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Archive for September, 2008
September 23, 2008 at 2:33 pm · Filed under Call Bullshit, Raise The Debate
There are few times in one’s life when Americans are asked to put aside our political and ideological differences and pull together as a country. I believe that this current financial crisis is one of those times.
I’m confused, though, about some of the things I’ve heard and read; and it raises for me a very important question: What’s a patriot to do?
I am a patriot and I love my country. Sure, there are plenty of ways it could be better and fairer, offer more opportunities, and shine brighter as the beacon of global leadership and innovation. Just as parents love and nurture their children and want them to reach their full potential, I feel it is my duty to try and help my country do the same.
Last week, though, when Joe Biden suggested that the wealthy should pay more in taxes because it was the patriotic thing to do, John McCain and Sarah Palin mocked and ridiculed him for it – while standing behind a lectern emblazoned with the words “Country First.”
When did it become unpatriotic to suggest sacrificing for your country, especially for those that have benefitted so greatly from the opportunities that America provides? Generations that have come before us have sacrificed so that we can thrive – and not just on some battlefield – but financially, practically and personally.
We’re at war on two fronts, our infrastructure is crumbling, our education system is an embarrassment, millions of fellow Americans don’t have access to healthcare, our friends and neighbors have had their jobs outsourced overseas, and our economic system teeters on the verge of collapse.
What does this “Country First” crowd do in response to all of this? Anything they can to give less back. Whether it’s hiding profits offshore to avoid paying taxes on them, deregulating markets to expose investors to even more risk (and themselves to more profit) or relentlessly lobbying for larger tax cuts; it looks less like patriotism and more like “Me First.”
Now, I’m sure someone will try and convince me of the wonders of the free market and trickle-down economics; but take a look around: The only thing trickling down is a pervasive anti-tax mentality and contempt for public servants. Americans love everything their country has to offer, but ask them to sacrifice an extra three percent for it and they’ll run you out on a rail. Is it any wonder that such a political system attracts the greedy and corrupt individuals that have run our great nation into the ground?
Is this what patriotism has evolved into? Blind support of anyone that promises to never ask you to sacrifice?
Over the next few weeks, we will have to take a sobering look at the consequences of the last two decades’ financial freewheeling. And yes, one way or another, we will be asked to pony up for it. When the time comes, I urge every American to resist the temptation to sling mud at one party or another, to point out some slanted example of abuse, or to focus on “what’s in it for me?” Instead, simply ask yourself one question: Are you a patriot?
What’s a patriot to do?
September 20, 2008 at 1:00 pm · Filed under Call Bullshit, Finish Ahead, Raise The Debate
Monday, Senator McCain said the fundamentals of our economy our strong. He later went on to say that by “fundamentals,” he meant the American workers that have seen their wages reduced and their jobs outsourced.
Tuesday, he said that bailing out AIG was a bad idea, despite the fact that letting it fail would have been economically devastating. The free market would sort it all out.
Wednesday, he said bailing out AIG was necessary. It was, but anyone with any understanding of the economy knew that long before.
Thursday, the Senator said he would fire the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Never mind that the President doesn’t have that authority, our current crisis can hardly be pinned on Christopher Cox. He is part of the problem, to be sure; but replacing him isn’t going to magically fix anything.
Friday, he said that we are definitely in a recession, and the fault is Barack Obama’s, because the Illinois senator has been part of the Washington system for the past two years.
My friends, this has been more than just a tumultuous week. This is a glimpse into the future of a McCain/Palin administration. Like the Bush administration, McCain’s policies will be driven by fake populism, incompetence and greed; and when it all goes to pot, he will blame a Democrat.
Over the past 26 years – the same 26 years that John McCain has been in congress – the public protections put into place by FDR to prevent a recurrence of the Great Depression have been systematically dismantled by the GOP. It wasn’t that these protections were preventing growth and prosperity, but there was just so much more money to be made if greater risks could be taken.
Over the past 26 years – the same 26 years that John McCain has been in congress – we have been told of the wonders of the free market and the wisdom of trickle-down economics. Those policies didn’t result in new jobs and higher wages during the 80’s, and they still don’t today. During both of those decades, wages went down, unemployment went up and the economy went in the tank.
Now, to prevent the Great Depression II, we the people must take on a trillion dollars in bad debt, while corporate and financial industry executives – including friends and relatives of President Bush and Senator McCain – walk away with billions.
We’ve seen where President McCain will take us. We’ve seen it because we’ve been there before. It’s time for us to stop reliving the past and embrace a new future – the future of President Barack Obama.
September 11, 2008 at 4:21 pm · Filed under Call Bullshit
This has been a difficult campaign season. There has been plenty on which to write, especially over the last few days. But with so many people so engaged by this presidential campaign, it’s been hard to find an angle that doesn’t amount to “piling on.”
Then again, perhaps piling on is what’s called for here. As Rome burns, we spend countless hours talking about lipstick, babies, Wasilla’s strip mall city hall and all manner of nonsense. Just as George W. Bush makes his father look like Winston Churchill, John McCain may prove to be the best thing to ever happen to Emperor Nero’s legacy.
Yet despite all of the issues we should be focusing on – our dwindling global leadership; ballooning deficits; rising unemployment; collapsing banks; increasing tensions with Russia; deteriorating conditions in Iraq & Afghanistan; the list goes on, and on, and on – at the end of the day, one issue and one issue only will decide which way millions of americans vote: Taxes.
Most reasonable people will agree that taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society. The military, roads, police and fire protection, public education, social security, etc. all cost money; and we really can’t go without any of them. It’s the “waste” that people want to do away with.
Well what is the waste exactly? Ah, well now we wade into the murky waters. Many argue that the $10 billion per month we’re spending in Iraq is a waste. Others believe that money spent on welfare and medicaid should go by the wayside. Some claim we’re spending too much on public schools. And there are even some that want to see Social Security killed. And of course, there are all of those evil earmarks.
It’s certainly a lot to get one’s arms around; and it’s made even more difficult by the fact that, despite all of the furor, most Americans can’t tell you how much tax they pay. Moreover, if you ask how much tax they’ll pay under each presidential candidate’s plan, the answer will almost surely be one of two words: “More,” or “Less.” Read the rest of this entry »
