The American public has been brainwashed into a ridiculously false “argument” (discussion, dialogue – however you would have it) regarding issues at home and world issues – with, what appears to me, a dangerously false assumption that the rest of the world looks up to us and is just hanging on the edges of their “seats” while the United States tries to get its “house in order.” For example, I listened to the radio today as I was riding around (I forget which “news” outlet it was), and there was evidently a rally in New York City led by former governor Pataki (a member of what is being referred to in many circles as the republican “clown car” of candidates seeking the presidential nomination of the republican party for 2016) calling for the rejection of the agreement negotiated by the Obama administration with Iran. The snipit I heard called for the rejection of the agreement (which is designed to – peacefully – prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon) because it’s so important for Iran to be stopped from obtaining, you guessed it, a nuclear weapon.
The alternative? Of course, the only conclusion one who’s thinking rationally can draw from that position is that we have another republican running for president who is in favor of BOMB, BOMB, BOMBing Iran – in the words of John McCain back in the days when he was running for president. These (now I’m talking about virtually every member of “the clown car”) are the same people who constantly criticize President Obama’s foreign policy (remember, they’re the ones who started all the wars in the Middle East during the rein of Bush/Cheney) yet are constantly coming out with “positions” that indicate what appears to me an IGNORANCE to the reality of world politics. Which gets me to the main point of my thought tonight. I’ve been writing for years about my belief that the present day version of the republican party needs to be DEFEATED and placed into the history books. The damage they’ve caused is IMMENSE, but, if “we the people” don’t stop them, as the saying goes “you aint seen nothin yet!”
For some reason republicans act as if they’re “above” everyone else – including the leaders of the other countries around the world. Keep in mind that the agreement with Iran was “hammered out” by a group of (I believe) six nations – and, of course, the United States is just one of them. Apparently, the republicans feel they can “scuttle” this agreement and the other five countries (who are “dying” to again do business with Iran) will simply “fall in line.” These people (the republicans) are beyond ARROGANT and our “liberal media” is so out of touch with reality that the American public stands a good chance to be “the last to know.” For those Americans who are busy simply trying to raise their family, make ends meet, and “just get by” – who still actually trust that we have a “fourth estate” watching over our government (the media) – the eventual reality could be devastating. I can picture in my mind leaders from around the globe losing patience with “we the people” – for a few years you could justify what is happening here by thinking we’ve been “hoodwinked” – and, assuming that “we the people” will come to our senses and elect leaders who actually believe in the fundamental values that made America great in the first place. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if leaders around the globe were making contingency plans for when they decide “enough is enough.” There’s no longer any reasonable excuse as to why our voting populace would continue to vote these people into office.
Keep in mind, the “crash of 2008” – which was largely the result of republican deregulation and Wall Street greed – in their continual assault on the remnants of the “New Deal” and the “Great Society” (OK, yes there was democratic complicity involved) affected the entire world – not just the U.S. economy. Countries like Greece, Spain, and others are still trying to recover. These countries were already upset with American foreign policy under Bush/Cheney when their incompetent management of the economy sent a direct “blow” to economies around the globe. Now, several of these nations want to bring Iran into the picture by removing the sanctions (which, actually were increased and actually enforced by President Obama in an attempt to bring Iran to the negotiating table – trying to stop them from building a bomb peacefully) and gaining access to Iranian oil. Do you really think they want America’s republican party to scuttle a deal that took almost two years to negotiate?
I believe the “leaders” of the republican party just keep on pushing their agenda (which is motivated by an insatiable greed) – you know, tax cuts for the wealthy, deregulation, welfare for Wall Street but not for Main Street, and perpetual war as if there’s “no end in sight.” And, unfortunately, they have a base – which, doubly unfortunately is largely “conservative” Christians who will continue to blindly vote republican as long as the republicans call themselves the “pro life” party – all the while the number of lives lost due to republican policy decisions is almost beyond comprehension! At some point in time this “base” is going to realize they’ve been used to further an agenda that is anything but Christian! (If you get a chance, read Frank Shaeffer’s Crazy for God)
So, while the republicans proceed as if there’s no end in site, either “we the people” will put an end to their “antics” or, in my view, leaders from other nations will begin to isolate the United States and the process of, for example, replacing the dollar as the leading world currency. I believe that if our Congress attempts to “scuttle” the agreement with Iran, the other nations involved will proceed on their own, and we will be left to lick our internal political wounds – as a first sign that nations around the world have grown totally impatient with us acting like we’re the “boss of everything.” What do you think the result would be if China and Russia started getting “chummy” because they’re thinking they can put the United States “in its place?”
When you look at the last five years of President Obama’s administration, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understand the republican party has put their almost obsession with destroying Obama’s presidency over the needs of “we the people.” Yes, it’s become obvious that there’s a significant percentage of America’s population who continue to have views that are, at the very minimum, racially intolerant. However, I continue to believe that it’s only a small percentage of them who agree with the republican agenda as transcribed by the Koch led faction – which includes: repealing “Obamacare” (the Affordable Care Act – which is actually working), dismantling Medicare and Medicaid (I heard tonight that the reason Governor John Kasich was not invited to the latest “Koch-fest” – where right wing politicians pander for as much Koch money as they can get – was because he accepted Medicaid funds – which helps low income people – for his state as a benefit of “Obamacare”), “privatizing Social Security,” (yes, the same plan that was soundly rejected during GW Bush’s tenure – they won’t quit, they just keep pushing their agenda – and they will – until they get their way OR until “we the people” put an end to their madness at the polls), and, of course, BOMBING Iran – this list could be much longer, but I hope you get the idea!
So, my question is: When is America going to wake up? Are we so calloused to the political realm and ALL the politicians who have sold their souls to the monied interests (yes, the problem is “bipartisan” – it’s just that the republican “agenda” is much more dangerous than their counterparts) that we’ve thrown up our collective hands and concluded it doesn’t matter who we vote for, they’re all the same. That’s EXACTLY what Charles and David Koch want us to think. They are masters (along with others, many more successful at staying out of the “limelight”) at manipulating the system, they’ve been “at it” for MANY MANY years, and I’ve become convinced they will not stop until either they succeed or “we the people” MAKE them stop. The Koch’s and their associates have UNLIMITED financial resources. For example, I find it almost laughable that the present “leader” of the “clown car” implies that he can succeed without the Koch’s money. Just as Mr. Trump apparently overestimated his own self worth, he apparently has underestimated that of the Koch’s. They could “bury” Donald Trump with as much financial impact as me going to the local store and buying a Diet Pepsi. Their threat to our system is REAL – but, the rest of the world is a different “story.” We’ve allowed our nation to be part of the international economy. We’ve allowed our manufacturing interests to largely abandon our nation. We’ve allowed our economy to become more and more dependent on the “whims” of the international markets. I truly believe that if our republican congress succeeds in scuttling the “Iran deal” – the international backlash towards America could be dire. This would be an action that would tell the international community that America has truly evolved into a “war mongering” nation – and, that the Bush/Cheney regime has succeeded in ushering in a policy that seeks “perpetual war.” We will truly have displaced the Soviet Union in the eyes of many!
I think you are using a bit to much Hyperbole: The exaggeration of ideas for the sake of argumentation.
Everything just can’t be brought back to Bush/Chaney. Its the establishment on both sides (Demo/Rep) that have brought us to where we are today. If you want credibility include a list of politicians that have cooperated (read conspired) with each other to benefit themselves. Start with the top ten on each side. Contrast their voting records as concrete evidence of collusion to defraud the American citizenry and you will go a long way in bolstering your own blogs veracity and trustworthiness.
Just as an aside, check out the third option “Libertarianism”. You might find a better fit for your own political sentiments.
While my argument is clearly aimed at republicans, you don’t find me supporting the democrats (although, I do find Bernie Sanders acceptable). Libertarianism is the “engine” behind much of this republican debacle – ie Charles and David Koch and their “cohorts.” In thinking of “what should we do” – I believe we have to start with one “side” before addressing the other and, practically speaking, there are only two sides (I would agree that “both sides” are messed up if I understand your comment correctly). I simply believe the republicans are the most dangerous and the main reason I attempt to expose their “true” behavior is that, as a Christian, nothing troubles me more than to find my Christian brothers and sisters being the “base” of this despicable political party.
As far as my own “political sentiments” are concerned, I clearly find myself somewhere in the middle of a range of political philosophy – ranging from libertarianism to socialism. From a historical perspective, I believe the “best years” of the United States of America were the “New Deal” years – which to me emerged in the 1930’s and progressed up until the election of Ronald Reagan. I believe historical data will confirm that the great middle class in America emerged from the initial “New Deal years” – helped, of course, by the post war effort, and progressed in an upward “curve” until the 1980’s and the “trickle down” – “free market” – philosophy of the so-called “Chicago boys” (Milton Friedman, et al) – I refer to it as “trickle up” economics, and it has, at best, stagnated – but, for many headed in the opposite direction (with our present day adult children facing the worst of the decline) since. In FACT, I believe the “data” will support my claim that the main republican “complaint” regarding the deficit and the national debt – is typical republican “doublespeak” because it began to skyrocket soon after Reagan’s election and has increased progressively since – with the only “downward” trends coming under democratic presidents. (obviously, Clinton and Obama) FACTS seem to be an inconvenience to republicans.
As I recall… The most significant stock & real estate bubbles of our time expanded and burst under democratic presidents FDR, Clinton & Obama. Democratic s, when in power, typically artificially inflate government with “make work” and social welfare programs that to the arm-chair economist emotionally feels like progress. In fact these policies simply dilute real economic growth. From my perspective democratic constituents who in mass have elected the above mentioned presidents, vote for their own personal economic interests not about morality, injustice or economic fairness. This is how the Republicans get richer and democrats get poorer. I ask you this: Has the general well being of American citizens improved long term by increases in minimum wage, health insurance credits or liberal immigration agendas? Republicans (aka long term economic opportunist) simply play the “me first” game better than Democrats (aka short term economic opportunists. And the cycle never ends. It’s time for a third party.
I have to make this brief – so, I’ll start by saying – practically speaking – I agree it’s time for a “third party.” It would be the one that replaces the republican party. However, I can’t let you “get away” with your first comment. Either you’re reading different history books than me or you’re watching Fox “news.” (I HIGHLY recommend against the latter – unless you enjoy having your brain “washed.”) The “most significant stock and real estate bubbles expanded and burst under republican presidents. That is not even arguable. Herbert Hoover led us into the “abyss” that was the “Great Depression.” That’s not arguable. FDR (with the help of his wife and other LIBERALS – and, of course WW II) led us out of the Great Depression and yes, most of the “advances” put forth during the New Deal was “progress” and led to the greatest middle class in the history of the world (plus so many advances that we, today, take for granted – I don’t have time to list). The present disastrous “course” was initiated when, much to my chagrin, Ronald Reagan made it to the White House. That’s when (again, not arguable) the issue with the HUGE deficits and soaring national debt was thrust upon “we the people.” (Despite Reagan’s campaign promise to “cut taxes and balance the budget” – it didn’t need a brain surgeon to realize that was, as his own Vice President said at the time, “Voodoo Economics.” It’s been a problem to this day – with the exception of the Clinton administration and the present administration that you somehow equate with a bursting real estate bubble. Seriously, can you tell time? The latest “bursting bubble” began in late 2006 and hit it’s peak in late 2008. President Obama was simply the one chosen to clean up the mess – which has been, to the extent possible, done with the unbelievable opposition of the very republicans who created the mess in the first place. If you can’t remember that far back, 2006 – 2008 was Bush/Cheney time (along with a republican Congress from 2002 – 2006 – and, wimpy democrats who couldn’t say no to anything – including two un-winnable wars that were paid for with a credit card – and, kept “off the books”) And, finally the history of the minimum wage says it stimulates the economy every time it’s been increased. Based on inflation and the last time it was raised, it should be around $15 per hour in today’s dollars. Got to go, my wife wants the computer. :o) Final advice – stop watching Fox “news.” (I’d go for a third party if I thought it had a chance of success – in the mean time, as a pragmatist (:o) I’m supporting BERNIE! One final thought (If you have forgotten, George W Bush entered the White House with a annual budget surplus of 200 – 250 BILLION – with a projection that the debt would be paid off in 10 years. Dick Cheney made short order of that and turned it into RECORD deficit spending (much, as stated above, that was not accounted for – the WARS) by giving EVEN MORE tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans (who were already doing quite nicely, thank you very much) and promoting the policy of GREED which was initiated under Reagan and put on steroids during the Bush/Cheney regime. There’s a lot to criticize Democrats for, but let’s focus it in the right direction – and quit making excuses for these right wing republicans who are GREEDY, mean spirited, and don’t have a clue how to govern. Whether we like it or not, this is a large diverse nation and the people at the “top” don’t need corporate welfare from us at the bottom. There’s a thing called the “commons” and it’s crumbling at its foundation because of a brainwashed public that has bought into the above mentioned “Voodoo economics.” (I guess that wasn’t very brief :o)
I know how much you love bomb throwing. So called “Voodoo economics” is commonly known by economists as the Laffer curve. This economic theory is widely accepted as a curve graph showing government tax revenue plotted against percentage tax rates. Unfortunately for you…. this economic theory been widely documented to to show that a cut in a high tax rate can increase government revenue around the globe. You like to pretend that these statistical facts are made up. The real truth is that you simply don’t like the notion of stimulating an economy from the top down.
Let me make my position clear, employees don’t offer employment, employers do. The real purpose of governmental interference in minimum wage increases is to reduce the national debit by deflating the value the dollar. Case in point. Just a scant 25 years ago as a painting contractor I received $.25 per/sq ft for my services. Today’s current price…. the same $.25 per/sq ft. You do the math. The average worker is much worse off today than in the 80′. Stimulating the bottom of the economic base only puts more money in the hands of those at the top of private enterprise and government agency’s. Profit always goes to the owners not the workers. As government mandates make more money available by a minimum wage increase this will only cause prices for both goods and services to rise. Not by Voodoo or magic mind you but rather by demand. Supply and demand…. have you ever heard of this concept? Why would an owner/governmental agency not simply decrease supply and increase prices. People don’t start business out of benevolent concern for their fellow man. They do it for profit. By the way, governments operate on the same profit principles using the confiscation of personal rights and property as their leveraged capital.
The notion that morality or civility has anything to do with governing or profitability is just naive or wishful thinking. Politicians have always known this simple truth: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely (Lord Acton).” I pose this simple question: Who do you think has the biggest stick, governments or private parties? I don’t know a single individual that owns his/her own country. Clearly the founding fathers viewed the “bad guys” as the governing class. My question to you is why are you always on their side?
Again, I don’t have much time, but you make my point. The “average worker today is much worse off than in the 80′” – that, coincidentally is when the Reagan “trickle down” philosophy was put into place. And, the statistics do not support your contention. Yes, employers create jobs – but, only when there is demand for their work. Your so-called “Laffer curve” – which I don’t necessarily agree is the same as what I refer to as “Voodoo economics” (actually, it was George HW Bush who coined that phrase) – is based on “supply side” theory. The reality is that demand creates growth in the economy – the more the “workers” are making the more they are spending. They actually SPEND the money they make (because it aint much) while the rich people, who you evidently believe in (again, Fox “news”?) spend their money in ways that has a much smaller effect on the overall economy. The idea that an employer would create a job simply because he had a lot of money is almost laughable – it is certainly not true as we’ve seen for the past 35 years. Fortunately, many more people are “waking up” and it should be soon that this pariah of an idea is history – just like the right wing republicans that gave it to us. The truth is that the “rich” do just fine even when the economy is stimulated from “the bottom up” – it’s just that they have no boundaries for their wish for excess – and, thus they are spending HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of dollars to buy off our Congress so that this evil rip-off can continue. I’m surprised that someone who’s got a history of actually working for a living can’t see this.