling a bit, both Reid and Pelosi. This is make or break time for the Prez, and he needs to become his own man---"man up", transcend some of his cronies and become a true leader of the people, not just a party pawn. His recent cabinet choice of Bill Daley as Chief of Staff is somewhat encouraging, given Daley's pro business background and acumen, but we need to see more evidence that Obama doesn't consider big business the enemy.
The immediate challenge for both parties will be how to keep the economy moving and ease down more quickly the unemployment numbers. At the same time, congress must come to terms with the out of control budget and whether to increase the debt ceiling for temporary relief, or put the brakes on spending immediately-----and that's probably not going to happen. To do so, would be to default on our loans to other countries, damaging our already questionable credit rating, among other drastic cuts too traumatic for the country to face at this time. The wheels have to keep turning, for now, but the great debate regarding our ever growing debt versus our ever growing government will be central to every move that congress attempts to make. We are at a crisis point with a debt load of 13.7 trillion and which is not sustainable. In other words, we're in a "hot mess" and it's time to get real about our spending issues and priorities, or some predict we may fall off the proverbial cliff.
First on the Republican's to-do list is to repeal the very unpopular health care bill, while the Dems seethe with fury over this affront to their view point and narrowly passed, but passionately fought for piece of legislation. There isn't much hope that the Republicans will succeed, but there are 22 democrats who voted against the bill in the first place. If some of them were to break loose and vote Republican, it is conceivable that we could see repeal, but look for the battle to be a bloody one. The Republicans feel this bill will put our country into even more debt, while the Dems feel just the opposite---game on.
Much is riding on the next couple of years, as we attempt to pull ourselves out of the muck and regain our footing as the leader of the free world. China is rising, Japan is falling, and Europe is hanging on with its finger nails. Our fate hangs in the balance---will we stand or fall? Have we seen our best days? Will China, as some predict, overtake us as the the most powerful nation? Stay tuned---it's the greatest show on earth, and the world is watching. We can afford to do nothing less---nor can we afford to be only spectators. As the politicians ply their craft, hammer our their proposals, fight among themselves, compromise, and play their games---we the people and our generations to follow, will pay for the expenses and live out the results. The stakes are high, the rules keep changing,and the winners or losers are us---so pull up a chair. Better yet, call your congressman/congresswoman and tell them how you feel. You might remind them that we own the biggest gavel of all. Will the country please come to order?
But will the Republicans be able to really do much damage to the Democrats with a Senate still controlled by the Dems and a president who would surely veto anything counter productive to his liberal agenda? The answer is probably no, but it is their assignment to go through the motions, and so they will, just for the record--and possibly their political future. On the other side of the aisle, The Dems must show a little willingness to open the door and their minds to compromise. Obama himself may have the trickiest, most difficult job ahead, ideologist that he is---not only must he try to hold the line for his threatened health care bill and defend his position on others, but he must appear flexible and willing to listen to the other side---or risk losing his job all together in the next election---to say nothing of the extreme left wing who continue to breathe down his neck and press for even more of their liberal wishes. You have to wonder what part of the last election results they did not understand. But still, Harry Reid, who so adamantly labeled the Republicans "the party of 'no'" came out, dukes up, with warnings that any challenges to modify or change will be met with defeat---otherwise known as no, no, and no. Harry doesn't appear to play well with others. Obama must learn to do so, and might start with muzzling a bit, both Reid and Pelosi. This is make or break time for the Prez, and he needs to become his own man---"man up", transcend some of his cronies and become a true leader of the people, not just a party pawn. His recent cabinet choice of Bill Daley as Chief of Staff is somewhat encouraging, given Daley's pro business background and acumen, but we need to see more evidence that Obama doesn't consider big business the enemy.
The immediate challenge for both parties will be how to keep the economy moving and ease down more quickly the unemployment numbers. At the same time, congress must come to terms with the out of control budget and whether to increase the debt ceiling for temporary relief, or put the brakes on spending immediately-----and that's probably not going to happen. To do so, would be to default on our loans to other countries, damaging our already questionable credit rating, among other drastic cuts too traumatic for the country to face at this time. The wheels have to keep turning, for now, but the great debate regarding our ever growing debt versus our ever growing government will be central to every move that congress attempts to make. We are at a crisis point with a debt load of 13.7 trillion and which is not sustainable. In other words, we're in a "hot mess" and it's time to get real about our spending issues and priorities, or some predict we may fall off the proverbial cliff.
First on the Republican's to-do list is to repeal the very unpopular health care bill, while the Dems seethe with fury over this affront to their view point and narrowly passed, but passionately fought for piece of legislation. There isn't much hope that the Republicans will succeed, but there are 22 democrats who voted against the bill in the first place. If some of them were to break loose and vote Republican, it is conceivable that we could see repeal, but look for the battle to be a bloody one. The Republicans feel this bill will put our country into even more debt, while the Dems feel just the opposite---game on.
Much is riding on the next couple of years, as we attempt to pull ourselves out of the muck and regain our footing as the leader of the free world. China is rising, Japan is falling, and Europe is hanging on with its finger nails. Our fate hangs in the balance---will we stand or fall? Have we seen our best days? Will China, as some predict, overtake us as the the most powerful nation? Stay tuned---it's the greatest show on earth, and the world is watching. We can afford to do nothing less---nor can we afford to be only spectators. As the politicians ply their craft, hammer our their proposals, fight among themselves, compromise, and play their games---we the people and our generations to follow, will pay for the expenses and live out the results. The stakes are high, the rules keep changing,and the winners or losers are us---so pull up a chair. Better yet, call your congressman/congresswoman and tell them how you feel. You might remind them that we own the biggest gavel of all. Will the country please come to order?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Grit---You Got It??
"True Grit", a remake of an old John Wayne movie about taking on the raw ways of the old west,is showing nation wide and might be a good way to start your new year. We may need a little old fashioned American grit as we wander into the unchartered territory of 2011. As 2010 limps to its tired conclusion, most of us look eagerly, but tentatively for a clean new year to round the bend. What will it hold? Surely it will bring us better times--won't it? Uh,well---not necessarily, pardner--- and not so fast,either. The best opinions by economists seem to be that the economy, growing at around 2.3 percent is getting better, but not as rapidly as it should, given the deep hole we fell into and past history. And there are those who gloomily predict that it could get worse, which is why it isn't getting better faster than it is---nobody really knows, and uncertainty breeds caution. But we've been living like this for a couple of years now, and have to a degree adjusted our thinking and living habits. Credit card debt is down and saving if not up, is a goal. People are becoming accustomed to the idea that it's going to be a hard slog back to a healthy economy, and that the "American dream" will possibly no longer be achievable as we once knew it. Which begs the question--- Will we, in the push to regulate, tax, and distribute income become another Europe? Or are we developing a bit of what our ancestors and John Wayne and his "Rooster Cogburn" character had----true grit? And will that enable us to climb back into prosperity?
As I thought over the past year, I remembered someone with true grit---a very good friend, who visited our town to publicly tell his story of one of Oscar Schindler's youngest survivors. Our friend, Leon Leyson had always embodied kindness and gentleness; yet after hearing his story of living through the holocaust, I saw a different man---a very tough, resilient man who must have decided at one point, he would bend, but never break---he would and did survive as did so many other holocaust survivors. They went on to give life to over 7000 more of their own children and grandchildren--descendents of a people who hung on, even when it seemed all was lost. Leon, along with many other refugees immigrated to an America that helped to heal their hearts and allowed for dreams to come true. We were known as the "land of opportunity" like no other country. Leon went to school, got a degree, learned to speak English, worked hard, and has lived a very fulfilling and successful life. He had true grit--and a country that gave him a second chance.
True grit can be found even in a homeless person, who stripped of everything, still finds reason to go on. I see them more and more often, and admire their will to continue. While some may argue that we don't do enough for these people, with an improved economic climate and more prosperity comes more help. Charitable giving, of course decreases as the economy breaks down. It is interesting to note that studies have shown voluntary giving to be higher among those who advocate less government help and believe in self reliance--just the opposite of what one would think. Could it be that true grit is often accompanied by true compassion?
Grit is certainly found in countless victims of cancer or other diseases, who know the odds are against them, but continue to wage battles to a victory or sometimes defeat. They show incredible strength and even cheer in the face of illness and all manner of darkness--they refuse to break. They find reasons not only to go on, but to relish what's left of their journey. Having looked death square in the eyes, they turned defiantly away -- back towards the light. Some say that the quality to endure is due to certain genes, but could it be simply a choice one makes---to fight back, never give up, even if for just a little longer. I like to think that the American spirit is exemplified by these people---we do not give up without a fight, and it won't be the medicine of government aid that saves us---it will be our spirit that refuses to break.
A new book , "Unbroken" tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a true American hero with grit to spare. He showed that will to win as a marathon runner in the 30's, then as a world war two fighter airplane bombardier. On a mission to save fellow soldiers, he crash lands in the pacific. The 48 days he spends on a rubbery raft with three, then only one other survivor, tests his grit beyond any others who had similar experiences at that time. His fate gets worse as he is eventually rescued , but by the Japanese and then becomes a prisoner of war. It is an incredible story of survival and the spirit of a man who kept choosing to live, bend, grit his teeth and move on. One of the other two soldiers in Louie's raft did not make it. He was just as healthy, and fit---but he chose to give up.
True grit---do we have it as a nation anymore? Or have we become soft,spoiled by our past wealth as a country, and expecting others to care for our every basic need? And does that not breed even more softness? The coming year will surely bring opportunities to develop true grit----will we break into pieces of cynicism, self pity, and surrender? Or will we ride into the wind, guns of self determination blazing, and find ways to overcome our shaky economy and high unemployment?
I'm not much of good-bye girl, but I've already packed the sorry baggage of 2010---Adios, amigo. Like a good, but not particularly likeable side kick, you have given us many teachable moments, like a health care bill that may have been crafted with good intentions, but lacked the stability of deeper thought and more team effort; the oil spill, which caused huge damage, angst, and drama, but which cleaned up faster and better than the media would have us believe;and a mid term election, which was a desperate attempt to correct a one sided congress, the results of which we will see when congress convenes in January--- lessons hopefully learned. Hello 2011---can hardly wait to know you. C'mon in, stranger, sit yourself down, and let's see what you've got in mind for us. Don't be thinkin' we're down yet. We're at least a little tougher, smarter, and grittier than we were last year. We may have lost our way for awhile, but we'll find it again by the compass of our grass roots soul and our historic heritage to win. So, bring it on---as John Wayne once said, "Courage is being scared to death---and saddling up anyway." Happy trails, everybody! Grab your grit, and let's ride---
As I thought over the past year, I remembered someone with true grit---a very good friend, who visited our town to publicly tell his story of one of Oscar Schindler's youngest survivors. Our friend, Leon Leyson had always embodied kindness and gentleness; yet after hearing his story of living through the holocaust, I saw a different man---a very tough, resilient man who must have decided at one point, he would bend, but never break---he would and did survive as did so many other holocaust survivors. They went on to give life to over 7000 more of their own children and grandchildren--descendents of a people who hung on, even when it seemed all was lost. Leon, along with many other refugees immigrated to an America that helped to heal their hearts and allowed for dreams to come true. We were known as the "land of opportunity" like no other country. Leon went to school, got a degree, learned to speak English, worked hard, and has lived a very fulfilling and successful life. He had true grit--and a country that gave him a second chance.
True grit can be found even in a homeless person, who stripped of everything, still finds reason to go on. I see them more and more often, and admire their will to continue. While some may argue that we don't do enough for these people, with an improved economic climate and more prosperity comes more help. Charitable giving, of course decreases as the economy breaks down. It is interesting to note that studies have shown voluntary giving to be higher among those who advocate less government help and believe in self reliance--just the opposite of what one would think. Could it be that true grit is often accompanied by true compassion?
Grit is certainly found in countless victims of cancer or other diseases, who know the odds are against them, but continue to wage battles to a victory or sometimes defeat. They show incredible strength and even cheer in the face of illness and all manner of darkness--they refuse to break. They find reasons not only to go on, but to relish what's left of their journey. Having looked death square in the eyes, they turned defiantly away -- back towards the light. Some say that the quality to endure is due to certain genes, but could it be simply a choice one makes---to fight back, never give up, even if for just a little longer. I like to think that the American spirit is exemplified by these people---we do not give up without a fight, and it won't be the medicine of government aid that saves us---it will be our spirit that refuses to break.
A new book , "Unbroken" tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a true American hero with grit to spare. He showed that will to win as a marathon runner in the 30's, then as a world war two fighter airplane bombardier. On a mission to save fellow soldiers, he crash lands in the pacific. The 48 days he spends on a rubbery raft with three, then only one other survivor, tests his grit beyond any others who had similar experiences at that time. His fate gets worse as he is eventually rescued , but by the Japanese and then becomes a prisoner of war. It is an incredible story of survival and the spirit of a man who kept choosing to live, bend, grit his teeth and move on. One of the other two soldiers in Louie's raft did not make it. He was just as healthy, and fit---but he chose to give up.
True grit---do we have it as a nation anymore? Or have we become soft,spoiled by our past wealth as a country, and expecting others to care for our every basic need? And does that not breed even more softness? The coming year will surely bring opportunities to develop true grit----will we break into pieces of cynicism, self pity, and surrender? Or will we ride into the wind, guns of self determination blazing, and find ways to overcome our shaky economy and high unemployment?
I'm not much of good-bye girl, but I've already packed the sorry baggage of 2010---Adios, amigo. Like a good, but not particularly likeable side kick, you have given us many teachable moments, like a health care bill that may have been crafted with good intentions, but lacked the stability of deeper thought and more team effort; the oil spill, which caused huge damage, angst, and drama, but which cleaned up faster and better than the media would have us believe;and a mid term election, which was a desperate attempt to correct a one sided congress, the results of which we will see when congress convenes in January--- lessons hopefully learned. Hello 2011---can hardly wait to know you. C'mon in, stranger, sit yourself down, and let's see what you've got in mind for us. Don't be thinkin' we're down yet. We're at least a little tougher, smarter, and grittier than we were last year. We may have lost our way for awhile, but we'll find it again by the compass of our grass roots soul and our historic heritage to win. So, bring it on---as John Wayne once said, "Courage is being scared to death---and saddling up anyway." Happy trails, everybody! Grab your grit, and let's ride---
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Crossroads---Danger Ahead??
So--- this was Christmas 2010 and the world seemed to have slowed as if to take a breath from the monumental and the mundane of world affairs. But still the world turns and behind closed doors and curtains of secrecy, events are taking place which will affect all of us in the year to come. Even now, before the new year begins, we have seen important legislation passed such as the extension of the Bush tax cut--for everyone. Thank you Republicans, and Mr. President for compromising on this controversial issue. At the same time, unemployment benefits will extend for another 13 months and our social security taxes will go down a little. All this is hoped to boost our still lagging economy, which seems inexhorably tied to the general mood of the public and the market place---anxious uncertainty about the future. While some indicators show a little up tick in consumer spending, corporations that drive big business and thus the market place are holding on to their capital. Even President Obama, who met with several business leaders, a.k.a "fat cats' in his earlier vernacular, was not able to persuade them to spend. Maybe they have a tiny problem with name calling. And after all, while he may be the CEO of the country, he's not a man who's ever lived in the business world, much less looked at a balance sheet and wondered whether he should order more widgets or hire more employees when he still has widgets left over from last year, and he's laid off most of his crew just to keep afloat this year.
The prospects for 2011 are not that clear or rosy looking. We want to feel optimistic, but when unemployment still hovers around 10 percent, we hear unsettling news of more and more states going broke, and our own budget and its advisors are insisting on cut backs, conservative spending, and a general attitude of austerity, it's hard to feel that "happy days" are here again. We have a ways to go. If we are to get our house in order, it appears there must be dramatic changes, yet the government continues to ignore this advice, simply printing up more money, and loading our debt to the hilt for the next generation.
Defeating the heavily earmark loaded Omnibus bill last weekend was a start in the right direction, but many more dramatic changes will have to be made. Pension plans, bonuses, and other generous state and federal employee benefits are all under heavy scrutiny as states like California are struggling to keep from buckling under their debt load. Is California the canary in the coal mine? Are we seeing a paradigm shift that could eventually change our entire structure of individual, independent states? It appears we are at a tipping point; yet the "lame duck" congress in a last ditch effort to win Democrat agenda victories, quite aptly pushed through legislation that has been on the back burner for months and which will add even more debt. They of course knew that the holiday urgency to get things done and wrapped up, gave them an edge in rushing through their bills without as much thinking and debate time as they should require. But did they not get the message,stated loud and clear at the last election? It is time to heed the warning signs and stop the out of control spending, even if it is dressed in well meant benefits for much deserving groups. The money simply isn't there, unless it is taken from other sources, which never seems to be acceptable. Europe and their staggering economies are showing us the result of too many government entitlements and is eventually unsustainable---like a boat that keeps taking on too many passengers, it will not continue to float and we may be left with a country we no longer recognize. Already, many feel that we are losing respect in the eyes of the international community, as they watch our financial house start to crumble and we continue to fight among ourselves over what to do about it. It would seem it is time for far fewer politics and more more merging of the minds to achieve practical solutions. But instead, we watch helplessly as our so called representatives continue playing politics at such a crucial moment in our history.
And as if we don't have enough to worry about---in a recent Time magazine article, editorialist, Mr. Zakaria wrote that he felt the over riding concern of the immediate future for America is something called microterrorism, or smaller attacks, and our seeming inability to come to terms with the insidious nature of the enemy. Scattered throughout the world, in places hard to control, prone to suicide bombs, and without western values, they are difficult to find and fight. They are determined to destroy not only us, but our entire way of life--- not necessarily by huge devastating events, but by slowly chipping away at our security,what the terrorists call "a thousand cuts" in order to "bleed us to death", rather than staging large scale events, such as 9/11. Mr. Zakaria depressingly goes on to predict that as technology allows more accessability to information, the violence will increase. It is a terrifying thought, and one we will have to grapple with in the coming years. This is not a problem that's going to go away or beaten back by traditional methods. It would seem we could better define our offensiveness by recognizing the enemy by calling them such and naming their attacks "war". But the current administration in an effort to play down the drama of the situation is against this type of labeling. We must be above this sort of childish behavior, it would seem is Obama's attitude. All well and good, if the stakes were not so high. Yet, the behavior goes on as we hear of many more thwarted and yet to be attempted attacks. Last year alone, according to the Department of Homeland Security, saw more acts of terrorism attempted in this country alone, than in any one previous year. Again, it would seem it's time to focus more on the reality than on the politics. At least, let's look the enemy in the eye, call him out for what he is, and finally become what we must-- even more acutely aware of the possible danger ahead, perhaps more pre-emptive, and just as determined as the enemy to win. But even if it means giving up some of our civil liberties? We, who fancy ourselves the "shining city on the hill", with freedom and justice for all-- perhaps now must fight to save ourselves with intolerance and suspicions for some? It is the great conundrum this nation now faces.
Bah-humbug? Sorry, but Christmas, 2010 finds us with little political good news to write home about. On the other hand, nobody promised us a "rose garden", did they? In spite of evil there are forces for good everywhere---while South and North Korea rattle their nuclear swords, we are working with Russia to encourage peace and minimize the manufacturing of nuclear war heads via the START treaty; and after years of discrimination, hate crimes, and endless debate, gays are finally not forced to lie when serving in our military. The repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell" was the right thing to do, is another huge step in the right direction. President Obama is to be commended on both of these peacemaking issues. We will all keep trying to get it all right, because that's who we are as a people. For all our faults,when you boil us down to our essence, our better instincts and desire to be good bubble to the surface and will guide and sustain us. As the full moon gazes placidly down upon us, and the winter solstice brings longer days which sends the message that light always overcomes darkness, we can hope that "happy days" will come again.
The webs that man weaves for himself are only that---webs of his own making. But the human spirit is not of our own making----it is divine in source, and can soar above earth's troubles and hope that all things will eventually work themselves out. Webs can be untangled, relationships healed, wars ceased---miracles can happen. Isn't that what Christmas is all about---"I bring you tidings of great joy-----"? Take a moment to consider the meaning of that message. The messenger went on to say, "Peace on earth, good will toward men".What a timeless thought---if the angels thought it possible, why can't we?
The prospects for 2011 are not that clear or rosy looking. We want to feel optimistic, but when unemployment still hovers around 10 percent, we hear unsettling news of more and more states going broke, and our own budget and its advisors are insisting on cut backs, conservative spending, and a general attitude of austerity, it's hard to feel that "happy days" are here again. We have a ways to go. If we are to get our house in order, it appears there must be dramatic changes, yet the government continues to ignore this advice, simply printing up more money, and loading our debt to the hilt for the next generation.
Defeating the heavily earmark loaded Omnibus bill last weekend was a start in the right direction, but many more dramatic changes will have to be made. Pension plans, bonuses, and other generous state and federal employee benefits are all under heavy scrutiny as states like California are struggling to keep from buckling under their debt load. Is California the canary in the coal mine? Are we seeing a paradigm shift that could eventually change our entire structure of individual, independent states? It appears we are at a tipping point; yet the "lame duck" congress in a last ditch effort to win Democrat agenda victories, quite aptly pushed through legislation that has been on the back burner for months and which will add even more debt. They of course knew that the holiday urgency to get things done and wrapped up, gave them an edge in rushing through their bills without as much thinking and debate time as they should require. But did they not get the message,stated loud and clear at the last election? It is time to heed the warning signs and stop the out of control spending, even if it is dressed in well meant benefits for much deserving groups. The money simply isn't there, unless it is taken from other sources, which never seems to be acceptable. Europe and their staggering economies are showing us the result of too many government entitlements and is eventually unsustainable---like a boat that keeps taking on too many passengers, it will not continue to float and we may be left with a country we no longer recognize. Already, many feel that we are losing respect in the eyes of the international community, as they watch our financial house start to crumble and we continue to fight among ourselves over what to do about it. It would seem it is time for far fewer politics and more more merging of the minds to achieve practical solutions. But instead, we watch helplessly as our so called representatives continue playing politics at such a crucial moment in our history.
And as if we don't have enough to worry about---in a recent Time magazine article, editorialist, Mr. Zakaria wrote that he felt the over riding concern of the immediate future for America is something called microterrorism, or smaller attacks, and our seeming inability to come to terms with the insidious nature of the enemy. Scattered throughout the world, in places hard to control, prone to suicide bombs, and without western values, they are difficult to find and fight. They are determined to destroy not only us, but our entire way of life--- not necessarily by huge devastating events, but by slowly chipping away at our security,what the terrorists call "a thousand cuts" in order to "bleed us to death", rather than staging large scale events, such as 9/11. Mr. Zakaria depressingly goes on to predict that as technology allows more accessability to information, the violence will increase. It is a terrifying thought, and one we will have to grapple with in the coming years. This is not a problem that's going to go away or beaten back by traditional methods. It would seem we could better define our offensiveness by recognizing the enemy by calling them such and naming their attacks "war". But the current administration in an effort to play down the drama of the situation is against this type of labeling. We must be above this sort of childish behavior, it would seem is Obama's attitude. All well and good, if the stakes were not so high. Yet, the behavior goes on as we hear of many more thwarted and yet to be attempted attacks. Last year alone, according to the Department of Homeland Security, saw more acts of terrorism attempted in this country alone, than in any one previous year. Again, it would seem it's time to focus more on the reality than on the politics. At least, let's look the enemy in the eye, call him out for what he is, and finally become what we must-- even more acutely aware of the possible danger ahead, perhaps more pre-emptive, and just as determined as the enemy to win. But even if it means giving up some of our civil liberties? We, who fancy ourselves the "shining city on the hill", with freedom and justice for all-- perhaps now must fight to save ourselves with intolerance and suspicions for some? It is the great conundrum this nation now faces.
Bah-humbug? Sorry, but Christmas, 2010 finds us with little political good news to write home about. On the other hand, nobody promised us a "rose garden", did they? In spite of evil there are forces for good everywhere---while South and North Korea rattle their nuclear swords, we are working with Russia to encourage peace and minimize the manufacturing of nuclear war heads via the START treaty; and after years of discrimination, hate crimes, and endless debate, gays are finally not forced to lie when serving in our military. The repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell" was the right thing to do, is another huge step in the right direction. President Obama is to be commended on both of these peacemaking issues. We will all keep trying to get it all right, because that's who we are as a people. For all our faults,when you boil us down to our essence, our better instincts and desire to be good bubble to the surface and will guide and sustain us. As the full moon gazes placidly down upon us, and the winter solstice brings longer days which sends the message that light always overcomes darkness, we can hope that "happy days" will come again.
The webs that man weaves for himself are only that---webs of his own making. But the human spirit is not of our own making----it is divine in source, and can soar above earth's troubles and hope that all things will eventually work themselves out. Webs can be untangled, relationships healed, wars ceased---miracles can happen. Isn't that what Christmas is all about---"I bring you tidings of great joy-----"? Take a moment to consider the meaning of that message. The messenger went on to say, "Peace on earth, good will toward men".What a timeless thought---if the angels thought it possible, why can't we?
Monday, December 13, 2010
MIRACLE IN THE SKY---And the Return of Angel Unleashed
Angel looked down once more at her flock, shook her head sadly, and thought--I must return to them again. They are not doing well at all.Perhaps if they could see me as I really am, they would respond differently to their lives. Even though I wrap my wings around them, and whisper comfort in their ears, they fail to respond---they are lost in their own misery and fears.How can I reach them? There is that lovely girl, who worries incessantly about her weight, the boy who no one accepts because of his disability, the dad who cannot find a job, and so many who have simply lost their faith somewhere along the way. I must find a way to raise them from their unhappiness back into the light----but how? I am just a lowly angel.
Then, a thought occurred to Angel---she would allow them to see her, not as a human, but as an angel--born of light and goodness, a spiritual being, and she would tell them there is so much more to live---and to die for. But first I must seek permission. Hm-m-m-m, probably not going to happen--He doesn't like us showing off and up like that---too many imposters have given us a bad name. It seems ostentatious, almost cheesy to show up as if to say---hey, look at me---I'm an angel No, her idea to return as an angel would never fly, so to speak. She would have to think of something else.
A few weeks later, the world was celebrating Christmas---it was announced that in the very noble and historical interest of dividing church from state, there would be no displays of religious themes, songs, or church services---any where.The world had become completely secular, free from all religious trappings. There were still decorations, fun winter songs and plays like "The Nutcracker".But no mention of Christ, or the reason for his birth.
Christmas day, dawned bright and sunny all around the world---Angel had been working very hard. She had a plan, and she prayed that it would work to ease the burdens of those that would see something they had never seen before.
Angel was somewhat of an artist--of cloud arranging. The clouds were all stacked and ready to go, to be formed into one huge sky portrait. There were white clouds, and pink clouds, and grey clouds---all fluffy and soft. As she moved them into one huge pile, over the area of her flock, she quickly began to shape, sculp, and weave the clouds into one fabulous image-----When she was finished, the result was magnificent-----a choir of angels and in the middle, a large figure with his arms outstretched. Angel was so pleased with herself---she looked down at earth and saw to her devastating surprise that no one was paying any attention.The scene could only be seen from heaven's perch.
Frustrated and sad, she went to her Father----how can I show them we love them, and that they are in your hands? What can we do? The Father looked at the angel and said: "You are doing all you can by yourself----perhaps you should look for some earthly assistance."Have you heard of earth angels? Look for them---they exist, and are looking for ways to help."
And so she did---she deputised them by whispering in their ears while they were asleep, that they could make a difference. And so, even though they did not know it, they became part of Angel's army. She managed to cross their paths with those who were in need. The angel helpers gave comfort, aid, encouragement, love, and loyalty to all they met---and little by little the world became a little better place. The girl with the weight problem was befriended by one of them who told her to love herself for herself, and not how she looked; the boy no one liked suddenly found another boy who felt the same way, and a man who had lost his faith, one day wandered alone into a church. Beside himself with grief, sadness, and disillusionment, he sank to his knees, surrendered his doubts, prayed, and began to feel the lightness of believing again. Angel and her army were busy beacons of help during this time and in the dark of someone's night; and everyone they helped, helped someone else. To this day, they are everywhere, and show up unexpectedly just when you might need a helping hand, or an angel's touch.
But the following Christmas, the angel, undaunted, decided to try the cloud trick again --- this time, she wisely asked for some heavenly help. She recruited as many angels as she could, and then she asked God to assist----duh! Why had she not done this before? Sometimes, even angels get ahead of themselves. God doesn't always say yes,but He adored this angel. She was perky, persistant, even pesky, and, well, just a little theatrical. She never took no for an answer and she thought all things were possible--even a heavenly production. He had taught her well. And so He agreed to her rather dramatic plan, and together He and all the angels flipped the newly sculpted cloud over---and there it was---this absolutely gorgeous view of a heavenly choir, with breathtaking peeks beyond the clouds of pink mansions, golden streets and landscapes beyond imagination. Then suddenly God himself appeared and said " Behold, I am the Amighty, everlasting God, your Father. There are no other Gods before me. You are my people, and I sent my son, Jesus Christ, to show you the way home. It's as simple as that, and much more complicated than you may ever know. Believe---and love one another". And then, He disappeared. The clouds began to swirl and blur the entire montage, until they were once again only clouds.
The people stood dumfounded---what had just happened? Was it real, or was it some sort of weather phenomena? But there had been music as well--beautiful, peaceful music. It had filled their senses and made them weep. Eventually everyone dispersed and returned to their homes. They told everyone what they had seen and heard---but nobody believed them. It was just too much--and terribly politically incorrect. Christmas was no longer thought of as religious, and was not to be spoken as such in public. And so the miracle in the clouds gradually became only a story that the people who had witnessed it told only a precious few---and even they who had seen it began to think it had been a mirage, or some kind of group illusion brought on by too much dust and pollution. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, and now supposedly in charge of the entire world's climate) even took it upon themselves to build a new forest of wind mills in that particular area, and began research on how to rid the sky of so many clouds, which were interfering with the capturing of the sun's rays, to say nothing of this ridiculous story of a heavenly vision. The next thing you know, they said, people will begin to believe in angels.
The angel once again despaired-- She went to her Father and said, "What can we do to make them see the glory and the wonder, God?" God said---"In good time, my child, in good time. It is all around them. They look, but they don't see. They hear, but they do not listen. They must first open their hearts." The angel said,"How does that happen, Lord?" The Lord smiled and said, "I have people working on that---and you are one of them. The angel began to weep and gazed adoringly at her God----"I am your servant, my Lord, I will keep trying, but some of them are so lost---please find a way to bring them all home." The Lord smiled at his dear angel--- "You are getting a little ahead of yourself again. Now, be an angel, and go tend to your flock---they need you, and time is running out".
It happened that the next Christmas, in a certain town, on a certain day, a few people looked up at the sky and saw a most unusual cloud formation----there seemed to be a group of letters that drifted and gathered until they read----"Merry Christmas!! Love, Your Guardian Angel." One of the onlookers swore he saw something that resembled an angel perched on top of the highest letter of the highest cloud. She was smiling as she threw a kiss---twirled around once---and took a bow.
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