If you're not feelin' it, the pressure from the debt crisis countdown to Aug 2, you must be living in a cave. It's everywhere, the talking heads on tv, the radio talk shows, the newspapers, the internet---will the sky really fall, is it really that serious, or will we somehow find a way out of this more than scary situation before we need to find out? For all the drama, there's still no ending. Our congress seem unable to solve the riddle of the debt crisis as we move ever closer to the deadline One plan after the other has been offered up as way out, or at least a way to keep going for awhile, and each one has been scuttled, as too weak on taxes, or too strong on cuts.
President Obama so far, while long on words and scolding speeches, has been woefully short on any resolution or plan of his own design. He has given several press conferences, the latest this morning, imploring bi-partisanship. Perhaps if he could have been more of an example---he could have rallied all the troops, instead of pitting one against the other. Instead, he continued to blame Bush for past deeds, and the Republicans for holding the nation hostage and for, offering only unsatisfactory plans,which seems to be anything at all that includes serious spending cuts and doesn't include increasing taxes. In other words, it's my way or the highway, fellas---get it? John Boehner, House majority leader, gets it alright, and virtually threw up his hands last Friday, saying he could not negotialte with the president any longer, as they are just too far apart in their thinking and the president keeps changing his mind. Nothing short of a "clean bill", Obama's past April term for a proposal to increase the debt without any cuts, giving him full reign to keep spending, seems to be what this president really wants, though he reluctantly now agrees to some light weight cuts---unbelievably, he keeps blaming the Republicans for their stubborn unwillingness to compromise, and even turning down Senator Harry Reid's plan, which raises the debt limit, but omits the holy grail of a tax increase.
One is reminded of the old story, "The Emperor Who Wore No Clothes"---the transparency is so there, but the bully pulpit of Obama allows him to think he can run nakededly through the controversy wearing his only real solution---to raise taxes in order to keep paying for his over spending. The problem, Mr. Obama---is DEBT OVERLOAD--- we are spending more than we're taking in---raising taxes will just prolong and cover up the symptoms of a disease called "living outside our means". Nor is it fair, many feel, to continuously berate the rich (those making over 250,000.00, for "not giving their fair share"). What's fair about asking for more and more, while you continue to spend more and more, already having racked up more debt than any other president in history? Of course, there is the other side of the argument, which claims it's unfair for the rich to not share their wealth when the country is in such trouble, but that is a philosophical debate, not pragmatic, nor practical at this very crucial time---we simply can't afford to rock the boat with higher taxes on those who in many ways supply the jobs. Even the Democrats have come around to recognizing that, as seen with the one plan they have presented, via Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader.
There are now two plans being considered: The John Boehner plan, which raises the debt by 1.2 trillion and requests in return, 900 billion in cuts, but another review in 6 months with possible further increases; and the Harry Reid plan, which offers 2.2 trillion debt raise, no review until 2012 (after the election) and cuts dependent on the wind down of our two wars, assumable and not considered negotiable cuts by the Republicans. Both are probably dead on arrival. The Boehner plan, as of last night, had awkwardly stalled, the Republicans not even able to agree among themselves on whether to include a balanced budget amendment to the bill, which the more conservative members of the party were insisting upon. The Reid plan won't fly either, as the president has said he will veto it, due to the exclusion of no new taxes. Is this brinkmanship or incompetency? Both parties are suffering from inside fracturing and election-itis. They desperately need a president who can lead them to higher ground.
But NEWS FLASH!! As this is being written, the Boehner bill has passed the House---with the balanced budget amendment boldy included and requiring passage by an outside committee before an additional 1.6 trillion could potentially be added later. Progress? Not so fast---Nancy Pelosi has already declared this latest move by the Republicans as "going nowhere" " and a waste of time". Hope floats, but politics torpedoes --once again.
President Obama, meanwhile, is definitely feeling it, as he gave yet another speech this morning, sounding frustrated , more conciliatory, and urging more compromise and decision, but as the CBO cautioned him, our credit ratings are not improved by speeches. Ooh, that had to sting a little----a Rodney Dangerfield moment for sure, as the president appears to be losing ground and respect. Perhaps, with this latest development, and as Obama begins to feel the pressure on his shoulders, there's still hope that he will begin to lead and bend enough to bow to circumstances and the reality of an economically broken country. That would be true leadership, which sometimes comes late in the form of humility and grace. It is time for both---may he find it, for all of our sakes. Now is his chance----the ball is of this evening, in the Dems' court. The clock is running out----tick, tock, and no more time-outs.
.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
WHOSE PEAS ARE WE GOING TO EAT??
They say money makes the world go round--but it appears it can also stop a country----say" hello, and haven't we met before?"to a debt crisis that won't go away and threatens to shut down at least some parts of our government if congress doesn't come to some sort of agreement by Aug.2. Who cares? Everybody should. But in case you haven't been paying enough. attention, Pres. Obama tried to grab it last Tuesday when he threatened that among other things, social security checks may fail to go out, along with veterans' checks---'the money just isn't there', he gravely said. Interestingly, it seems to be there for many other things near and dear to Obama's heart---things like his health care program, education, railroad projects, etc. that he has declared unnegotiable and untouchable. His attempts to appear a wise counselor to both parties, urging them to negotiate, compromise, and get the job done for " the American people" dissolved with that less than honest and very heavy handed scare tactic----time to roll out the big guns and blame the carnage on the Republicans. Let's be real-- though there will be consequences if the debt limit isn't raised, the president has no intentions of being the bad guy by selectively cutting off the social security and veterans' checks-- the money is there for those very important things---he knows it, and the Republicans know it---but Obama's banking that the general public doesn't know it, and that by making his dire pronouncements he can appear the white hatted cowboy, and intimidate the Repubs into caving, so as not to blamed for a shut down. It's a hot mess in Washington as both sides play this high stakes game down to the wire.
Meanwhile, the Republicans are holding the line against not raising taxes for anyone, including the rich---without at least some serious spending cuts. The Dems, who feel strongly that a tax increase on the rich is the only righteous key to unlocking the debt crisis, have given a little in discretionary cuts, but nothing very substantial or that will make much difference in the bulging debt load. While on the surface, this battle over taxes seems purely economical, it is much more serious. It is the ultimate philosophical difference between the two parties and has everything to do with believing in a larger or smaller government; and while common sense would dictate compromise, this time there appears to be little room for such manuevering---because to do so, will be to give in to the other's political core values and forsake one's own. The wiggle room usually present has been crowded out by a Democrat controlled Senate, and a House full of newly elected members sent by angry conservatives demanding change from the current administration's very liberal policies. This is a simmering pot of differences which has finally come to a roiling boil, and could be one of the most interesting, game changing events we have seen in many years, as the leaders of both parties meet behind closed doors, trying so far in vain to find common ground.
President Obama, who earlier in his parental syle, announced "we", meaning the Repubs, need to "eat our peas", and get on with passing his budget---with no intention of appeasing, no pun intended, the Republican's wishes. Mr. Obama walked out of a meeting last week, irately announcing "enough is enough"-----really, Mr. President. Telling us to eat our vegetables and huffing out of the room is not the way to lead a country. Perhaps you should consider that others have had enough of your some would say, Chicago style politics, and that you need to rise above your own idealogy and figure out how to do what's right for this country---get control of the budget now, not 10 years down the line, as is currently proposed by the Dems. It is no longer a blame game or a chicken game or a game of chess---the people want out of this budget crisis, and are longing for leadership. Unfortunately, it is clear that this president has decided to no longer try to play the middle, but is running hard to the left and for his next election--come hell or high water.
Along comes Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican leader, with a compromising plan which just might do the trick---his plan is to allow for debt increases, accompanied by cuts, in the form of three increments, each time requiring congressional approval---all to be done with spending cuts and without any tax increases. It looks good at first glance, but the conservative Republicans are not happy for fear they will look like push-overs to their constituents and that spending cuts will either be not enough or vetoed by Obama---but they may not have a choice. For now, the Dems and Obama are in control and that's not going to change until the next election. Obama's threat this week to Majority leader, Eric Cantor , "don't call my bluff", may be just what's happening, if he takes this deal---the burden will be placed squarely on his shoulders, and he will either live or die with it. The Repubs in the meantime, will have accomplished at least the no tax increase demands by their party, without appearing the intransigent, uncompromising bad guys in the black hats. Brilliant strategy, if it works---and it may be the only hope we have for a settlement before the August 2 deadline closing in fast. Nobody loses a lot of face, the debt ceiling gets a lift, with no taxes---yet. Also, as this is being written, another proposal is being voted on by the House by the Republicans--"Cap, Cut, and Balance", which is a bold attempt to force deep cuts and a balanced budget ammendment to the constitution, hasn't a chance to pass the Senate ---and Obama has already threatened to vetoe it. The negotiating meetings will continue and perhaps by the time this blog is posted, some form of agreement will have been reached to keep us from falling off the cliff----but keep your parachutes ready.
It must be difficult for a young, whip smart President who rode in on such hope and change to realize that he cannot bend a whole country to his will by speaking well and playing hard ball when the going gets tough. He too must eat his peas, settle down, and learn his lessons---or be replaced. Underneath this very gifted, likable man who could have been great, is a dedicated, ideological politician who appears somewhat spoiled by earler success, is used to getting his own way ----how sad for all of us that his talents couldn't have been used to lead this country by blending and compromising the left with the right, by showing us that while we are all different, he could lead us to a place where we could begin to feel we are actually taking a pre-emptive strike against financial disaster instead of tap dancing around the problem, increasing taxes on an already weary and weak economy, and passing the debts down to future generations. Time and again, he has forced his will---chances are, given the power he wields , he will do it again, The game of Chicken will finally come to an end as the Repubs will surely blink as they approach the brink of disaster with no presidential or senate parachute. They can either cave and lose the war, thereby escaping the reason for the shut down; or stand on principle , thereby causing serious damage, but perhaps come back to fight the battle another day---truly a conundrum with epic consequences either way.
The elusive, coveted "American people", not the politicians, will finally decide the ultimate winners and losers, but we will all share in the results of the decisions made soon in Washington. What will they be? The great irony is that at this moment in time, with our future hanging in the balance,and the stakes so high, all bets are off---should it be this hard to rescue a country on its way down?
Meanwhile, the Republicans are holding the line against not raising taxes for anyone, including the rich---without at least some serious spending cuts. The Dems, who feel strongly that a tax increase on the rich is the only righteous key to unlocking the debt crisis, have given a little in discretionary cuts, but nothing very substantial or that will make much difference in the bulging debt load. While on the surface, this battle over taxes seems purely economical, it is much more serious. It is the ultimate philosophical difference between the two parties and has everything to do with believing in a larger or smaller government; and while common sense would dictate compromise, this time there appears to be little room for such manuevering---because to do so, will be to give in to the other's political core values and forsake one's own. The wiggle room usually present has been crowded out by a Democrat controlled Senate, and a House full of newly elected members sent by angry conservatives demanding change from the current administration's very liberal policies. This is a simmering pot of differences which has finally come to a roiling boil, and could be one of the most interesting, game changing events we have seen in many years, as the leaders of both parties meet behind closed doors, trying so far in vain to find common ground.
President Obama, who earlier in his parental syle, announced "we", meaning the Repubs, need to "eat our peas", and get on with passing his budget---with no intention of appeasing, no pun intended, the Republican's wishes. Mr. Obama walked out of a meeting last week, irately announcing "enough is enough"-----really, Mr. President. Telling us to eat our vegetables and huffing out of the room is not the way to lead a country. Perhaps you should consider that others have had enough of your some would say, Chicago style politics, and that you need to rise above your own idealogy and figure out how to do what's right for this country---get control of the budget now, not 10 years down the line, as is currently proposed by the Dems. It is no longer a blame game or a chicken game or a game of chess---the people want out of this budget crisis, and are longing for leadership. Unfortunately, it is clear that this president has decided to no longer try to play the middle, but is running hard to the left and for his next election--come hell or high water.
Along comes Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican leader, with a compromising plan which just might do the trick---his plan is to allow for debt increases, accompanied by cuts, in the form of three increments, each time requiring congressional approval---all to be done with spending cuts and without any tax increases. It looks good at first glance, but the conservative Republicans are not happy for fear they will look like push-overs to their constituents and that spending cuts will either be not enough or vetoed by Obama---but they may not have a choice. For now, the Dems and Obama are in control and that's not going to change until the next election. Obama's threat this week to Majority leader, Eric Cantor , "don't call my bluff", may be just what's happening, if he takes this deal---the burden will be placed squarely on his shoulders, and he will either live or die with it. The Repubs in the meantime, will have accomplished at least the no tax increase demands by their party, without appearing the intransigent, uncompromising bad guys in the black hats. Brilliant strategy, if it works---and it may be the only hope we have for a settlement before the August 2 deadline closing in fast. Nobody loses a lot of face, the debt ceiling gets a lift, with no taxes---yet. Also, as this is being written, another proposal is being voted on by the House by the Republicans--"Cap, Cut, and Balance", which is a bold attempt to force deep cuts and a balanced budget ammendment to the constitution, hasn't a chance to pass the Senate ---and Obama has already threatened to vetoe it. The negotiating meetings will continue and perhaps by the time this blog is posted, some form of agreement will have been reached to keep us from falling off the cliff----but keep your parachutes ready.
It must be difficult for a young, whip smart President who rode in on such hope and change to realize that he cannot bend a whole country to his will by speaking well and playing hard ball when the going gets tough. He too must eat his peas, settle down, and learn his lessons---or be replaced. Underneath this very gifted, likable man who could have been great, is a dedicated, ideological politician who appears somewhat spoiled by earler success, is used to getting his own way ----how sad for all of us that his talents couldn't have been used to lead this country by blending and compromising the left with the right, by showing us that while we are all different, he could lead us to a place where we could begin to feel we are actually taking a pre-emptive strike against financial disaster instead of tap dancing around the problem, increasing taxes on an already weary and weak economy, and passing the debts down to future generations. Time and again, he has forced his will---chances are, given the power he wields , he will do it again, The game of Chicken will finally come to an end as the Repubs will surely blink as they approach the brink of disaster with no presidential or senate parachute. They can either cave and lose the war, thereby escaping the reason for the shut down; or stand on principle , thereby causing serious damage, but perhaps come back to fight the battle another day---truly a conundrum with epic consequences either way.
The elusive, coveted "American people", not the politicians, will finally decide the ultimate winners and losers, but we will all share in the results of the decisions made soon in Washington. What will they be? The great irony is that at this moment in time, with our future hanging in the balance,and the stakes so high, all bets are off---should it be this hard to rescue a country on its way down?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
THE GREATEST SUMMER NOVEL EVER LIVED
And so as another week winds down, my thoughts turn away from the dreary news of the nation---a budget debate still at a standstill, a mother accused of killing her child declared "not guilty" in the face of overwhelming evidence, wars still waging, and various other non-inspiring stories being played out and woven into this summer of 2011. The real news in one's life is also unwinding its film, frame by frame, often much more inspiring, interesting, and sometimes far more complicated than found on the pages of paper and screens. The stories are lived in real time with stories of courage, valor, deep hurt, forgiveness, exquisite joy, heartbreaking sadness, quiet desperation, longing, loss, and sometimes discovery of new friends, truths, secrets, and if not the meaning to life, at least a few clues along the way. We are here but for a brief moment in time--then gone, swept away---before we solved all the riddles, accomplished all our goals, righted our wrongs, climbed our mountains, appreciated the magnificent drama, the infinite possibilities. or the beauiful, epic, grand, story of it all. The moments are the moutains, and the people along the way are the messengers, our teachers, our beloved journeymen----
A sun rises, another day---another chapter
A friend many miles away writes that she is recovering slowly from
heart surgery
A daughter writes wistfully that she and her family will be moving soon.
A son calls with the sound of lonliness in his voice.
A neighbor's husband emails with news of his very sick wife in the hospital.
A friend takes her dog for their daily walk while her husband who cannot speak waits for her return.
A man cares lovingly for his helpless, memory-less wife--and drinks that he
may also forget
An elderly mom weeps because she is old and tired and lonely.
A daughter weeps for what lies ahead
A husband stoops and limps under the weight of years and injured knees.
A wife worries and remembers younger days.
A homeless man wanders through a grocery store, listless and lost
A military wife is notified that her husband is not coming home, ever.
An old friend touches base and brightens the cloudy day---
A summer knows, but it doesn't care--it has more stories to share
A summer storm floods the streets and rumbles the skies.
A train whistle warns through the traffic noise--"be aware"
A visit from relatives reminds of the ties that bind
A child visits her grandmother for the summer
A cherry tree blooms, then bursts with cherries to pick, to seed, to bake
A picnic in the rain
A hike in the mountains
A garden flowing with flowers
A lawn freshly mowed
A gurgling fountain
A bee's buzz
A tennis match, a walk, a run in the sprinkler
A shutter thrown open to catch the evening breeze,
and capture the morning rays.
A lost summer love
A found peace
A woman kneels
A prayer is whispered
Thy will be done, but if there's any way---
A summer reminds
A forgotten known, our time in the sun is short.
Seize the day, the moment, the joy of now
A time to live, to savor what's left,
Cry for all that's gone, for all the sadness, the world's sins, and your own
then take a sip from
summer's frosty glass, breathe the fragrant air, listen to the music of the
earth, set yourself free
Laugh in the sun again, dance in the rain, hold someone's hand, and
be happy, if just for a while
A sun sets on yet another golden day, laden with grief, regrets, joy, hope, but
always the promise of tomorrows yet to be lived--jewels of surprise hidden,
perhaps to be found, perhaps not.
A train returns its whistle through the night--"you are not alone"
A secret shines through the moonlit light--- ---it's all good.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
THE DEATH OF THE AMERICAN DREAM----OR A REBIRTH??
President Obama last night in his 14th full news conference, challenged and threatened the Republicans to resolve the issue of the debt crisis. He reminds me once again less of a President than a father, who rebukes his children for fighting, sends them to their rooms, and tells them to stay there until they've settled their argument. Ah, if only it were that easy---but the gravitas of the decisions being made so exceeds the political posturing and presidential impatience. Perhaps Obama should get a little more involved, rather than trying to appear the wise mediator. He is accused of "leading from behind", and perhaps rightly so---letting others do the heavy lifting till the last hour, then appearing stern, commanding, and possessor of the last word. Last night Mitch McConnell, Republican Senate leader, invited Obama to join him and other Repubs to have a one on one discussion re whether or raise the debt ceiling. Obama refused, on the grounds that he wasn't about to listen to more requests for cutting more out of the budget without Republican consent to raise taxes. How refreshing it would have been to have seen just a little bi-partisan effort on his part, instead of insisting that it's his way or the highway and calling any resistance ,obstructionism.
To raise taxes without more serious cutting to the budget remains the sticky wicket around which this debt crisis revolves. But in Obama's world, "revenue" (code word for taxes) doesn't come from reduced spending. In his conference speech he went on to enumerate how the effects of more budget trimming by the Republicans would mean fewer scholarships for students,decreased medical research, and other threats designed to scare and vilify. Contrarily, he said, no further taxes for the rich would mean they get to continue to fly their corporate jets---oh, we can't have that, it's obscene. How dare they spend their money like that? They should have checked first with Obama, who just recently sent his wife, Michele, their two daughters, their grandma, one nephew, and all the necessary security people off to Africa. Well, I suppose that's a bit different---they are not the evil, super rich corporate people. Those people make way too much money and should give some to us,the workers, the government, the debt crisis. Really? In fact, 50% of the people in this country don't even pay any taxes, and the top earners pay 35% or their income. But what if they were to pay just a little more ? After all, they are the ones who can afford it. But wait-- studies have shown that even if all the millionaires and billionaires were taxed according to the pre-Bush tax cut days, that would only result in a little less than a trillion dollars. Lot of money, honey? Not when you consider we have a 14 million dollar deficit on our backs. But okay, let's say it makes a decent dent---the flip side to socking it to the rich is that the rich may decide it's not so important anymore to be quite so rich,down size their production , which will result if fewer jobs, less investments and less prosperity for everyone. Still think they make too much money for their own good, and especially ours? Look up "socialism" in Wickipedia. Or if that's too harsh a word, then check out the meaning of "Keynesian economics". Even that theory doesn't advise a tax increase within our current fragile economy.
Obama is a master of words, using common vernacular and playing to the general populace he thinks will have the most clout to vote him in again. His mannerisms, body language, and emotionally charged words are beginning to sound and look almost juvenile in style, tone and logic. The over riding theme is 'they got it, you don't, you deserve to have some, and we're going to get it for you'---class warfare not even on steroids, just plain old Robin Hood philosphy, an ideology at work again because it always plays well to the masses, especially around election time. After all, life isn't fair, and a seemingly benevolent government can level the playing field; but, unfortunately, even the government runs out of money when the economy isn't producing well, as witnessed by our current problem. Real revenue comes from a healthy, thriving economy that creates jobs, allows people to have the confidence to spend, consume, buy homes, cars,et.---that's real revenue which flows into taxes, because enough money was made to create the spending---unlike taxing income simply to take before its allowed to be spent.
President Obama and others like to point out that tax receipts are at near historic lows, but a recent Wall Street Journal article states that lower tax rates are not the culprit---and demonstrate this by showing that as recent as 2007, the current tax rate produced 18.5% of GDP in revenue---higher than average. Times were still good then--but in 2008, when the economy was going south, federal tax receipts still came in at 17.5% of the economy. In 2009, the report goes on to show that tax collections fell below 15%, the worst since 1950. Times were no longer good, the consumer was pulling way back, and the flow of revenue began to show in tax receipts. For those that still like to blame the Bush tax cuts for all our financial woes, this report offers that while the cuts may have contributed, approximately two hundred and sixteen billion in lost dollars, this was only 9.5% of the 2.29 trillion deficit incurred since Obama has been in office. And even after the Bush tax cuts of 2003, revenue gained by almost a trillion in 2007, which was the highest increase in U.S. history. So, it appears the tax reductions generated true revenue gains until the recession hit, as they were meant to do and are not the damaging villains they were made out to be.
Huge, unparalleled spending by this administration, over one trillion dollar since coming into office, has got to be recognized and acknowledged for at least part of the blame for the mess we are in. Much of that amount, $523 billion is found in domestic spending, which includes defense, education, Medicaid and the infamous, but ineffective, stimulus package. Currently the economy is not showing great progress with a disappointing 2% growth rate, unemployment at 9.1%, and housing still in a major slump.
Where we go from here is a frightening prospect---some would suggest Europe, as in Greece. The deadline for whether to increase the debt limit, either by raising taxes, and or cutting spending is August. There seems no easy answer with no simple cures. One way or the other, bills must be paid, or we will lose our credit standing in the eyes of the world. We can continue down the same road, printing more funny money and passing the burden on down to our children, or we can bite the bullet and find ways to cut expenses---yes, medicare, medicaid, college scholarships, fewer investments in research, and possibly a roll back of Obamacare, a huge gamble and one that needs to be re-vamped. It's called living within our means. Higher taxes? Probably, but not just for the rich. Everyone who can will have to chip in---that's the dirty little secret that Obama doesn't like to talk about, but soon he, like all others before him will learn, there are not enough free lunches to go around, even when you steal them from someone else. The middle class, because it is the biggest class, will inevitably suffer the biggest burden of tax increases.
True revenue comes from the people who make it, mostly businesses who hire lots of employees. And right now those people who make it are scared to move for fear of a double dip recession and a president who does not particularly favor our capitalistic society, and cares more about social programs, even at the expense of our financial situation, and seems willing to burn the house down in order to advance his ideologies and win re-election, by spouting tenets of wealth distribution. It is sad, when the plain truth is right in front of our eyes, and our leaders are unable to put principle before politics. We must come to terms with our reality---we are not Europe or Greece or any other country. We are the very original United States of America, built on self reliance, and if we have screwed up, then we must find the strength and resolve to fix ourselves---not through surrendering our financial means and independence away to a government that takes and always needs more,until there is nothing left but ruin and mediocrity, but by dramatically altering our spending, in order to someday recapture the biggest success story of the ages.
Once upon a time it was called the American dream, where ambition and hard work were rewarded,not thwarted by an over reaching government, attempting in the name of social justice to take care of everybody at the expense of those who would by their talents and expertise generate revenue and consequently provide the means for others to care for themselves. They are not driven by altruistic motives necessarily, but by a free market system that simply and objectively rewards success with money. And one of the side benefits of that is that charity and philanthropic giving comes from the heart and spirit of grateful people. It is interesting to note that both charity and philanthropic giving were down during the recession. So while att legislating charity via free entitlements may seem noble and good, there is also reason to believe that the best way to spread the wealth is to spread job opportunities and encourage those who provide them.
At this point, some would sadly argue, that the American dream has died, felled by time, circumstances and too many who never dreamt,nor appreciated it--- and there is nothing left but the memories. But Monday,Independence Day, is one of the great reminders of our past and those who fought to build a country, free from an over powering monarchy. But this is no longer 1776 and we are not those early Americans. Change is inevitable, and we may never be the same America we once were---but is that all bad? Perhaps, one might consider, that our greater destiny is still out there waiting to rise from the ashes of a stunning down turn---chastened, smarter, and still innovative, ambitious, and free enough to ride the tides of change and become a different, and perhaps even better place---a wake up call to cross the bridges of new technologies, developing countries, and blending cultures, into a wider more globally aware and sophisticated world .
It would seem imperative that we would also throw off our political animosities and decide to blend the best of our ideas in order that we may survive, and not self destruct from our own unwillingness to pull together. As we look to the star spangled flags on porches this weekend and gasp in awe at the fire worked skies, may we still be filled with pride borne of our past and faith in our future---God bless the U.S.A.
To raise taxes without more serious cutting to the budget remains the sticky wicket around which this debt crisis revolves. But in Obama's world, "revenue" (code word for taxes) doesn't come from reduced spending. In his conference speech he went on to enumerate how the effects of more budget trimming by the Republicans would mean fewer scholarships for students,decreased medical research, and other threats designed to scare and vilify. Contrarily, he said, no further taxes for the rich would mean they get to continue to fly their corporate jets---oh, we can't have that, it's obscene. How dare they spend their money like that? They should have checked first with Obama, who just recently sent his wife, Michele, their two daughters, their grandma, one nephew, and all the necessary security people off to Africa. Well, I suppose that's a bit different---they are not the evil, super rich corporate people. Those people make way too much money and should give some to us,the workers, the government, the debt crisis. Really? In fact, 50% of the people in this country don't even pay any taxes, and the top earners pay 35% or their income. But what if they were to pay just a little more ? After all, they are the ones who can afford it. But wait-- studies have shown that even if all the millionaires and billionaires were taxed according to the pre-Bush tax cut days, that would only result in a little less than a trillion dollars. Lot of money, honey? Not when you consider we have a 14 million dollar deficit on our backs. But okay, let's say it makes a decent dent---the flip side to socking it to the rich is that the rich may decide it's not so important anymore to be quite so rich,down size their production , which will result if fewer jobs, less investments and less prosperity for everyone. Still think they make too much money for their own good, and especially ours? Look up "socialism" in Wickipedia. Or if that's too harsh a word, then check out the meaning of "Keynesian economics". Even that theory doesn't advise a tax increase within our current fragile economy.
Obama is a master of words, using common vernacular and playing to the general populace he thinks will have the most clout to vote him in again. His mannerisms, body language, and emotionally charged words are beginning to sound and look almost juvenile in style, tone and logic. The over riding theme is 'they got it, you don't, you deserve to have some, and we're going to get it for you'---class warfare not even on steroids, just plain old Robin Hood philosphy, an ideology at work again because it always plays well to the masses, especially around election time. After all, life isn't fair, and a seemingly benevolent government can level the playing field; but, unfortunately, even the government runs out of money when the economy isn't producing well, as witnessed by our current problem. Real revenue comes from a healthy, thriving economy that creates jobs, allows people to have the confidence to spend, consume, buy homes, cars,et.---that's real revenue which flows into taxes, because enough money was made to create the spending---unlike taxing income simply to take before its allowed to be spent.
President Obama and others like to point out that tax receipts are at near historic lows, but a recent Wall Street Journal article states that lower tax rates are not the culprit---and demonstrate this by showing that as recent as 2007, the current tax rate produced 18.5% of GDP in revenue---higher than average. Times were still good then--but in 2008, when the economy was going south, federal tax receipts still came in at 17.5% of the economy. In 2009, the report goes on to show that tax collections fell below 15%, the worst since 1950. Times were no longer good, the consumer was pulling way back, and the flow of revenue began to show in tax receipts. For those that still like to blame the Bush tax cuts for all our financial woes, this report offers that while the cuts may have contributed, approximately two hundred and sixteen billion in lost dollars, this was only 9.5% of the 2.29 trillion deficit incurred since Obama has been in office. And even after the Bush tax cuts of 2003, revenue gained by almost a trillion in 2007, which was the highest increase in U.S. history. So, it appears the tax reductions generated true revenue gains until the recession hit, as they were meant to do and are not the damaging villains they were made out to be.
Huge, unparalleled spending by this administration, over one trillion dollar since coming into office, has got to be recognized and acknowledged for at least part of the blame for the mess we are in. Much of that amount, $523 billion is found in domestic spending, which includes defense, education, Medicaid and the infamous, but ineffective, stimulus package. Currently the economy is not showing great progress with a disappointing 2% growth rate, unemployment at 9.1%, and housing still in a major slump.
Where we go from here is a frightening prospect---some would suggest Europe, as in Greece. The deadline for whether to increase the debt limit, either by raising taxes, and or cutting spending is August. There seems no easy answer with no simple cures. One way or the other, bills must be paid, or we will lose our credit standing in the eyes of the world. We can continue down the same road, printing more funny money and passing the burden on down to our children, or we can bite the bullet and find ways to cut expenses---yes, medicare, medicaid, college scholarships, fewer investments in research, and possibly a roll back of Obamacare, a huge gamble and one that needs to be re-vamped. It's called living within our means. Higher taxes? Probably, but not just for the rich. Everyone who can will have to chip in---that's the dirty little secret that Obama doesn't like to talk about, but soon he, like all others before him will learn, there are not enough free lunches to go around, even when you steal them from someone else. The middle class, because it is the biggest class, will inevitably suffer the biggest burden of tax increases.
True revenue comes from the people who make it, mostly businesses who hire lots of employees. And right now those people who make it are scared to move for fear of a double dip recession and a president who does not particularly favor our capitalistic society, and cares more about social programs, even at the expense of our financial situation, and seems willing to burn the house down in order to advance his ideologies and win re-election, by spouting tenets of wealth distribution. It is sad, when the plain truth is right in front of our eyes, and our leaders are unable to put principle before politics. We must come to terms with our reality---we are not Europe or Greece or any other country. We are the very original United States of America, built on self reliance, and if we have screwed up, then we must find the strength and resolve to fix ourselves---not through surrendering our financial means and independence away to a government that takes and always needs more,until there is nothing left but ruin and mediocrity, but by dramatically altering our spending, in order to someday recapture the biggest success story of the ages.
Once upon a time it was called the American dream, where ambition and hard work were rewarded,not thwarted by an over reaching government, attempting in the name of social justice to take care of everybody at the expense of those who would by their talents and expertise generate revenue and consequently provide the means for others to care for themselves. They are not driven by altruistic motives necessarily, but by a free market system that simply and objectively rewards success with money. And one of the side benefits of that is that charity and philanthropic giving comes from the heart and spirit of grateful people. It is interesting to note that both charity and philanthropic giving were down during the recession. So while att legislating charity via free entitlements may seem noble and good, there is also reason to believe that the best way to spread the wealth is to spread job opportunities and encourage those who provide them.
At this point, some would sadly argue, that the American dream has died, felled by time, circumstances and too many who never dreamt,nor appreciated it--- and there is nothing left but the memories. But Monday,Independence Day, is one of the great reminders of our past and those who fought to build a country, free from an over powering monarchy. But this is no longer 1776 and we are not those early Americans. Change is inevitable, and we may never be the same America we once were---but is that all bad? Perhaps, one might consider, that our greater destiny is still out there waiting to rise from the ashes of a stunning down turn---chastened, smarter, and still innovative, ambitious, and free enough to ride the tides of change and become a different, and perhaps even better place---a wake up call to cross the bridges of new technologies, developing countries, and blending cultures, into a wider more globally aware and sophisticated world .
It would seem imperative that we would also throw off our political animosities and decide to blend the best of our ideas in order that we may survive, and not self destruct from our own unwillingness to pull together. As we look to the star spangled flags on porches this weekend and gasp in awe at the fire worked skies, may we still be filled with pride borne of our past and faith in our future---God bless the U.S.A.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
UNPLUGGED
As summer doles out its languid, warm days, I can't help but feel that fall is already waiting in the wings, and I'm not ready for it. The lovely days are already shortening, as to give warning that summer will not last long. The cricket filled evenings give quiet melody to the busy, days. Time never before seemed so fast moving as it does now---is it one's age, or the electronic era we're living in that makes everything seem so temporary--so just passing bye? Log in, click on, and there it all is--the world at our fingertips. Click again, and it's gone. I heard recently that scientists have decided that some of us may suffer from a lack of ability to enjoy the texture, detail, and richness of life, so accustomed are we to instant, sterile feedback via all our electronic equipment? Punch a key and get a result, then move on----if so, that's probably not a good thing. The antidote, according to the people who study these things ,is to go away somewhere where there are no phones, TV, computers, etc. and unplug for awhile. Are they kidding? Where would that be? Perhaps,they suggest, right in your own backyard---things like weeding the garden, cleaning the gutters, sewing a button on a shirt, knit a scarf or cook a good meal--anything that gives your hands something constructive to do and your mind focus. Studies have shown, these manual activities translate to the brain as good and worthy, and that in turn produces serotonin in the brain which then---voila--- translates to a form of happiness. Seems we are designed to do good. intrinsically satisfying things, not just observe or click a button. Our technology, however wonderful, has taken over much of our leisure time.
The trick is to dis-connect. Sometimes life pulls the plug for you. This week a close relative found herself suddenly very ill and in the hospital. Tests revealed a "systemic bacterial infection" which had somehow invaded her whole body. In addition, and separate, further tests revealed an anuerysm which if left untreated would eventually result in sudden death. Surgery will have to be performed, but not until the infection has left her body. As I sat and visited with her, she seemed bewildered and lost, as if she had just found herself in a foreign country--- but strangely upbeat. I asked if she had watched the TV or would be interested in reading. The answer was no---she had no desire yet to re-connect with the world,---she had disconnected and wanted nothing more than to see her family, make sure her dog was fed, and feel well again. Life had slowed this very busy lady down, and she said, "I have had lots of time to think", as though that was a luxury not usually afforded her. It occurred to me that in some way, her forced hospital visit was an enviable gift. She had been pushed off the merry go round, allowed time to gather her thoughts---and her concerns were reduced to the important basics of family, her dog, and health.
And so as we look ahead to whatever awaits us--- personal problems, more recession, further involvement in wars, pre-election debates and decisions, constant news flow of global crises---may we unplug for at least a while, once in a while, and note the smallest of pleasures--- or even surprise visitors.
My aunt, the woman mentioned above, said that the first night she was at the hospital, she looked up and saw an unfamiliar man standing at the foot of her bed. She said he was quite tall, had on a blue shirt and pants, was just gazing at her, and then faded away. Before I could ask if seeing a strange man in her room had frightened her, she remarked that on the contrary, it had given her a sense of comfort. I hope it was her guardian angel---and I wish we didn't need times of distress to be able to see them.
This week I am going to weed a little,sew a button on a sweater that's been needing it for a long time, and try to slow my racing pace. The war in Libya will have to go on without my constant monitoring, as will the Afghanistan pull-out and all the controversy surrounding it. The debt crisis will clamor noisily on till the decision deadline of August, and Republicans will have to continue searching for the best man/woman to wage their election campaign. The world will keep spinning its story, but for just a moment in this June of 2011,I want to leave it all and bask in the glory of a summer that, boiled down, still sings its songs of morning doves, buzzing bees, rustling breezes, and simmering heat. And somewhere in the middle of this simple symphony is a voice that says "be still ---". I will cling to that---and remember the thought of an angel quietly watching over a woman who in her exhaustion, did not need the distraction of TV ---but was comforted by the visit of a stranger in her room, who asked nothing of her but her returned attention. If angels exist, do we miss them because we refuse to see, or do they not come to visit because we are too busy to notice? I have never seen an angel, but sometimes in the middle of a restless night I imagine that one is holding me close.
It's the still of the night,I'm half asleep, and see no blue shirt or anything at all--the lullaby of summer rocks me. The TV off light is still glowing, the computer is always on, and the cell phones are re-charging---- waiting to reclaim me. But for now, I'm free---unplugged,floating timelessly, and in my dreams an angel wraps her wings around me. Her gown is not blue---it is white, the whitest of white I have ever seen---or just imagined. Maybe I'll look up angelic visits on Wikipedia tomorrow----
The trick is to dis-connect. Sometimes life pulls the plug for you. This week a close relative found herself suddenly very ill and in the hospital. Tests revealed a "systemic bacterial infection" which had somehow invaded her whole body. In addition, and separate, further tests revealed an anuerysm which if left untreated would eventually result in sudden death. Surgery will have to be performed, but not until the infection has left her body. As I sat and visited with her, she seemed bewildered and lost, as if she had just found herself in a foreign country--- but strangely upbeat. I asked if she had watched the TV or would be interested in reading. The answer was no---she had no desire yet to re-connect with the world,---she had disconnected and wanted nothing more than to see her family, make sure her dog was fed, and feel well again. Life had slowed this very busy lady down, and she said, "I have had lots of time to think", as though that was a luxury not usually afforded her. It occurred to me that in some way, her forced hospital visit was an enviable gift. She had been pushed off the merry go round, allowed time to gather her thoughts---and her concerns were reduced to the important basics of family, her dog, and health.
And so as we look ahead to whatever awaits us--- personal problems, more recession, further involvement in wars, pre-election debates and decisions, constant news flow of global crises---may we unplug for at least a while, once in a while, and note the smallest of pleasures--- or even surprise visitors.
My aunt, the woman mentioned above, said that the first night she was at the hospital, she looked up and saw an unfamiliar man standing at the foot of her bed. She said he was quite tall, had on a blue shirt and pants, was just gazing at her, and then faded away. Before I could ask if seeing a strange man in her room had frightened her, she remarked that on the contrary, it had given her a sense of comfort. I hope it was her guardian angel---and I wish we didn't need times of distress to be able to see them.
This week I am going to weed a little,sew a button on a sweater that's been needing it for a long time, and try to slow my racing pace. The war in Libya will have to go on without my constant monitoring, as will the Afghanistan pull-out and all the controversy surrounding it. The debt crisis will clamor noisily on till the decision deadline of August, and Republicans will have to continue searching for the best man/woman to wage their election campaign. The world will keep spinning its story, but for just a moment in this June of 2011,I want to leave it all and bask in the glory of a summer that, boiled down, still sings its songs of morning doves, buzzing bees, rustling breezes, and simmering heat. And somewhere in the middle of this simple symphony is a voice that says "be still ---". I will cling to that---and remember the thought of an angel quietly watching over a woman who in her exhaustion, did not need the distraction of TV ---but was comforted by the visit of a stranger in her room, who asked nothing of her but her returned attention. If angels exist, do we miss them because we refuse to see, or do they not come to visit because we are too busy to notice? I have never seen an angel, but sometimes in the middle of a restless night I imagine that one is holding me close.
It's the still of the night,I'm half asleep, and see no blue shirt or anything at all--the lullaby of summer rocks me. The TV off light is still glowing, the computer is always on, and the cell phones are re-charging---- waiting to reclaim me. But for now, I'm free---unplugged,floating timelessly, and in my dreams an angel wraps her wings around me. Her gown is not blue---it is white, the whitest of white I have ever seen---or just imagined. Maybe I'll look up angelic visits on Wikipedia tomorrow----
Thursday, June 9, 2011
WEINER'S WAYWARD WAYS---HIS OR OUR PROBLEM?
You know you've been busted, when your picture shows up on the news---and you're in your underwear. Congressman Anthony Weiner, that's "e" before "i" in this case and pronounced, unfortunately, the same as that which is found in hot dogs. Mr. Weiner has more than his name to blame for this latest escapade in phone hanky panky---or "sexting", as they call it these days. Why, oh why do these politicians, think they can play in the sand box and not get sand all over them? Do they really think they won't get caught, and is this a huge sign of arrogance---as in, I'm too big to abide by every day rules of decent conduct? Weiner seems to not only have thought this, but continues to think he still deserves to be kept on the job as a paid government employee. "I'm not resigning", he staunchly proclaimed. The troubling thing is, some polls show a good number of people standing behind him---but not Nancy Pelosi, who is ready to self righteously hang him out to dry in front of the Ethics Committee---and well she should, so as not to appear the definition of major hypocrisy, given the Democrats past record of nailing Republicans who have been caught with similar sins. But is this for show, and will he be asked to resign as so many Republicans have? Somehow the knife of party criticism doesn't cut quite as sharp both ways. One cannot help but remember a Senator from Massachusetts whose car accident left his young female passenger dead in the waters of Lake Chappaquaddick, and it was the next day, before he notified the police. Though given a suspended jail sentence, he never served time, was quite forgiven by his party and went on to be highly respected and revered as a "lion" in the United States Senate. What's in a name? A lot and in this case, it meant everything to the life and political future of the now deceased Senator Edward Kennedy. Justice is never completely blind, nor is it always applied in black and white terms--human subjectivity always enters in, rightly or wrongly. We are after all, human, and see everything through our own limited wisdom ---and prejudice.
For now, it's again the Dems who must endure the embarrassment of their own---enter another sinner, John Edwards, a very close runner up to the last Presidential election. Mr. Edwards in an appalling display of indiscretion, dishonesty, and lying, now faces even more serious charges than Weiner. He has been charged with spending campaign money to keep his mistress and now mother of his child, hidden from public view while still campaigning for the presidency. He could go to jail for a number of years, which in of itself will be another tragedy in this unending sad saga, as he will leave his children without a parent. Elizabeth,his wife, died of cancer while all this was going on. Edwards' lack of judjment, integrity and character are astounding---but should he go to jail for these crimes of immorality? Yes, he may have spent the campaign money---but would it not be sufficient for him to pay back these monies and perhaps lose or have his bar license suspended, but then continue to live his life, in shreds of past glory? I harbor no sympathy for this man and what he did to himself and his loved ones, but it is my opinion that the public humiliation and financial payback, perhaps with additional fines could be enough. Our jails are overcrowded with crimes much more egregious, and it would seem that this man would better serve his time at home raising his children. In this case, at least, it would seem an act of societal grace to not punish the children further by taking their father away. Is that any worse than the sentence given Edward Kennedy?
If you still think this too generous, think back to President Clinton and his antics with the inglorious Lewininsky lady. Did I want him impeached at the time? It was tempting, butI did not. And neither did the Senate who gave him a pass, though the House did vote for impeachment. I could not condone or excuse his behavior---it was a lasting scar on our national pride and a denigration of our moral code. It made a mockery out of the most respected and venerated position in the world---but impeachment at that time, it seemed, would have been far more damaging to our stability as a country than allowing Clinton to serve out his presidency, bowed and chastened, and unlikely to repeat his sins---at least not while in office. I happen to think the Senate made the right call at that time. President Richard Nixon,however, had not been so lucky---the winds of public forgiveness did not blow his way. Maybe it was the way he excessively perspired while on TV.
Punishment for crimes need to be assessed and measured out,and certainly not ignored when our trusted officials lend themselves to dangerous vulnerabilities and even blackmail,as could have been the case with Clinton and many other politicians who have stepped over the line . But it would also seem that we are leaning over backwards to completely destroy the accused and with it the symptoms of an increasingly immoral society, rather than to address the problem. We don't tar and feather the wayward social misfit anymore, or brig them in the town square, but the complete stripping of dignity is hard to watch---humiliation is not a fun or healthy spectator sport, even if deserved. But "Let him who is without sin throw the first stone" may not apply to our attitude toward our elected officials, for we demand accountability for one's actions, both personal and professional-- and very few second chances. They are supposed to be who we want them to be---squeeky clean and without any skeletons in their closets. Is that getting to be too much to ask??
The incidents of inappropriate behavior seems extreme and out of control lately--but is it beyond the norm? Even Thomas Jefferson was guilty of having an affair with at least one of his slaves. John F. Kennedy, one of our most beloved Presidents was unbelievably indiscreet---but the media was incredibly protective at that time, and turned their eyes away from his numerous and indiscriminate affairs. It seems that today, however, with our more open, relaxed attitudes, there is less personal discipline and more tolerance towards it---unless it happens to our national leaders--and then it depends whose party is in power, or how liked they are by the media. Recent case in point would be ex-Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican whom the media seemed to adore, perhaps because of his Kennedy ties and very moderate ways. He seems to have gotten off fairly easily compared to Weiner and Edwards. How much of his government salary was used to support his mistress and child?? The media and some of us feign utter shock and awe---as if we'd never expected anything different from what we see all around us in our more tolerant society. To hear the wry comments, the talk show jokes, and observe an almost gleeful "gotch'a!" response to the naughty boys in Washington is a nice distraction from other much more serious issues in our government, but do we need constant running of the same scandal to the point of overkill? Yes, we should hold them to a higher standard as our representatives, but are they not unsurprising reflections of the society we live in--and are our scales of justice evenly weighed when there is such disparity between political preferences?
Perhaps we, as a country, are naively puritan in our insistence that our political officials be somehow immune from the temptations that power and money bring to many. There are those who demand extreme separation of church and state, proud that we do not inflict the mores and morals of religion upon the citizens of the country---but then act horrified and dismayed when suddenly it seems immorality is rampant among our leaders. Though it may be worse now, the frailties of our human condition have always been there---we just didn't have the means to see them. Technology now gives us much tranparency--a blessing to some, and a tattle tale monster to others. Mamas don't let your children grow up to trust their cell phones with their secrets.
Perhaps in the end, those who would betray the trust given them by the people of the land, will finally learn the value of a more virtuous and disciplined life--and we will also learn that it isn't enough to condemn, shame, and punish those who trespass against our moral code, which is changing all the time, for they will keep coming. It would seem we must first nurture a culture that puts emphasis on ethics, character, and professional responsibility. For "they" are us and we are "they". Left to our own devices, without a religious framework to guide us, is it possible we will never see the end of our parade of sinners? But to be religious, especially Christian in the USA today, is to be scorned and thought narrow minded. We instead worship secularity and mock those who would use religious morals to guide our national conscience. And so, perhaps it follows that we should also separate personal failings from professional competency, unless the latter is seriously compromised, in order to be consistent.
Anthony Weiner's fall from grace was unbelievably stupid, ridiculous, and almost sadistically riveting to watch--as Jay Leno, talk show host, remarked---'what are we, nine year olds?' But perhaps the real shame is that our outrage is focused more outwardly than inwardly.Our leaders are only as strong, honest, and moral as the people from whom they are borne, raised, and cultured. To joke about Weiner and his childish pranks is tempting, and part of the way we deal with things, but perhaps we should wonder whether we are reaping what we've sown--excuse the Biblical reference. Do we really want secularity to be our God vs. for example,the Ten Commandments? Or would that be way too Biblical----surely there's something else. Maybe David Letterman could come up with the ten best ways to behave,per his 10 Best list every night.
One final bit of unsolicited advice to those out there who think Weiner's photo shoot of himself is the new way to flirt and attract---here's a news flash--- your chesty, ripped six packs and your whatevers aren't really " the turn on" you seem to think ---struttin' your stuff has never been particularly attractive to most of us women. We still like to be romanced the old fashioned way, and it has nothing to do with "sexting" or graphic pictures --not cool--kind of creepy, in fact. So, whether you twitter, text, or sext---be nice, and for heaven's sake---zip it before you click it!
For now, it's again the Dems who must endure the embarrassment of their own---enter another sinner, John Edwards, a very close runner up to the last Presidential election. Mr. Edwards in an appalling display of indiscretion, dishonesty, and lying, now faces even more serious charges than Weiner. He has been charged with spending campaign money to keep his mistress and now mother of his child, hidden from public view while still campaigning for the presidency. He could go to jail for a number of years, which in of itself will be another tragedy in this unending sad saga, as he will leave his children without a parent. Elizabeth,his wife, died of cancer while all this was going on. Edwards' lack of judjment, integrity and character are astounding---but should he go to jail for these crimes of immorality? Yes, he may have spent the campaign money---but would it not be sufficient for him to pay back these monies and perhaps lose or have his bar license suspended, but then continue to live his life, in shreds of past glory? I harbor no sympathy for this man and what he did to himself and his loved ones, but it is my opinion that the public humiliation and financial payback, perhaps with additional fines could be enough. Our jails are overcrowded with crimes much more egregious, and it would seem that this man would better serve his time at home raising his children. In this case, at least, it would seem an act of societal grace to not punish the children further by taking their father away. Is that any worse than the sentence given Edward Kennedy?
If you still think this too generous, think back to President Clinton and his antics with the inglorious Lewininsky lady. Did I want him impeached at the time? It was tempting, butI did not. And neither did the Senate who gave him a pass, though the House did vote for impeachment. I could not condone or excuse his behavior---it was a lasting scar on our national pride and a denigration of our moral code. It made a mockery out of the most respected and venerated position in the world---but impeachment at that time, it seemed, would have been far more damaging to our stability as a country than allowing Clinton to serve out his presidency, bowed and chastened, and unlikely to repeat his sins---at least not while in office. I happen to think the Senate made the right call at that time. President Richard Nixon,however, had not been so lucky---the winds of public forgiveness did not blow his way. Maybe it was the way he excessively perspired while on TV.
Punishment for crimes need to be assessed and measured out,and certainly not ignored when our trusted officials lend themselves to dangerous vulnerabilities and even blackmail,as could have been the case with Clinton and many other politicians who have stepped over the line . But it would also seem that we are leaning over backwards to completely destroy the accused and with it the symptoms of an increasingly immoral society, rather than to address the problem. We don't tar and feather the wayward social misfit anymore, or brig them in the town square, but the complete stripping of dignity is hard to watch---humiliation is not a fun or healthy spectator sport, even if deserved. But "Let him who is without sin throw the first stone" may not apply to our attitude toward our elected officials, for we demand accountability for one's actions, both personal and professional-- and very few second chances. They are supposed to be who we want them to be---squeeky clean and without any skeletons in their closets. Is that getting to be too much to ask??
The incidents of inappropriate behavior seems extreme and out of control lately--but is it beyond the norm? Even Thomas Jefferson was guilty of having an affair with at least one of his slaves. John F. Kennedy, one of our most beloved Presidents was unbelievably indiscreet---but the media was incredibly protective at that time, and turned their eyes away from his numerous and indiscriminate affairs. It seems that today, however, with our more open, relaxed attitudes, there is less personal discipline and more tolerance towards it---unless it happens to our national leaders--and then it depends whose party is in power, or how liked they are by the media. Recent case in point would be ex-Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican whom the media seemed to adore, perhaps because of his Kennedy ties and very moderate ways. He seems to have gotten off fairly easily compared to Weiner and Edwards. How much of his government salary was used to support his mistress and child?? The media and some of us feign utter shock and awe---as if we'd never expected anything different from what we see all around us in our more tolerant society. To hear the wry comments, the talk show jokes, and observe an almost gleeful "gotch'a!" response to the naughty boys in Washington is a nice distraction from other much more serious issues in our government, but do we need constant running of the same scandal to the point of overkill? Yes, we should hold them to a higher standard as our representatives, but are they not unsurprising reflections of the society we live in--and are our scales of justice evenly weighed when there is such disparity between political preferences?
Perhaps we, as a country, are naively puritan in our insistence that our political officials be somehow immune from the temptations that power and money bring to many. There are those who demand extreme separation of church and state, proud that we do not inflict the mores and morals of religion upon the citizens of the country---but then act horrified and dismayed when suddenly it seems immorality is rampant among our leaders. Though it may be worse now, the frailties of our human condition have always been there---we just didn't have the means to see them. Technology now gives us much tranparency--a blessing to some, and a tattle tale monster to others. Mamas don't let your children grow up to trust their cell phones with their secrets.
Perhaps in the end, those who would betray the trust given them by the people of the land, will finally learn the value of a more virtuous and disciplined life--and we will also learn that it isn't enough to condemn, shame, and punish those who trespass against our moral code, which is changing all the time, for they will keep coming. It would seem we must first nurture a culture that puts emphasis on ethics, character, and professional responsibility. For "they" are us and we are "they". Left to our own devices, without a religious framework to guide us, is it possible we will never see the end of our parade of sinners? But to be religious, especially Christian in the USA today, is to be scorned and thought narrow minded. We instead worship secularity and mock those who would use religious morals to guide our national conscience. And so, perhaps it follows that we should also separate personal failings from professional competency, unless the latter is seriously compromised, in order to be consistent.
Anthony Weiner's fall from grace was unbelievably stupid, ridiculous, and almost sadistically riveting to watch--as Jay Leno, talk show host, remarked---'what are we, nine year olds?' But perhaps the real shame is that our outrage is focused more outwardly than inwardly.Our leaders are only as strong, honest, and moral as the people from whom they are borne, raised, and cultured. To joke about Weiner and his childish pranks is tempting, and part of the way we deal with things, but perhaps we should wonder whether we are reaping what we've sown--excuse the Biblical reference. Do we really want secularity to be our God vs. for example,the Ten Commandments? Or would that be way too Biblical----surely there's something else. Maybe David Letterman could come up with the ten best ways to behave,per his 10 Best list every night.
One final bit of unsolicited advice to those out there who think Weiner's photo shoot of himself is the new way to flirt and attract---here's a news flash--- your chesty, ripped six packs and your whatevers aren't really " the turn on" you seem to think ---struttin' your stuff has never been particularly attractive to most of us women. We still like to be romanced the old fashioned way, and it has nothing to do with "sexting" or graphic pictures --not cool--kind of creepy, in fact. So, whether you twitter, text, or sext---be nice, and for heaven's sake---zip it before you click it!
Friday, June 3, 2011
BAD AS IT'S GOING TO GET????
I grew up under the impression that things were never as bad as they seem---that people tend to exaggerate, and there was always a silver lining. My dad loved to tell the story of the little boy who cried "Wolf, wolf!" all the time just to get attention--until one day there really was a wolf---and nobody paid any attention. Lately, one gets the feeling that perhaps things really are much worse than they appear---the wolf story in reverse. Are we paying enough attention?
There is a creeping, sinking feeling in this country that we're in a deep morass, and that it's possible we'll have to suffer a "double dip" and suffer yet another hit to our already staggering economy. The problem is that the obvious cures are too hard to swallow, and potentially political suicide for those who might suggest and administer the medicine. And so our leaders fuss,flail,complain, and blame, but nothing is getting done ---what else is new in Washington? But this time, at this critical juncture in our history, to do nothing could be not only worse than the existing crisis---but the end of our powerful economy, which is now at breaking point. We are told we must raise the debt ceiling by August 2 in order to avoid default to our creditors. Really? Then why can't the two parties come up with a plan? Actually, the Dems have-- of sorts. They call it a "clean debit limit hike" amounting to 2.4 trillion increase in the debt limit--- the "clean" part? No major cuts to the budget. You've got to be kidding-- sounds more like "dirty pool", with higher taxes arriving in the very near future in order to take up the slack. The Republicans weren't amused and immediately turned down this proposal in an attempt to persuade the Dems into agreeing to more substantial spending cuts in order to balance the debt increase---no dice, so far. The Republicans also have a plan--the highly controversial Paul Ryan proposal, which offers real answers, but tough, unpopular sacrifices---over hauling the Medicare and Medicaid systems and trimming other entitlement programs. The Democrats won't even discuss this, let alone consider any part of it, preferring instead to characterize it as "mean spirited" and throwing senior citizens and children under the very proverbial bus. Such name calling and gamesmanship is getting really old, as it is they, the Democrats,who have been known to agree for a very long time, that medicare and medicaid are the big money pits.
In the meantime, another rating agency following on the heels of Standard & Poor, Moody Investor's Service, has just warned that our triple A credit rating was in urgent jeopardy and the only fix is a vote to increase the debt ceiling asap. Hm-m-m---excellent timing for the Democrats. Chicken Little is alive and well, but it's doubtful the sky will fall, if we don't immediately succumb to the hysterical cries to spend more money in order to stay alive financially--an upside down logic only the government could get away with. This week both sides met to decide whether to raise the debt ceiling, or whether to slash the spending; but ended with each side daring the other to either do something or refuse to-- the Dems, going through the motions, but with no real plan--- in hopes that the Republicans will die on the sword of Ryan's plan, or be accused of obstructionism for not going along to get along. Then, at least the path to election victory will be cleared. The Republicans will have to show true grit in order to stand by their principles---but do they have it? They, too, are politicians, and the game must be played in order to stay in it.
"It's the economy, stupid" used to be the election rallying cry for the Democrat party---now, it seems to be, "It's almost election time, don't be stupid." And so, here we are in gridlock with both parties blaming each other for lack of action or answers. Even some Republicans are fighting among themselves, debating whether for self preservation, they should back off from the very obvious debt crisis, and concentrate on other less incendiary issues. It was interesting to learn that recently 150 noted and respected economists, including former Treasury Secretary George Shultz, said that "increasing the debt ceiling without significant spending cuts and budget reforms will bring further harm to private sector job growth in America." Like the elephant in the room, this is an issue that deserves more than political pandering and posturing.
And so while the Democrats stonewall the crisis and accuse the Republicans of villainous acts and non-cooperation, the Republicans in turn try to engineer a trade off---massively downsizing the budget in order to justify raising the debt limit--- without a snowball's chance in hell of Senate passage. This is the acid test for both parties. But the extreme polarization of our two party system is the real deal breaker, and unless the two can come together, compromise, and hammer out a solution, we and our children will pay the price. Something has to give---care to bet that the old can won't get kicked again? And there you have the reason for the feeling of gathering gloom.
It is no wonder that while Washington fiddles, and our Rome burns, the people themselves, otherwise known as "grass roots", form their own groups, such as "The Tea Party",in hopes of being heard beyond the din of politics as usual. Meanwhile, Sara Palin with her "Rolling Thunder" bus tour and message of less government is drawing huge crowds---even over shadowing those of the current front Republican runner, Mitt Romney. Hello, Washington, and heads up mainstream media---the "you betcha' girl means business, and it isn't as usual. Having not officially decided to run for the presidency, Sara is not to be ignored or marginalized, and perhaps in this day of polished politicians, she appeals precisely because she isn't. Whether or not she throws her hat into the storm of the presidential election, her plain spoken words, heart felt words are being heard despite her critics. The natives are getting restless, and there is a growing drum beat for change away from the Washington elite, who seem to value their careers more than their country.
Obama and his administration have not caused all the ails of this weak economy, but they will have to live with the decisions being made---or not made under their watch. One gets the feeling that they know very well, that we're dangerously losing ground, but that somehow if given enough time, they can somehow avoid doing what desperately needs to be done. Even Bill Clinton, in an unguarded moment last week after the Ryan bill was voted soundly down, was heard to say quietly and almost apologetically to Paul Ryan, author of the bill, that sooner or later Medicare and Medicaid will have to be addressed. Too bad, he isn't saying it publicly---and even sadder that Obama and his crew aren't stepping up to the real problems, instead of strategically staring down their opponents and engaging in demagoguery. On the other hand, the Republicans are being watched closely by their own conservative wing who have mandated change---or else. They are in no mood or position to compromise. The wolf is at the door, but our leaders are too busy playing "Chicken" to do anything about it---or maybe to coin an old phrase, they are the chickens, as in "too chicken" to move.
Could things get any worse? Stay tuned----and Sara, baby---keep rolling.
.
There is a creeping, sinking feeling in this country that we're in a deep morass, and that it's possible we'll have to suffer a "double dip" and suffer yet another hit to our already staggering economy. The problem is that the obvious cures are too hard to swallow, and potentially political suicide for those who might suggest and administer the medicine. And so our leaders fuss,flail,complain, and blame, but nothing is getting done ---what else is new in Washington? But this time, at this critical juncture in our history, to do nothing could be not only worse than the existing crisis---but the end of our powerful economy, which is now at breaking point. We are told we must raise the debt ceiling by August 2 in order to avoid default to our creditors. Really? Then why can't the two parties come up with a plan? Actually, the Dems have-- of sorts. They call it a "clean debit limit hike" amounting to 2.4 trillion increase in the debt limit--- the "clean" part? No major cuts to the budget. You've got to be kidding-- sounds more like "dirty pool", with higher taxes arriving in the very near future in order to take up the slack. The Republicans weren't amused and immediately turned down this proposal in an attempt to persuade the Dems into agreeing to more substantial spending cuts in order to balance the debt increase---no dice, so far. The Republicans also have a plan--the highly controversial Paul Ryan proposal, which offers real answers, but tough, unpopular sacrifices---over hauling the Medicare and Medicaid systems and trimming other entitlement programs. The Democrats won't even discuss this, let alone consider any part of it, preferring instead to characterize it as "mean spirited" and throwing senior citizens and children under the very proverbial bus. Such name calling and gamesmanship is getting really old, as it is they, the Democrats,who have been known to agree for a very long time, that medicare and medicaid are the big money pits.
In the meantime, another rating agency following on the heels of Standard & Poor, Moody Investor's Service, has just warned that our triple A credit rating was in urgent jeopardy and the only fix is a vote to increase the debt ceiling asap. Hm-m-m---excellent timing for the Democrats. Chicken Little is alive and well, but it's doubtful the sky will fall, if we don't immediately succumb to the hysterical cries to spend more money in order to stay alive financially--an upside down logic only the government could get away with. This week both sides met to decide whether to raise the debt ceiling, or whether to slash the spending; but ended with each side daring the other to either do something or refuse to-- the Dems, going through the motions, but with no real plan--- in hopes that the Republicans will die on the sword of Ryan's plan, or be accused of obstructionism for not going along to get along. Then, at least the path to election victory will be cleared. The Republicans will have to show true grit in order to stand by their principles---but do they have it? They, too, are politicians, and the game must be played in order to stay in it.
"It's the economy, stupid" used to be the election rallying cry for the Democrat party---now, it seems to be, "It's almost election time, don't be stupid." And so, here we are in gridlock with both parties blaming each other for lack of action or answers. Even some Republicans are fighting among themselves, debating whether for self preservation, they should back off from the very obvious debt crisis, and concentrate on other less incendiary issues. It was interesting to learn that recently 150 noted and respected economists, including former Treasury Secretary George Shultz, said that "increasing the debt ceiling without significant spending cuts and budget reforms will bring further harm to private sector job growth in America." Like the elephant in the room, this is an issue that deserves more than political pandering and posturing.
And so while the Democrats stonewall the crisis and accuse the Republicans of villainous acts and non-cooperation, the Republicans in turn try to engineer a trade off---massively downsizing the budget in order to justify raising the debt limit--- without a snowball's chance in hell of Senate passage. This is the acid test for both parties. But the extreme polarization of our two party system is the real deal breaker, and unless the two can come together, compromise, and hammer out a solution, we and our children will pay the price. Something has to give---care to bet that the old can won't get kicked again? And there you have the reason for the feeling of gathering gloom.
It is no wonder that while Washington fiddles, and our Rome burns, the people themselves, otherwise known as "grass roots", form their own groups, such as "The Tea Party",in hopes of being heard beyond the din of politics as usual. Meanwhile, Sara Palin with her "Rolling Thunder" bus tour and message of less government is drawing huge crowds---even over shadowing those of the current front Republican runner, Mitt Romney. Hello, Washington, and heads up mainstream media---the "you betcha' girl means business, and it isn't as usual. Having not officially decided to run for the presidency, Sara is not to be ignored or marginalized, and perhaps in this day of polished politicians, she appeals precisely because she isn't. Whether or not she throws her hat into the storm of the presidential election, her plain spoken words, heart felt words are being heard despite her critics. The natives are getting restless, and there is a growing drum beat for change away from the Washington elite, who seem to value their careers more than their country.
Obama and his administration have not caused all the ails of this weak economy, but they will have to live with the decisions being made---or not made under their watch. One gets the feeling that they know very well, that we're dangerously losing ground, but that somehow if given enough time, they can somehow avoid doing what desperately needs to be done. Even Bill Clinton, in an unguarded moment last week after the Ryan bill was voted soundly down, was heard to say quietly and almost apologetically to Paul Ryan, author of the bill, that sooner or later Medicare and Medicaid will have to be addressed. Too bad, he isn't saying it publicly---and even sadder that Obama and his crew aren't stepping up to the real problems, instead of strategically staring down their opponents and engaging in demagoguery. On the other hand, the Republicans are being watched closely by their own conservative wing who have mandated change---or else. They are in no mood or position to compromise. The wolf is at the door, but our leaders are too busy playing "Chicken" to do anything about it---or maybe to coin an old phrase, they are the chickens, as in "too chicken" to move.
Could things get any worse? Stay tuned----and Sara, baby---keep rolling.
.
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