Tired Of the Republican "Nays"? Let's Do Something About It!
57I've Got Email On My Mind
Obama, A Man of Solutions
The Beginning of Achievement is Optimism!
I am so proud of our American President Barack Obama. I am so proud of our First Lady, Michelle Obama. What role models, what normal, thinking people. We have hope. We can achieve.
Obama is trying to clean up our country, and is working harder than any president in decades. He actually listens to advisors. He has tennis elbow from extending the olive branch so many times to the Republicans. He will not and should not have to beg these babies into doing the right thing. He looks tired, and yet he keeps going and going and going. Thinking and speaking and spreading optimism, that early birth of achievement.
As a child of a mother who later became blind, I learned that optimism is the fuel in the engine of accomplishment. I witnessed miracles because one had hope; one believer became two who believed. Two who believed became three, and four, and she achieved. Blind, she walked, she learned, she went to college. All because of that tiniest grain of hope, faith, called OPTIMISM.
As a foster mom, I learned that optimism gave kids belief in themselves, that they could achieve, laugh, dream again, move ahead of the past that threatened each moment to drown them in grief. My job was planting the seed of optimism, so that it could grow into achievement. One cannot happen without the other.
As a mother of two adopted sons, who at first I thought we'd never be able to add to our family, it was optimism that brought them into our lives, forever. That little speck of light. My own personal "yes, we can." Against all odds, we did. because we believed we could.
But, because they know the very power of it, Republicans continue to smother optimism. They tell us no, because they are mad at the loss of power, of their supremacy. How can any self-respecting, American-loving, elected official say they want failure for our country? Haven't we had failure enough, just in the last 8 years? Hasn't enough American blood been spilled in Iraq, where we never should have gone? Have we not lost enough of our dollars there, still unaccounted? Do we not have enough anger and fear from worry about Korea, Iran, China, Mexico, Pakistan, Gaza, and young, desperate Somalian pirates on the sea? Must they create more chaos, dissent, doubt and fear from within our own people here, in our own land?
Republicans, don't be so smug. I know you think you're invincible. I know you think you're always right. We saw what you did, we know where you are. We are not afraid. We are not amused. We, the average Americans on the ground, need help; we need our tax dollars put to work right here in our own country.
Your tactics of "lie, and lie often, because the more times 'it' is said, the more chances it will have of becoming believable" are not going to work. Americans are much smarter than you give us credit for being...we've lived the life you have never lived, or if you have, you've long since forgotten.
While you make your doctor's appointments paid for by insurance you have provided and voted on for yourself, paid for by our tax dollars, we are told America can't afford to provide good healthcare to the rest of us. We do without and more of us die, everyday. While you fix your big pearly white teeth, and sharpen them on bitter wit, we ache in pain. While you send money overseas as if it flowed from a never ending tax-payer fountain, we lose our jobs, savings, retirement, education.
While you scream "socialism" you enjoy your own big fat paychecks, create scams and shadow businesses that keep you and your rich corporate buddies from paying taxes here there or anywhere. You live in mansions, and enjoy luxuries and privileges denied to others due to lack of equal opportunity. You dare to laugh at the black man who was elected President by the people, for the people. You wonder why the press stands for the man in a press conference. You think that respect is too much, neglecting to think of it as earned because he is a responsive, respectable President.
The "Bill O'Reallys" of the Republican world smart off that we could afford medical insurance if we'd just give up drinking, as he sits back with his jug of joy and makes those all important sex calls. Rush Limbaugh pops out on pills and is considered your spokesman and informal "leader" as he lies, smears, and encourages hate of our ELECTED leader. His hatred of both Democrats and Blacks has blended into an ugliness that is shocking.
You say as a country we can't afford to pay our good teachers, send our low-income, but smart, kids to higher education, or keep a roof over the head of our grandmother, or even watch you on the "luxury" of cable tv, while you tunnel loop holes in laws that allow Wall Street to rape its investors, who in turn rape the workers clocking in to their factories, and fast-food 2nd or third shifts for the day.
You vote no on every bill, delay official presidential appointments, because you are no longer in control, like some spoiled brat.
You throw a ridiculously deceiving "tea party" that only inflated the price of tea, gave you a day on television, and was based completely on a false premise, all getting you nowhere, except locked in the kindergarten playground.
I am sick of you. Republican Congressman and Representatives, you are elected to do a job and surely even you can realize that saying no to everything doesn't make you part of the solution. Everything can not always be wrong.
What can I do? I am taking the next month, or however long it takes me, to email every single one of you and will encourage every living person I know, and many I've just met, and many I've yet to meet to email every Republican Congressman, in every single state, the same short letter that tells you to get on board with our President, and save this country. Help clean up the mess you've made, don't leave it to the Democrats alone. We can do it, but we should have some help.
When the load is shared, the burden is light.
We have dangerous countries threatening us, we have disease and hunger at our door, we have drugs and terrorists already within our walls, we have a broken economy, we have many worries. We are trying to live, to take care of ourselves and those we love, we want your help. How long will you ignore decency, honor, duty? How long will you deny action? How long will you hear the cries of your brothers and sisters?
I implore you, do you job. Or, drown in the sea of the average American on the ground's "no" votes that will come your way, and join the ranks of the unemployed.
I pray that matters to you, but my fear is that it does not.
Mr. Congressman...
Make It Click!
Americans, go here, and find all Republican Congressman and Representatives from every state, yours or not, send them an email. Go here, for a sample of what you might say, just for inspiration.
I've updated the first link, and it now will take you to a page where you can click on a state, and get all reps and congressman, without looking for just your "own" and in that way, you can email all of them. I hope you will do this; I'm on my third state, saving their email addresses so I can do it again and again. Not spaming, changing the letter a bit each time, but letting all elected Representatives and Congressman know we are concerned and are not impressed nor will tolerate constant "no's" for every bill that is designed to help the average American on the ground; or to eliminate waste and corruption. Send the message, you matter!!
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Comments
because all talk is not enough, and all optimism is not enough, does not make all optimism wrong. It's a first step, and because some politicians use it to divide or provide illusion, does not equate that all who speak optimistically are providing illusion. Your logic is based on faulty reasoning, assuming that blondes in red dresses mean that all blondes wear red dresses.
I do not believe all politicians, but I believe some. I do not believe only one party is right, but I believe one party is right sometimes.
I am asking the Republicans to jump on board the ship, as their boat has sunk. I believe we need all voices...but not only the nay-sayers. We're in critical time here, and everyone is needed.
Greed has failed our country and it is part of both parties. I agree with that. I'm asking all elected officials to unite for at least a while....an optimistic dream, but surely some blend of it will be an improvement.
I must always believe, or we have no achievement, as it is all born from belief; hope, faith, optimism...which is my main message.
If you choose pessimism, then I believe it is you who is gambling and losing. I will never give up, and I'm not spinning the wheel, nor throwing the dice. I'm listening to and seeking reasonable solutions. Sometimes we'll just have to turn the flashlight on in the dark, to see ahead. The only other choice is to run into each other...=))
thanks for commenting, all views are welcome.
Obama has come to office already having accomplished much for his constituents. Few people know that he is only one of two US senators opposed to how large corps have turned us all into independent contractors - with no benefits at all. How does American get away with treating its working people so shabbily?
His credentials are impeccable or believe me, he would have been 'lynched.' His background was thoroughly vetted.
I am so thrilled that we finally have a truly educated family in the White House. How did we ever allow a legacy student to slip in - like Bush, who joked about it all the time. The old saying 'you get the government you deserve' unfortunately had become all too true. I've lived and worked abroad for many years, and traveled extensively - it was tiresome being the laughing stock of the world.
Glad to see that we are beginning to realize that we 'deserve' a government that is not self-serving. It is appalling all the abuses our gov't has allowed.
For example(s) - Obama dares to say and put into effect things that no other politician would even broach - accountability from CEO's, no offshore tax havens, a change in income tax laws, a change in the outrageous credit card abuses, etc. - the word 'transparency' is commonly used in other cultures when it comes to gov't - and we are just getting around to it - additionally he has set up websites - we are a web nation now - but again I agree with him - our internet security is inadequate, we are sorely lagging in technology - and should not be. And indeed why not, as he says, have a high speed rail service, - not one owned by the freight companies that cause Amtrak trains to stop while the freight cars go through.
Americans need to make an effort to know who is who in politics. I was never an undecided voter - I knew exactly who I wanted and why.
Thanks again for spreading the love!
Obama has accomplished more in his first 100 days than most Presidents do in two terms, but still he gets slammed for 'empty promises.' I don't watch the news on TV anymore, it's just blah, blah, blah punditry and gossip. But I do find it interesting that now that we have Obama in office we've got the South threatening to secede again (Georgia and Texas) and the Voting Rights Act before the Supreme Court once again. I guess the Civil War isn't that far in the past after all.
All this 'no, no, no' and all the pumped up socialism rhetoric is just the South trying to rise again. Well, I say let 'em leave this time. Let Texas declare itself a country and pay for its own hurricanes, border problems, and Swine Flu epidemics. Tom De Lay is a bug killer--he should be able to help out there.
I'm with you marisue. We're of like mind. Nice hub. You go girl.
BKCreative, thank you and I agree !!! It's so nice to have a brain around THE HOUSE. LOL I feel so much better as he braves those subjects others have feared to even whisper...the vein of corruption is deep, and probly on both sides, but he is baring all. I'm glad we have a thinker, the nay sayers are exposing their nakedness.
and it is an ugly sight. I'm so proud we're making progress...and the GOP is going to have to get with the movement upward.
You all talk of accomplishments, I'll say again, action is not accomplishment and optimism without fruition is just gas. Three trillion dollars in 100 days, that is not accomplishment that is a tax burden for the future. It was not well spent and it didn't solve anything.
Again when you and others take an outlandish position to the rest of us that is OK, but when you get what you think is an outlandish reply, that is not OK.
When the Democrats say NO that is OK but if the Republicans do the same thing, that is not OK. That was just an example, because I think both parties suck.
When one does not believe the policies, one cannot jump on the ship. This 100 days has been the biggest spending time ever. More bills have been passed to spend-spend-spend. Where is this money going to come from. You and me and our children.
You would not spend your own money this frantically. Nor should we let the government do it.
It is easy to get things accomplished when you control the house and senate. No other president has every had this luxury (or curse.) So is it because he is so good? If he did not have the control of the congress, he would not have gotten hardly any of this done.
Reagan got a lot done, and he had a democratic congress. Now this was leadership.
And does any one know why these states are threatening to secede. Obama is threatening to pass laws that are outside of the jurisdiction that the state give the president and congress. When this happens, the contract between the states and the federal government is null. It is good for states to keep the federal government in check. Anyone who says different needs to take a government class to learn of the checks an balance system of our government to try to minimize the effects of power and corruption.
Keep on Hubbing!
Pam, I think the Republicans have become habitual liars...they lie when the truth is better but they just can't stop themselves. I had lots of foster kids do that --not that my own kids didn't come to think of it, but kids with backgrounds and years of experiences have great difficulty learning to tell the truth, they see no purpose in it-- and that's why I mention them....there are some so used to lying that they prefer it...and Tom De Lay is one of them. He fried himself during the Clinton years, and thinks we'll all just forget the charges against him. Newt Gingrich's indiscretions as well...there are so many Republicans that still seem to be just floating on the power of their wrongs and think they should still have our respect.
And when they don't get their way...they throw their toys and want to secede?? What kind of mentality is that??
It's treason, pure and simple. Vote the b..s..t..r..d...s....out IMO.
=)) I'll shout from the highest mountain...Republicans...you're either for US or agianst US....to coin a phrase.
I'm with you too, Pam!!! Racism in the 2000's it's unbelievable. Unacceptable!! Unbearable!!! Undesirable!!! Let's yell back at 'em.
Issues, it's easy to become discouraged. In time, I believe we will see more solutions than even now. Congress must move in the same direction to solve these problems, being against everything is not "action" either.
Cheer up, let's work for solutions, not just complain. I don't blanketedly endorse any one party, but now is not the time to be against everything that comes from the White House.
Not spending right now is worse than creating this future debt, to try to buy out of our problem. I have to concede to the financial experts that are the current think tank. I'm not an expert...but I'd rather owe some money, even if my grandchildren end up paying a higher percentage of taxes for a better life? Spending our dollars at home is not such a bad thing, and there are worse things than debt. A collapsed government is much worse, as the world is finding out...a wounded America is a wounded world.
Give it time, it's all we've got anyway.
I with you marisue, but I use more cuss words to express how I feel.
Hi eovery, you can't lead if people are determined to go their own way...I don't fault Obama for not cow-towing to the Repubs...they only want their way...they are not behaving like loyal Americans focused on solutions, but want to appear powerful yet they are pouting horribly.
I remember the Poseidon movie, and how some knew the solution but others were so stubborn, they walked straight to their death, afraid to believe in new leadership or common sense...so like life.
It's the Democrat's year...I think people are just going to have to get over it. Why is that such a hard thing to accept, but when the Republicans had the higher numbers for years...it was all ok...which is exactly what gave them this puffed up feeling. Reagan? not my hero. He failed miserably in so many areas, but the historians have been falsely kind to the man..which may very well change over the years.
It's ok to like Obama. We really can do that and remain White, Hispanic, Asian, Indian, I think most of this doubt has a racist fear. If I'm wrong, ok, but I don't think so. I think if he was white, most of this criticism wouldn't exist, except for the Republicans like Rush Limbaugh, who hates Democrats of any color, but especially black.
Some people are getting out of control enraged. It's not helpful. It's easy to be cynical and negative. Anyone can do that. It's a luxury though, it's a pampered position to say 'the world sucks, they all suck' and go the 'bah humbug' route. It releases the humbugger of all responsibility.
These people who threw these 'tea parties'--that was just incoherent rage. They were being used by politicians who don't care if those same people die. Republican politicians who convinced them to be outraged that the top 5% of Americans, all of whom make well over $250,000 a year, will now have to pay the same tax rate they did under Clinton, back when the economy was sound. THAT made people who will NEVER make a quarter mil if they live to be a thousand take to the streets and act like ignoramuses? That's pathetic.
Maybe Obama is the antichrist but I doubt it, and I feel like, at this point, anyone who doesn't have a better idea should STFU.
But that's just my opinion. Happily, it's still a free country so I still get to offer it.
Amen, Pam. The antichrist would have run against a super more correct choice for us and no one breathing on the planet could think that was McCain and Palin. Sorry folks, no drama Obama Anitchrist yet. Wait awhile...he's still coming one time or another...or not. This could all be a dream. lol
Hi Goldentoad, I'm so glad you hopped in...LOL People just need to calm down....blame bush, not the man with a plan. Bush can torture, over spend, and vacation on the ranch more days than any other president...and it's all Obama's fault that the only solution is to spend our way out of this mess. I don't know the answers completely and I don't think anyone else does either, but I can recognize common sense, important optimism, and intelligence when I see it. I see it, now, and didn't with McCain and Palin...so let's enjoy the next 8 years, hopefully.
People - if you agree that the Republicans need to do more than constantly vote no, use those links at the end of the hub and send them a message...start with yours, but spread it around to all of them...that'll be a shock to them!!! they need a good shock treatment.
There is a story, some of you might have heard it in one form or another, about a man in a foxhole during WWII. The battles for the last few days had been fierce. Morale was down, blood was everywhere, and one young man crawled out of the fox hole and went to the one nearby. Soon, he crawled out of that and went to another one. And again, and again, and again. for hours...until he finally crawled back to his own. His buddies in the hole said "Are you nuts, what were you doing?? You could have been killed, keep your head down!!..What were you saying to everyone??
He said simply "I was telling everyone we're gonna make it home. We're gonna beat these bastards, we're gonna make it....live. Live to fight one more day. Don't let these jerks get too close. Stay alert. We're strong, who are we, we're Americans. We can do this. We're going home to our families."
A simple message of optimism that kept the fight going, energized the weary, defeated the enemy which is.......discouragement.
The enemy is discouragement.
It's one thing to be optimistic, another to be delusional. The people who followed Jim Jones to Guyana were optimistic too. Was Obama thoroughly vetted? I wonder why, to this day he spends money on lawyers to conceal his past, his college transcripts, his birth certificate and so forth. The fact of the matter is that he is not who he marketed himself to be. He is not a Christian, he is a Muslim. He is not favorable towards our way of living, as he was trained thoroughly from birth by his Marxist Mother and communist grandparents and then mentored in his teenage years by pedophile Frank Marshall Davis, who is most likely his real biological father. He was trained up at Saul Alinsky's Industrial Foundation. He was a community organizer for ACORN and lawyer for ACORN, during the time when ACORN was threatening banks to give irresponsible mortgages in the 90's These came back to create the present financial crisis. He most likely was sponsored through Harvard by Dr. Khalil Abdul Tariq al-Masoud, according to Malcolm X's attorney, Percy Sutton, who was asked by al-Masoud to write a recommendation to Harvard for Obama. King Abdullah is one of al Masoud's clients, which is probably why Obama kissed his ring when he met him last month.
Universal Health Care has not worked in Great Britain or in the other countries that tried it. Long waiting lists for appointments. One of the things that it will do is demolish the health care insurance industry and put those people out of work. Even in "socialist" countries like Sweden, they let their car companies fail. That's what happens in a capitalist country. Socialism is not even supported by the Biblical teachings. Read the Parable of the Talents.
Universal Health Care also requires rationing of health care and decisions made by bureaucrats about your health care. Doctors are also not permitted under Obama's Health care to have freedom of conscience and must perform abortions on demand, regardless of their ethics.
He has just quadrupled the deficit and his budget is more than that of all previous presidents combined. His "cap and trade" is a tax that will hit the lower and middle class with an extra $3000/household/year increase for their energy. All for the sake of "junk science" and for profits in Al Gore's Hedge accounts in "green" industries. Global warming is a myth.
When my kids and my grandkids want to overspend too much, I tell them "no". I like the "Party of No". And guess what? I'm not a Republican.
I agree with you that the GOP needs to jump on board, but I'm afraid that the causes of their lack of support may be directly related to the attempts of Nancy Pelosi and company to derail Bush at every turn.
I hated Bush. He was a terrible president, but the Dems did not throw out any support to him at all, which is what Obama is now facing with the GOP.
I agree with the first commentor, issues, that anyone dedicated to one party is naive. While I certainly agree much more with the left wing, I have seen many issues that Reupublicans make more sense.
It is time to do away with the 2 (or 3) party system. Let us choose the best candidate based on views and not on party affiliation.
Well said, marisue! I like Obama and liked him from the moment I knew he was running. He has a brain. He has a reasoned outlook and doesn't shy away from problems or zip into denial or try to snow everyone that making the rich richer is going to solve everything.
I've seen something good come of it already -- quite a few things. THe economy's collapse is slowing, the turnaround is happening in only 100 days. I got a note a few days ago telling me that my stimulus payment will come in a separate check late in May and it's coming at exactly the right time.
There are some problems but he's facing them and dealing with them. One is that some small businesses are apparently being viewed on their gross rather than their net income which could mean someone living on $50,000 a year profit from a company that turns over $350,000 could be wiped out by taxes -- but that's a problem in the definitions, it's something solvable and Obama did not ignore it when that was brought up.
One of the problems this country's had for a long time is the way all the advantages go to large companies. By definition those companies are controlled by stockholders who want profit and dividends and often don't know or care where that comes from. Short sighted policies are common at that level.
The more I look at what Obama's doing with the money, the more I see long term planning and deep economic growth, not just wasteful spending for the sake of spending.
When he campaigned I read his website and the list of issues he tackled in depth with clear reasoned plans was amazing to me. He was the first politician I'd ever run into in my life who didn't just stump on one or two loud sloganistic ideas and brush everything else under the rug. He's been open about his plans and they are sound. I'm glad to read that you support him.
As for his not being white, I'm relieved -- the self-declared "mutt" president is more representative of everyone in this country than the long succession of old white men we've had in charge. His education and lack of ignorance is encouraging and I'm a lot happier to be an American -- I felt ashamed of my nationality for years with the things the Republicans did and now I'm glad to have a President that I can take pride in.
Thank you all for you comments, I'll roll my reply to all 3 of you into one...=))
First of all, the 2 party and a half system (independents) is just fine, let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Geeze, what's with all this "optimism was wrongfully used so it's no good," and "it's time for unity so that means we like just one party" and "Obama's the devil incarnate" and "secession is good because the government is bad" - it's not an either/or...we've got a good system, let's work out the problems.
One, if a bank robber wore green I would hope that most thinking people would not decide all green was bad. Optimism is used, and abused, but it does not lessen its value. Without it, there is no life.
Now, Obama is not a muslim - not that being a muslim is bad - those are tired arguments, and rumors - he was thoroughly vetted as most experts in the field admit. I repeat, if he was the anti-christ, or so bad, we'd have had a better choice running on the other side and we did not, he was our only sensible choice. If you believe God to be in control of giving "choice" to the people, He's not going to trick you into saying "which evil do I choose..." come on, get over that and move on.
{ God: "Ooops sorry kids, I tricked you on that one....hahaha you kids are just so stupid...I set you up." }
I am not stating that the dems are perfect, but they are in the white house and we need to "come together" as the Beatles say...
I agree that the Dems should have done much more to show Bush the errors of his ways. We're all paying for that.
America can do a lot with Health care, we can get our creative juices flowing, not making the mistakes of other countries. We have to try.
vraja (forgive me for shortening your name) I do not accept as fact some of your statements. I'm just not afraid of Obama, again, I trust that we would not have had only him or McCain/Palin as the choice....if Obama was and is so evil...what choice did we have...evil and ignorance? Either way we're screwed? Nope, have to go with my own observations...Obama is either the best actor on the planet, or just a pretty smart...good person.
I'm not giving him the Academy Award...I think he's a smart, patriotic American. If not, then we might as well bend over...we were screwed from the beginning of the campaign. Do you seriously have that bad of a defeatist attitude?
I'd shake Obama's hand any day of the week and twice on Sunday. I LIKE him and believe in him.
I have realized something here. And same on all of the people who are "crying" because some people do not agree with them. It appears they think 45% of the people who did not vote for Obama should not be allowed to have a voice and STFU. Sorry, everyone has thier right to believe and practice what they feel is right, even if it differs from your's.
And the 55% that did vote for Obama are crying because the 45% are not agreeing with them. Well that is life. The 45% are called cry babies for standing up for what they believe and saying no to the big chance and policies Obama and gang are imposing. I have come to the conclusion the ones that are really crying are the ones calling the Republicans cry babies. They have the right, or are we turning communist and going to try to take that right away.
They have to be the bigger cry babies or why would they even care. Democrats totally control the congress and pass anything they feel like. What does the republicans saying no matter. But they can't help to cry about it.
Sorry, Rebublicans, new law. Republicans cannot exist because they differ from what Obama and his gang want.
Keep up the good job Republicans, we do not want these big spending bill. Keep saying no. You are doing what 45% of us want you to do.
Keep on hubbing.
LOL Marisue, I like your optimism :)
Yet I find it sorta impractical in the current situation. The sort of impracticality of optimistically wearing T-shirts in the face of coming winter. :)
I'm with you Marisue, optimism is what keeps us going.
My point about STFU is that if you have no alternatives, no solutions, then you should, at least right now, out of respect for people who do, whatever party they are in.
eovery. I'm not calling those who voted Republicans cry babies, but I am calling the Republican congress and representatives cry babies. they offer no alternatives, and if they mention something vague, it has nothing to do with helpng the average american on the ground.
Here's the deal, If i had a choice of paying for a house for 30 years or being homeless, I'd take the debt of the house.
there are worse things than having a debt for our children to pay...like a collapsed government which the bush administration brought the country to.
45% have a voice in my book, but the Republicans elected are on the road to nowhere with constant no votes and no alternatives that help the american workers. They don't care and they've proven it.
I think it's a quantam leap to say we Dems don't want the republican voters to have a voice. It is your own party who has squelched it. They do nothing for you. What is your solution? How do you want to solve the economic crisis of the last 8 years? What is your solution for Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Korea? Somalian pirates? No Jobs? Wall Street's corruption and rule, The Car Industry? You want America to be a manufactureless country? Or do you just want to whine about Dems trying to solve problems the Republican Congress and elected officials have ignored or made the rich more powerful....give us solutions. Anyone can say no, that takes no smarts.
Thanks pam, you're right - any party by any name who is doing the nothing of the Republicann party is the party of no action...
Hi Misha, well, it's better than being naked, and I think the lack of that first step of optimism will give us nowhere to go...it's first. Not everything, but first. I BELIEVE. lol
Hi readabook....the glass is half full....let's have a drink!!! =)) THANK YOU ALL, even those I don't agree with...I love the energy and participation!!
THAT'S what this country is all about.
Hey marisue, your Hub was so much fun to read, thanks! It reminds me of a quote from our Colorado Gov Ritter regarding Republicans, i.e., "the audacity of nope!"
I was amused to hear a Republican friend of mine thrashing over the "we are not required to pay income tax" argument a couple weeks ago. I laughed because I went through this same argument back when Bush was spending $4500 of my individual federal tax dollars annually in Iraq- a war I did not support but was stuck paying for.
We are all in this together. We can blame current economic problems on Republicans, going back as far as Nixon's wage/price controls intended to curb rampant inflation or Reagan's policies that widened the income gap between rich and poor and created the god of Wall Street. But we benefitted from Nixon's detente with Russia and China and Reagan policies inspired investment in human capital and ideas, advancing the Information Age.
I have to believe a President does what he does because he believes the means support his desired ends. I have to believe economists and advisors offer the best advice they can from the information available at the time. I think GW was a good person who was just out of his league when faced with the realities of the Presidency.
Which leads me to marisue-like optimism. I think Obama's instincts are good and that is about all we can rely on in this modern age, where what is coming at us has little precedent.
Very good comments and thoughts, Story, I'm thinking that the road of discouragement is the true Road To Nowhere, and I believe it is extremely evident that Obama has our best interests as his agenda. Given time, we'll step ahead, maybe end a bit of corruption, while we watch carefully that new deceit is not born.
We all slept at the wheel, and what I hope will happen is that the majority of us stay awake and habitually let our elected officials know what we think and want...even if they are not in our district. It matters and we do make a difference. =)) Defeatism begets defeat.
thank you for your wise counsel.
Do you actually think the Democrats would actual listen to them if they did suggest any thing? If you believe this, I have ocean front property that I will sell you in Nevada. The Democrats have an agenda and there is nothing stopping them.
The Rebublicans have suggest to lower taxes and spending. Are they listening, right. They are passing massive spending bills and are looking at everyway they can to raise taxes.
So the best thing for the Republican is to say no to this and distance themselves from all of this. And when if fails, like they believe it will, the pendulum will swing back to the Republicans and they can try to correct things. However, in the past 4 years, they did not do a very good job, but hopefully they learned.
I guess you can say, in a way, they have actually STFU'ed and are just sitting back and saying no. So where's the beef.
Having no laws are better than having bad ones. Effort does not count.
Keep on hubbing.
Well, eovery, on several points we disagree. It is the Republicans who have wanted all or nothing...and they have no alternative to what is offered from the Hill,
I can't believe anyone really thinks effort doesn't count and that no law is better than a bad one. Bad laws are changed everyday in this country, we are a country of laws, the absence of law is chaos with little recourse for change.
I respect your right to an opinion, but in this case, we are planets apart.
As a former teacher - and really once a teacher always a teacher, I know for a fact that effort matters....
my blind mother made huge effort with little result until finally she broke away from the chains of blindness and had a life,
A soldier would tell you effort is huge, maybe everything, and one taken prisoner would say that it is life-saving.
Democrats and Republicans listening to each other may be rare, but it is and does happen.
and NOW the Repubs are worried about spending?? They spent us into this ditch, and you don't want to buy the rope to pull us out???
hmmm, I like the planet I'm on, but I can't breathe on the one you describe.
We who have the pen, salute each other...you keep writing, too.
Hi Marisue,
I don't follow American politics so I can't comment on the differences between the Democrats and Republicians. In fact, before Obama, I wouldn't know which party the current president belongs to.
But I can comment from the point of view of an outsider.
I see America as a country in crisis. I see Obama as the good guy, trying to fight a losing battle. I remember a comment made that Obama will be blamed for his failure to manage this crisis, not because he is incompetent, but because the crisis is too big for anybody to manage effectively.
On a positive note, President Obama seems to be doing all that he can to stem the tide. I am not American but I do want to see a strong America.
But he needs the support of the rest of America to push through whatever tough policies that needs to be implemented. America needs to realize that she is not as strong as she used to be, and will get weaker if attitudes do not change.
Anyway, just my opinion. :)
Hi wandererh -- I''m think even from a distance you've hit upon the heart of our issues very well.
We just have to come together...the Republicans spent us into this mess, as did the Democrats to a lessor extent, and it takes all of us to get out of it. Our problems are global, and there is not time even for blaming or holding back or hoping the Dem. party fails so the Repubs can look good. That's the attitude of some here and it's a disastrous one.
I think Obama is doing all that anyone could do. He's got the best experts in the world helping him with decisions...what more could anyone ask? It's like being pushed into a well, and then being told the ladder to get you out is too expensive.
The whole country is in the well...and we have to buy the ladder.
=)) thanks for coming by and come again....I hope you are doing well!!!
A note to all: I have updated the first link in this article and it will now take you to a page where you can click on the state and get the emails of all Reps and Congressman, etc. Good Luck, I do one state a day, sometimes 2, it's simple once you get your letter compiled.
You matter, I hope you'll get on board and let your voice be heard.
eovery, your bitterness toward the democrats just proves everything we all say about the GOP! You are not open to new ideas, and you have yet to offer any substantive ideas!
I appreciate your opinion, and can respect that you do not like the way the country is being run, but it is what it is, so now you MUST make the best of it. What is going to happen when all of this DOES work? What will the GOP do then?
marisue, i love this Hub, and I love this convo. I still have to throw this out there, that our party system is extremely flawed. Anyone who is not a Rep. or a Dem. will never become president...even when they are the most qualified and have the most secure and sane views! That is not a system that works. :)
Hi C. Ferreira!!! thank you!! and I'm in agreement that our two party system might be evolving into something better, after it dies its slow death...I believe any qualified candidate should be able to get some attention. I hate the $$$$ that candidates have to spend on elections. For decades, the Republicans had so much more money than the Democrats that they were not able to be heard. This past election, the enthusiasm and optimism fired up contributions and organization was at an all time high, producing a thinking president, just in the nick of time, who is trying to help the average American. Past time for that!! A welcome change, that the Republicans have yet to deal with in a non-whining manner. If they continue to let people like Rush Limbaugh who has no respect for working people, truth, much less race and differences, be their representative, simply because he's "louder" than they are...it will be the end of the Republican Party and they will have deserved it. They are quickly losing my respect and millions of others'.
Americans are fed up with that kind of "nowhere" politics, even from the Dems.
Rush actually said his $400 million contract proved there was no recession. There seems to be no limits to what this man will say, or do, to show his complete lack of caring and common sense.
=)) Come back soon!!!
Don't get me started on Rush. That guy is a fool, along with Michael Savage and Sean Hannity.
They are arrogant, cocky, and they in NO way try to help our society along. All they do is barade their negative opinions about the way things are and tell their listeners to hate and disapprove.
Oh C.Ferreira, I hear you there...I was so mad and disgusted when Rush encouraged people to vote for Hillary, just to throw states....to actually misuse their vote not for what they believed in, but to push an election one way..for power purposes...he is a hateful being.
I could write a book...
Excellent hub, marisuewrites. It's very simple for people to blame the two-party system for political problems in the U.S., but the truth is that the two-party system is what keeps us from total disaster. It wasn't the Republican Party that brought this country to its current crisis, rather it was George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and right-wing extremists who hijacked the party and were in reality wolves in sheep's clothing. Fortunately, the election of Democrats has saved the country from utter chaos. The Democratic Party has put the country back on the right track. Too many Americans are more interested in status and wealth rather than to "promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." Those who blindly attack President Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress often are more fearful that programs designed to help all Americans may result in diminishment of their status or their wealth. The Bush Administration created the trillion-dollar deficits that right-wingers now blame on Obama, who merely has put the true Bush Administration debt on the books. The roots of our present economic crisis go back directly to President Reagan, who put the Republican Party on a journey meant to overturn every program initiated by President Roosevelt. Right-wing extremists will not give up that effort -- at any cost.
Thank you William, and i totally agree. We must let our voices be heard, if only to drown out the nay sayers. Thanks so much for stopping by to read and give your insightful remarks. come back soon!!! =)
The two party system hasn't worked for over seventy years.
Neither party has done anything worthwhile and that is why the country is at the bottom. The government is obese and impotent. Voting row A or row B is the cause of the problem with American government. We have free choice and voting by row gives your choice to someone else to make for you. It should be voting for the best person for the job, regardless of the party.
It is ignorant and unintelligent to give away your vote to a party.
FDR was the real cause of the current problem and his misdeeds will continue.
I really don't know what you people are smoking, but please stop, it is doped up your brain.
Opinion Duck, I don't think you gain any respect by insulting others who have an opinion different than yours. This country was built on respecting differences and your remarks just demonstrated your lack of that understanding.
I let your remarks stand without further comment, but if you come back, please be respectful.
I am saddened to see all the attacks against both parties with neither backing their accusations with fact. I am going to give you all the opportunity to research and learn truth for yourself.
We can all acknowledge that the Congress makes and passes laws and the president can only veto. The Congress can then over-ride the president if enough of them really want the bill. Thus it is the Congress, not the president that has to bear the "fault" for what happens.
Now that said, there has only been six years out of the past 100+ years that the Republicans controlled the Congress with a Republican president that would not veto their bills. Here is your homework.
What was the GNP, unemployment, interest rates, inflation rate, housing starts, new business starts and (feel free to use any financial barometer) during each of those six years?
Compare that to ANY other six year period in the past 100 years. No, I am not going to give you the answer. Terrible thing, the media hasn't provided this info, so you will have to use your computer for something other than just making accusations.
I will follow up with more educational challenges; such as, I can pin-point the exact Congressional action that is responsible for the financial situation we are now enduring. You will be able to research it and verify for yourself. Not what you have heard, but what you will KNOW.
But until the next one, please (both Dems and Reps) start attacking with fact-backed arguments and not just party sound bites. This is an exceptional Hub - good going Marisue. Let's take it up a level and support our statements with verifiable facts.
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issues veritas says:
8 months ago
All politicians are deep into optimism and their shortcoming is making their promises come true.
If you equate, activity and talk about goals and promises as being accomplishments, then you are eating the politician candy. Until that sizzling steak is on your table and you are actually eating it, it is all talk until then.
Haven't you learned from the decades of failed promises from the politicians that it is just talk.
Optimism is great but unless it comes to fruition, all you have is a poor pumped up individual or country that has not seen anything accomplished.
You and millions of other optimistic voters are just like the optimistic gamblers. They are spending their last dime, because they believe one more hand, or one more spin or roll is going to make them rich. Many of these gamblers came to Vegas or other gambling town in the $30,000 or more vehicle, only to go home in a $200,000 bus.
Both parties over time have failed the country. If you are a loyal party voter, then you are the reason for the failure. Both parties spent the last two years pandering for the Presidential Election, and in the meantime they did little and accomplished less. Party loyalty and the two party system is the root cause of this countries failure.
What I find interesting about the hubs, is that like the party system only one party has to be politically correct. And that is just not right.