A nation too close to call.

 

When I was hearing about record voter turnouts, I was very excited. The idea of a resounding rebuke of hate and fear filled rhetoric seemed a certainty. But this didn't happen. Yes, the House flipped and there where some exciting election results. A first-ever female and Democrat governor in Maine generated a broad smile. Wins by Cortez in NY, Pressley in MA, Tlaib and llhan, and more, were very heartwarming. It shows progress is being made.

However, there really was no "blue wave." What we saw was a wave of murky waters. We learned that the rhetoric did not only excite the right wing white supremacists, but it also awoke a sleeping cord in many right learning voters. There are a variety of reasons for the GOP Senate victory, but amomg them must be listed a reaction against an inclusive society.

We are a nation too close to call. We are not a nation in the middle, but we're neither left nor right. We are a nation divided. Will healing occur over the next few years? I'm not optimistic. There may well be so much gridlock and so many investigations that galvanization will increase.

If ever there was a time to build bridges, it's now.

What really does matter?

 

It has been so difficult not to spend endless hours bemoaning the current state of politics and society in the US.
As the Talking Heads said, "This ain't my beautiful house ..." How prophetic. Certainly, America is rapidly a palcethat is no longer beautiful, not the physical beauty, but rather a creeping ugliness in society, tearing at the seams and ready to burst.
This is a far cry from Leave It To Beaver and Happy Days. To be sure, those days were far from perfect for many in our nation. POC, LGBQT, the disabled, those with special needs, women, and others did not lead perfectly happy lives. Changes were made, there was, at least on the books, progressive legislation that sought to improve the well-being of most.
Festering between the pages of civil rights was a mold. One kept in check by a nation that elected officials who, even in the worst of cases, upheld the rules and laws of the land. The tide came in and out but the beaches were generally safe for most.
Now, we're being hit by a rogue wave that's feeding that mold and allowing it to spead everywhere.
Most of what we see and hear is beyond belief. This can't be happening, and yet it is. Forget the whys and hows, there are way too many theories to analyze and even if we settled on answers, it won't stop the spread of the social/political pandemic. There is only one immediate fix, the research can come later, this disease needs a hit of humanitarian vaccine, otherwise known as votes. After that, then the underlying problems can be addressed. But all the shouting and anger and head banging and depression will solve nothing.
So my question to you is, What really does matter?
An end to violence?
Helping the sick and elderly?
Quality education?
A safe and thriving environment?
Meaningful and enjoyable jobs?
The right to live as you desire, believe as you will, as long as it harms no other?
Fair treatment for all?
Free and open elections?
The right to get ahead but not on the backs of others?
The right to know?
Freedom from lies, deceit, and tyranny?
A world at peace?
Help when events beyond your control give you setbacks?
A safe environment free of fear?
A willingness to assist others escaping tryanny?
Equity in all matters?
A fair chance to be what you want, do what you want, live how you want, again, as long as it harms none?
I think you get the gist.
But really, this shit has got to stop. If not, the world as we have known it will surely end. The prophecies fulfilled, the end of times, all without a rapture, just one big rupture.

It's not just the GOP that's imploding

 "A nation divided ...."

There are many recent news articles about the GOP imploding under the weight of the idiotic antics and positions of its presidential candidates. This implosion, however, is resulting from the implosion of American society. It is a symptom, not a cause. It reflects the current disarray of American society and culture--a cultural that is suffering from severe identity crisis.

There is talk about "making America great again." What the hell does that even mean? When was America every really great? Was America great when it destroyed Native civilizations? How about when it took land from Mexico? Vietnam? Iraq? Is greatness defined by military power?

Is America great because we've been such an open/tolerant society? How did (do) we treat Chinese, Irish, Italian, Puerto Ricans, Latin, Asian, Arab immigrants? Were/have they been welcomed with open arms? Have we embraced the religious beliefs of all? Have we been a nation tolerant of all races? Do we even know if we are a liberal or conservative nation? Do we know what we want to do with education (that is in a crisis of its own)? Are we committed to helping the poor? Have we ever been? Do we support universal health care or are we more concerned about profits for Big Pharma? Do we respect the rights of all or do we choose who and when rights apply?

There are nations with higher standards of living, better health care, lower mortality rates, less stress, and perhaps even more freedom. So again, what greatness did we have that we must return to?

Look, America is a good place to live. There are certainly many worse places. The point is, we lack direction. We have been trying to define who and what we are since the 1700s. We have been fed dogma about who we are, but 'they' have never portrayed reality. We have been brave, we have risen to 'the' occasion, we do sometimes help others (when in someone's best economic interest), and we love to preach but we don't do as we say.

Because of the internet and instant forms of communication, we are now better informed of how messed up we really are. The news is geared to polarizing opinions and the immediate attention and sharing of bad news prevents time to distill and sort out information. We react and no longer respond.

While it may be easy to laugh at our politics, and if it wasn't so sad it would be laughable, we must understand that we are laughing at our selves. Don't be shocked by what Trump does or says, but rather be shocked that people listen to and approve of what he says or does. We, as a people, have a very hard time setting a direction. And, when we do, we sabotage our own efforts. We'll elect a president because of his/her ideas, then put holes in the ship by electing a congress of a totally different persuasion. Then we wonder why nothing ever gets done. We have one side rowing north and the other south and we get angry because we're going in circles.

Rome fell from within, not because of the barbarians. Soon we will have the opportunity to have a president and a congress that could row in the same direction. We need to get it together!

"Implosion is a process in which objects are destroyed by collapsing (or being squeezed in) on themselves."

Remember These 12 Facts November 2nd

12 Environmental Facts to Keep in Mind on Election Day

389 – The concentration in parts per million of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas, in the earth's atmosphere today.

38 – Percent increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration since the industrial revolution.

18 – Number of countries that have set all-time heat records so far in 2010.

82 – Percent decline in U.S. corn, cotton, and soybean production possible under current warming scenarios.

1 – Rank of 2010 so far as the hottest year on record (tied with 1998).

16 – Estimated number of Exxon Valdez-sized spills it would take to equal the amount of oil spilled into the Gulf after the BP Blowout.

4,342 – Total number of oiled birds collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Gulf Coast region.

$68.5 million – Amount spent by Big Oil and its special interests allies this year on TV ads designed to elect pro-polluter candidates.

$514 million – Amount spent on lobbying and advertising by big polluters to stop the Senate from passing global warming legislation.

23,000 – Number of Americans whose lives will be saved in 2010 alone because of the Clean Air Act, according to EPA estimates.

232 – Number of toxic chemicals found in the umbilical cord of tested newborn babies in the U.S.

1 – The number of votes it takes to decide a close election. 

Please remember to vote on November 2, and please – vote your planet!

Sources:

• http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/
• http://co2now.org/ 
• http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.
  html?entrynum=1659 
• http://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget/08/hl-full.htm 
• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618143950.htm
• http://news.ncsu.edu/releases/crop-yields-could-wilt-heat/
• http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/?report=global&year=2010&
  month=9
• http://www.nwf.org/Oil-Spill/Effects-On-Wildlife/Compare-Exxon-
  Valdez-and-BP-Oil-Spills.aspx 
• http://www.restorethegulf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/
  Consolidated%20Wildlife%20Table%20102710.pdf
• http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2010/10/
  bigoilmoney.html
• http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/the-gaggle/2010/08/31/
  the-changing-climate-for-environmental-legislation.html 
• http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/climate_law_institute/
  legislating_for_a_new_climate/pdfs/SavetheCleanAirAct.pdf 
• http://ewg.org/minoritycordblood/home

NO TEA FOR ME.

Neither Maine nor the nation needs the Paul LePage’s of the world. Time to dump the Tea Party into the harbor. Maine has a long tradition of independence but it also cares for its people. LePage, and it seems all Tea Party minded candidates, would return us to an era of survival of the fittest. Under the guise of less spending and reduced regulations, their ideas do nothing but give big business free reign to continue to rape and plunder the middle class.

Maine’s unemployment is around 50, 000. LePage wants to layoff 6-7,000 teachers. That’s a real economic benefit. Just what we need, more people searching for scarce jobs, more lost homes and higher welfare needs.  But wait, they also want to cut welfare and put the ‘lazy bums’ back to work. Where? Yes, there are abusers of the welfare system and programs to get rid of ‘welfare lifers’ who could otherwise work makes sense. But, there are many with legitimate needs and in Maine, we used to care for those who need help. But I suppose it is easy to pick on the poor! What is totally illogical is that LePage wants to cut support for the University system, Community Colleges, and K-12. Stop that train. How will reductions in the very systems that are needed for an intelligent work force going to attract jobs? LePage further wants to abolish the State Department of Education thereby cutting off access to millions of dollars. Hang that phone up, Mr. LePage. Those are my tax dollars coming back to Maine. Why would I want them going to who knows where?

While mouthing support for alternative and renewable energy, LePage and the Tea Party are big supporters of more offshore oil drilling and nuclear power. Just what the Gulf of Maine needs, oil rigs run by the likes of BP and nuclear power that produces radioactive waste good for at least several hundred thousand years. Hell, the U.S can’t safely dispose of the waste it has now, what sense is it to add to the problem?

Everyone likes to hear phrases like reduce government spending, give tax cuts, fight the bureaucrats, and get government off our backs. If history is any indicator, the tax cuts benefit the wealthiest; reduced regulation means let’s not worry about oil spills; and, getting government off our backs means let the large corporations do what they want. And to date, what they want is to send their jobs overseas and pay slave wages.

What will really attract jobs to Maine? A clean environment, an educated work force, quality services, modern infrastructure and fewer damn potholes will help bring jobs to Maine. These things cost money and to think you will have them by just cutting taxes, dumping on government workers, and firing teachers is ludicrous! These same people don’t want to extend unemployment benefits, deny retirees benefit increases, take free choice away from women and slam the poor and unemployed because they got shafted by big business. This is not what Maine is about and it is not what America is about. Do we need changes and improvements and politicians who do not placate themselves to the rich and powerful? Of course! But we don’t need politicians who claim to be for the middle class but whose policies would continue to destroy the very people they hope will vote for them. No ‘tea’ for me, no tea for Maine and no tea for the nation. We are a country of coffee drinkers and hopefully the electorate is bright enough to understand that.

THOSE WHO WOULD TAKE YOUR HOME

Here is a story from NPR that has also appeared in many other news outlets.


"With well over a million homes being repossessed, 2010 is shaping up to be a record year for foreclosures in the U.S. But there are serious questions about the way many have been carried out, and now prosecutors are investigating whether some of the country's largest banks committed fraud.
— GMAC Mortgage, Chase and Bank of America — in written statements basically say that the underlying facts behind these foreclosures were sound, and that they weren't taking people's homes for no reason. 

So, is this just a problem of the banks being sloppy and too casual with the paperwork? Attorney General Cordray thinks not.
"That's not what we have here," he says. "What we have here is lying under oath. The facts may or may not be correct. And this seems to have been an industry-wide practice, where the companies encouraged this and required it of their employees — to commit deliberate fraud on the court in case after case after case."

The financial interests involved here are the same that finance those who say they are for America's working class. Now it seems to me that since we gave these institutions billions of our tax dollars so they could continue to make record profits, why are they so hastily and so illegally trying to quickly foreclose on millions of homes? How is that being for the American worker? 

The article goes on to say, "We (Ohio) have filed a lawsuit against GMAC Mortgage and their parent company, Ally, and we consider each separate incident of a false affidavit filed in a case warranting full penalties of $25,000 per incident," he says.
That's $25,000 per homeowner, and there have been millions of foreclosures. This isn't just another shoe dropping for the mortgage industry.
"That is so much bigger than a shoe," Cordray exclaims.

I suggest that for every home foreclosed in this manner, that they be forced to pay the $25K per incident, and that those funds be used to help homeowners keep their homes. Now that would be a true economic stimulus.

Legislation that would have allowed lenders more flexibility in signing court documents and speeding up foreclosures had been sent to President Obama, but he's using a rare "pocket veto" to essential kill it. (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130421557 )

When you vote in just a few short weeks ask yourself who will work in your best interest? Those who would take your home, or those who at least are trying to really help? Clearly, the Democrats have been a disappointment. The financial interests have long arms. But their fundamental motives are more in tune with what is needed.

When will we say enough is enough?

THE ECONOMICS OF SCREW ME ONCE, SHAME ON YOU...

Screw me twice, shame on me. There can be little doubt those that control and dominate the American and world economy have had it pretty easy. Any time they get into trouble they simply cry 'too big to fail'and their puppet politicians simply take money from what was once a middle class and bail them out. The most recent being around $800 billion. And, while these 'too big to fail' companies make usurious profits and pay absurd bonuses for failure, they create no new jobs under the protection of the 'consumers aren't buying' mantra. Could it be because they have all of our money? But there has been so much said and written on this topic it is not worth repeating the list of corporate atrocities committed upon the consumers of the world. The bail out was the first, or rather the most recent and obvious, screwing. Shame on them.

These same corporate entities are now trying to screw us again, and if they are successful, shame on us. Hopefully, you all know that mid-term Congressional elections are coming up in November. The current mantra of these forces tends, on the surface, to sound appealing. Sound bites "cut the size of government, reduce government spending, keep tax cuts, fire the teachers, we can't afford to address climate change, reduce regulations, etc.," does have some appeal in a troubled economy. But what is really behind these corporate funded attacks? Of course they want the size of government reduced. If there a fewer food inspectors, environmental regulators, health and safety employees, they get more free rein to do as they please. Reducing government spending allows them to make more profit as they will be taxed less. Keep tax cuts helps the rich to stay rich. The poor don't pay many taxes anyway so it's not like tax breaks are very useful for the increasing numbers of people falling into poverty. They are not there because of taxes but because they have lost their jobs and banks are taking their homes.

Did you notice that just when people began to take climate change seriously that we had an economic crisis? How many times do we have to listen to the idea that increasing mpg will raise the price of cars and no one could afford them? Hell, we can't afford the cars they are making now. But we know that the technology exists for non-polluting/high mpg cars. But that means less money for the oil cartels. Spending money of safe and environmentally oil exploration would decrease the corporate bottom line. Corporations claim that such regulations cost jobs and raise the cost of energy so we can;t do that. How many people want to listen to 'save the environment' when they have a hard time putting food on the table?

Reducing the size of government, firing teachers to save money and massive public employee layoffs will not help the economy. If no jobs are being created, where will these people work? If we go on a benefit cutting spree, then how would all of these people live? Is there room for reform and efficiency improvement? Of course, but a wanton and reckless loss of government jobs will do nothing to help the economy. Although, it will allow the banks to take more homes away. Clearly, right-winged financed political campaigns against everything means that they are for themselves, not for us. Look at the resistance to the extension of unemployment benefits; efforts to take away Social Security benefits; the lack of interest in feeding hungry people; the unwillingness to help us get affordable health care and the basic disdain to human suffering and ask how these actions could benefit you.

There is no question that we need improved efficiencies and abuse of programs needs to end. But the demonetization of government workers, the poor, the middle class and efforts to create a sustainable and peaceful world serves only the interests of those that have a lot and not the interests of the majority of people. If you buy into the corporate financed propaganda, shame on you!

POLITICS, ELECTIONS AND THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

Politics and the Law of Attraction definitely mix. When people think of the Law of Attraction (LOA) they tend to focus upon money, health, relationships, employment and generally personal issues. However, the basic tenet of the LOA is that it operates all of the time, in every situation and at every level of society. There is no time or place or issue that is not under the LOA. Gravity works on the planet for the rich and the poor, for the young and the old, for Republicans and Democrats as doe the LOA.

On a societal level, the LOA has determined the course of history. It has brought peace or war, abundance or poverty, power or weakness, freedom or slavery to the world’s nations. The LOA basically states that form or reality follows thoughts. The more powerful the thoughts, and the emotions and intentions behind those thoughts; the greater the manifestation of those thoughts. This occurs either consciously or unconsciously. Nations whose people live with an underlying fear of neighbors are frequently at war with those neighbors. A nation that is confident of its goals, hopes and future tend to thrive. People, both individually and as a society attract what they either desire or what they fear.

With respect to the American election process, it is clear that it is adversarial; one party against the other. The “Secret” indicated that all too often, people fight against something, rather than for something. In this process more energy is often put into what is not wanted than what is wanted. Frequently, this results in the undesirable being manifested. The more energy, thought and emotion that goes into fighting against a candidate results in that candidate winning; form follows the thought. This is why those who teach the LOA try to get people to understand not to fight against something, e.g. war on drugs, war on poverty, war on terrorism, fight against cancer or obesity. This very mindset creates and attracts what is not desired. My new book, POLARIZING YOUR LIFE TOWARDS PERFECTION (soon to be released by Cambridge Book), shows how this process works and how to avoid this mindset.

In the current campaign for president, both Obama and McCain have fallen into the same old process of campaigning against each other. Debates are scheduled, the rhetoric is flying and ads attack the position of the other. Furthermore, supporters of these candidates tend to be ‘against’ the opponent more so than ‘for’ their desired the politician they support. Most discussion is centered on what is disliked rather than what is liked. The result is a polarized thought form that creates tension and discord. Perhaps Obama came closest to a proper understanding of a more correct process when he said that the election is not about him, rather, it is about the people. If the election process ran on this basis, we would not have debates, but rather forums. There would be no negative ads, but rather commercials that say what the candidate believes. We lean very little when debates are merely one politician attacking the other. A better system would be to have each candidate present their ideas, their record and their programs with audiences able to seek clarification, but not debate. In this way we attract quality discussion void of negativity.

The bottom line is that Americans must decide what they are for, not what they are against. In this way the LOA will create the desired result. When the focus is on the problem, even if you are seeking solutions, you still add energy to the problem. But if the focus is on what we want for education, health care, jobs, culture, and what we see as our role in the world, we have created a positive mindset that will create positive results. If you desire to consciously use the Law of Attraction in this election, give your thoughts, attention and emotions to what kind of future you want for America. Be ‘for’ something and not ‘against’ something. It is the only way to create a process with positive outcomes.

"DEAR JOHN" MCCAIN

Dear John McCain. You blew it. I applaud the fact that you chose a female for your VP candidate. However, we know it was done for pure political reasons, we would expect nothing else. But, is she the most qualified female you could find? Are there not other females that at least have some experience that make them qualified to take over the Oval Office in case of an emergency?


capacitated? Do you sincerely think that a self-proclaimed “hockey mom” would be in a position to confront Putin, Iran, terrorism, a depressing economy and global climate change? What do you expect her to do; challenge Russia to a snowmobile race and the winner takes the Georgia?
Maybe if she had been governor for four years and then a U.S. Senator she would be a good pick. But I stated in earlier blogs that this election’s choice of VP candidates would be critical as to the outcome of the race. You have chosen a candidate that is not, in my opinion, qualified to run this nation should you fall to ill health. Should you become disabled, the power vacuum would be filled by those who have not led us into the twenty-first century with a strong sense of leadership or partnership with friends abroad. Just because Palin is a woman that all females will flock to your support is very presumptive and naïve.
So Dear John, Americans deserve the best and I do not believe you have offered us the best in your choice for VP. For what it is worth, I am now an official Obama/Biden supporter.

JFK DEJA VU

It’s all about the eyes. I was 14 years old when JFK took the oath of office as president of the United States. I remember watching the inauguration on that cold January day. I looked with the wonder of youth at a man who spoke words that stirred a deep seated desire to achieve something great. Many who listened to him talk had a look in their eyes, a mesmerizing look that one could take for hero worship.

I remember listening to Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech. Again, you could see that look in everyone’s eyes as the promise of a new future sparked our own personal dreams to create a life and a nation of great accomplishment. When I was a senior in high school a couple us skipped school to march with Dr. King against school desegregation in Boston. For one brief moment I locked arms with Dr. King and once again, the eyes of thousands, and my own, held the look of promise.

I listened to Obama’s acceptance speech. I was grateful for the news teams that took the time to get close up personal expressions of those that were in attendance. Once again, there was that look. At first it could be taken for idol worship, and for some, that was probably the case. But there was more hidden within those eyes. There was an expression of a child upon seeing colorful and bountiful presents under a brightly lit Christmas tree; the look of a parent upon seeing their newborn child for the first time; the look of a man or woman when love takes hold of the heart. It was not just the eyes of worshipers; it was the look of “awakening,” the inner spirit coming to life because someone hit a key note that jogged their long fogged and cluttered mind. The eyes said, “I remember why I am here. I remember that there is more to life than a home in the suburbs, a two car garage and a never ending life was useless consumption.” It was not a look of fear, but a look of hope. The eyes were asking, “Could this be the time, the moment when we will truly create a life of peace and brotherhood for all?”

When watching the JFK inaugural, I remember seeing a young charismatic man standing with a more elderly companion, LBJ. When watching Obama I saw the same image as he stood with Senator Biden. I remember Kennedy telling us that it was up to us, the people, to decide the future of our nation. “Ask not what your country (your government) can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.” He put the future in our hands and let it be known that we are responsible for form, shape, temper and values of the nation. Obama said that the election was not about him, it was about us. What do we, as a people want? What kind of future will we create? What kind of world do we want ourselves and our children to live in? “Change does not come from Washington, change goes to Washington.” We are responsible.

It is said that we are at a time of either a great awakening or great disaster. Too much is going on in the world to think that we can continue to live a life of ‘business as usual.” Does Obama represent that change? Would his election proclaim to ourselves and the world that Americans have finally reconciled its bi-polar disorder? Would is show us that we have finally taken the theory “that all men are created equal” and are ready to now put that theory into practice? Would his election show that we have erased the notion of color from our politics and that we are ready and willing to embrace all those who share our dreams, hopes and desires?
I will admit to a fear. In American politics, those with vision tend to stoke the fire, but not partake of its warmth. Martin Luther king knew this. He knew he would get to the Promised Land but not enter it. In my age of hope and rebellion, the 60’s and 70’s, we lost our heroes to hatred, bigotry and blindness. The look that was in our eyes turned to pools of water. Dare I rekindle that forgotten fervor? Are we finally ready to create that new Promised Land? I know we create our own reality. Are we, as a people, ready? “If not now, when; if not us, who?” In the wise words of a Hopi elder, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”

PRESIDENT BUSH: IN LIKE A LION, OUT LIKE A LAMB

The Bush Administration can best be described as opportunities lost. With the jackals nipping at his heels in these final months of his presidency, George Bush had the opportunity to raise the bar in the upcoming election, but failed to do so. As both Democratic and Republican candidates search for the magic button that will whisk them into the White House next fall, the President had a major opportunity to set the agenda for national debate. Like the fickle weather of month of March, he came into his presidency like a lion, but is going out like a lamb.

The President’s last State of the Union Address could have set the tone for national dialogue and might have even saved some semblance of a positive legacy. Instead, we simply got more of the same rhetoric that has fallen on deaf American ears. Lame duck office holders frequently have major opportunities to strike a tone that would move election debates into more positive territories. Instead, they usually end up with an attitude reminiscent of managers who throw in the towel as their fighters appear on the verge of defeat.

The President focused his speech on war, terrorism and recession. On all three fronts, the U.S has been fighting losing battles. A war that could have brought positive change to the Middle East has been disastrous due to lack of vision and gross mismanagement. If the President had just listened to the voices of our brave troops and of the people in Iraq, we might have been on the verge of peace, rather than catastrophe. If the President had listened to the cries of the people rather than the demands of mega corporations, terrorism might have been a mere footnote in the history books. If the President had listened to the opinions of more advanced thinking economists and environmentalists rather than the dinosaurs of corporate thinkers, perhaps we would now be buying alternative energy products and boosting our lagging economy. Perhaps that will be President Bush’s greatest legacy; he failed to listen to new voices.

President Bush represents all that is wrong about corporate economies that are more concerned with profit than creating a sustainable market system based upon sound economic, social and environmental principles. Bush represents the end of an era, perhaps even the end of an age. Think what would have happened if the President placed a real challenge before those seeking to stroll the rose garden.

Is it possible that the President could have actually molded the presidential race in his own image? Having failed in so many areas, he could have actually shaped both domestic and foreign policy for the next decade. Rather than try to merely justify what he has done, he could have proposed a set of sweeping policy and legislative proposals that would have to be addressed by political candidates. He could have proposed sweeping changes in environmental policy; challenged the scientific and technological communities to develop solutions to global warming; proposed sweeping health care reform; put forth a major revamp of our failing educational system; postulated real dialogue about immigration concerns; overhaul our foreign policy; taken a major stand on issues like Darfur, the Middle East, and China. So many opportunities were possible, but so many opportunities were lost.

In retrospect, President Bush did do the nation a great service. He showed us what was wrong with America. He showed us that when the people sleep, the government awakens. He showed us all that was wrong when you abandon your friends and allies in order to pursue a self-serving agenda. He showed us, once again, how our apathy leads to humanitarian tragedy. He showed us that the pursuit of wealth with disregard for the environment that provides that wealth is global suicide. He showed us that if we do not pay attention and become “comfortably numb,” we lose our freedoms and possibly the very planet that sustains and nourishes us. He showed us that corporate greed begets economic disaster and even threatens our very lives when we put profit over safety. He showed us that walls not only keep others out, they also keep us in.

Even though he garnered my vote in his first term, I will not miss President Bush. He has brought us to the brink of economic, environmental, social and foreign policy disaster. Perhaps it is a positive thing that he will leave as a lamb. But one thing is certain, the U.S. needs the return of a lion next fall; one that will see all that was done wrong, and take immediate steps to correct the errors of the past eight years.

LACK OF CONSENSUS AND THE 2008 ELECTION

Americans lack consensus. A society is whole when its people share values, ideals and purpose. It is obvious from the political campaigning that such a consensus is lacking in the U.S. And, while the job of a good politician is to build consensus, all of the candidates are facing one hell of a job.

Once upon a time there was a nation that was formed because its people shared a common vision. They wanted to build a country based upon freedom, liberty and justice for all. At least that was the common wisdom even though the reality greatly lagged behind the dream. That nation, with its people sharing a common goal, became one of the greatest and most powerful nations on earth. It has had its moments. When values were in conflict, the nation experienced internal conflict. It suffered a civil war, fought in the streets for true freedom, equality and justice. But it managed to stay together. It battled throughout the world to help others gain or keep their freedoms. Because of its resolve, it almost always prevailed.

This nation welcomed diversity. It opened it arms and its heart to those of foreign lands to come and share in its vision. People helped people and the mix of cultures and the freedom of expression enabled this nation to grow, prosper and to lead. One of its great leaders said that a “nation divided cannot stand” and over time itself held together and stood proud in the gathering of nations. Its people demanded excellence of its leaders and if the leaders did not represent their will. They “threw the rascals out.”

To an extent, this nation has been somewhat of a myth. It was not perfect, newcomers were not always welcomed, freedoms were not really for all and its motives in dealing with others were certainly suspect. However, regardless of its imperfections, everyone still believed in its basic founding principles.

What has changed? Do we still believe in basic freedoms? Have we not allowed massive government intrusion into our lives? Do we still welcome the weak, the poor and the hungry? Do we still accept new cultures and seek out their strengths to add to our own. Instead of helping others do we now look to government to solve all of our problems? Are we one voice on the economy, health care, the environment, justice, foreign policy, education and basic rights and liberties for all?

We have come to believe that “others” will solve our problems and we have given others the responsibility to do so. In that process, we have lost freedoms and our basic values. In the upcoming elections we look to the candidates to see who have the best “programs” to alleviate our suffering. We look for the quick fix while failing to see that only we can fix ourselves. Obama, Clinton, McCain and others cannot solve our problems. Every time we look to others to do so, we end up disappointed. If we really wanted universal health care; if we really wanted to lead the world in saving the environment; if we really wanted our children to be able to read, write and think; if we really wanted to feed and house the poor, there is no force on this planet that would stop us. Our politicians have debated and promised resolve on these issues for decades and yet they still persist.

It is our lack of consensus and unity of thought and purpose that prevents the resolution of the issues that concern us. One merely has to look at recent events to see that simply changing politicians and political party domination does not result in the solution and resolution of the issues that confront this country. While the inner chambers of our system bicker and while we, as the people, lack a shared dream, the world is moving past us. Regardless of what you read, it is not President Bush that is getting us into all kinds of trouble. And, regardless of what they say, it will not be Clinton, Obama, McCain or Romney that will change our standing in the world. It is we, the people, who must make those tough decisions to once again lead the world into a new era. It is we, the people who must find a common dream and present that dream to the world. While is may be convenient to blame our politicians for all that ails us, it is really each of us who must take the responsibility for the ways we interact with each other and the rest of the world.
Regardless of who wins in 2008, do not expect miracles unless we all decide the kinds of miracles we would like to see manifest.

OBAMA, MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE

Barack Obama will not win the Democratic nomination for president. All biases and prejudices aside on the part of the American voting public, there is something about Obama that is not trust worthy. He reminds me of the Manchurian Candidate, well groomed, very slick, always the right answers but not real. Coming out of nowhere, there is just something that I do not trust about him. The sad part is the pundits and the press seem to think that he is a breath of fresh air in what has become the stagnant pool of American politics.
The man is well spoken and his presence is impressive. If he had been around in politics longer I might take a second look but he has too many answers for someone so new to the political arena. What is amazing is that people think that his get tough on Washington and its special interests are something new. Here is a quote from the Washington Post referencing the recent YouTube debate:
Time and time again Obama sought to take specific questions and broaden them into a conversation over who represented real change in the field. He castigated lobbyists and special interests in Washington, offering a sweeping condemnation of business as usual (by both parties) in the nation’s capitol. “We don’t just need a change in political parties,” said Obama. “We need a change in attitudes of people representing Americans.”
Chris Cillizza, Washington Post

It is unfortunate that memories are so short. Every candidate for president in the past thirty years has used that same refrain; time to change the way business is done in Washington. And, every president has failed to make any change-it continues to be business as usual. When the Republicans controlled the Congress and the White House, no real changes were made. Now the Democrats control Congress and there are no real changes. We heard the same promises from Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II and we are hearing it again.
The basic premise on the part of Obama and his predecessors are wrong. There will always be special interests and to say that you are going to do away with their influence is naïve and is contrary to American politics 101. To say that we need a change in the attitudes of those representing Americans is only partially correct. Elected officials in Washington merely reflect the mirror image of the American public. That image is one of apathy, confusion, lack of conviction and it lacks direction. The American public does not know what it wants and is trying to get someone to tell them what they should do and how they should think. They feel that life has gotten so complex and the issues so confusing that they have abrogated responsibility for almost every aspect of their lives to Washington. As long as that hold true, Washington will continue to be the battleground for competing special interests and the promises of candidates to change this are simply wishful thinking. After all, how are their campaigns funded?
While Obama puts on a good show, I cannot help but wonder who is behind the scenes of his campaign. If someone gives a pitch that is too good to be true, especially in politics, it raises red flags. The field of democratic candidates are not impressive, but it is probably a given they will win the White House in ’08. Of course, they have been known to blow solid leads. If Hillary is nominated she would be wise not to choose Obama as VP. I am sure that there would be a lot of pressure to do that but it would be her undoing. Then we can watch Obama and see if he is a real politician or, just another Manchurian Candidate.