The State of Fran
Posted by Frankly Francis on January 30, 2010 under Social Issues/Politics | 
6 Comments to Read
I watched only a small portion of President Obama’s State of the Union Address.
It was as if I had a socially allergic reaction to all of the camaraderie amongst the “politicos” in the pre-address portion. Apparently, the Club of the Nobility had assembled. They looked rather pleased with themselves. A veritable wing-ding on the Hill.
You see, I just don’t get that kind of behavior, especially in these times.
I’m more interested in seeing a serious, somber understanding that they have real obligations to the people they represent kind of attitude amongst the gang at the political soiree.
Very early on in the Address, the President got a big hearty laugh from everyone when he mentioned the politics of the bail-out. Everyone had a smile on their face, happiness throughout the room. Now that’s bi-partisanship! That was it for me…all done.
Same Old, Same Old
There are 535 elected federal officials who legislate what happens in this country. What we are facing, in any regard, cannot happen without their blessing or at worst, their lack of action. And it seems to me that they need to do a much better job.
On the other hand, the apathy of the American people is a wonder in itself. So, if I think that through…So, maybe they don’t really need to do a better job…And, they are bright enough to understand that…And – Hey, wait a minute…
Obama is politically positioning himself to have two terms of office and use the Machiavellian technique of handing out good in bits over time.
Here’s my thought:
When government does something it will be half as good at twice the price.
Even better, here’s a thought from C.S. Lewis:
“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. “
But don’t blame government. Something is what something is. Government is government. It’s just the way that it is. The Founding Fathers knew that and did their best to contain that beast. So if we do need blame – the comfortably numb, the people get my vote.
Look, I’m not getting any younger. I do not want my descendents to look back upon me and say that I was part of the generation that gave America away. I have to believe that you don’t want that to be said of you either.
Frankly,
Francis
Skinny Pirate said,
Happy Birthday FF. I am a true believer in you get exactly in life what you put out. Yes, life continues to throw curve balls and to challenge us, but in the end positive gets positive, negative gets negative, and apathy…well we get our political leaders.
I do believe our system still works with its MANY flaws. What we are experiencing is the result of an apathetic population who continues to pick the perceived better side in voting at all levels of government (if they vote at all – more apathy) rather that demanding better choices in selection. We need to add more STRONG parties to the mix and we will again see real change (not Obama change of writing checks with an unlimited checkbook – but that is for another day).
Why do I still believe in our form of government? Well, although a complete debacle and sideshow, the health care issue has shown that even with a majority, one side cannot just steamroll legislation and that there is some level of due process in the system left. Despite some political leaders who have a “my way or the highway” attitude, there are those who are still listening to the people and who are acting on their behalf.
Glad to see you’re not turning into a grumpy old man in your elder years.
Keep up the good fight FF and again, best wishes for a most awesome birthday.
“F-it dude, let’s go bowling.”
-SP
Steve Headrick said,
“It’s sick the price of medicine –
Stand up,
we’ll put you on your feet again,
Open up your eyes,
just to check that you’re asleep again” ➀
At the current rate of accomplishment,
the Health Care Bill might possibly be
passed in time for the few remaining
Americans with jobs and houses to take
advantage of it . . . .
I hear that AIG is STILL going to be
increasing their executive bonuses
by 6½% this year . . .
“Fear in the air,
tension everywhere,
unemployment rising fast . . .
and the band played on” ➁
➀”President Gas” by The Psychedelic Furs
➁”Ball Of Confusion” by The Temptations
Steve Headrick said,
BTW – Happy Birthday Fran . . . : )
Tim said,
So Fran, when will you be running for office?
Quinn Fazigu said,
One of my favorite bits from Citizen Kane, Jed Leland to Charlie Kane just before their big split:
You’re not going to like that one little bit when you find out it means that your workingman expects something is his right, not as your gift! Charlie, when your precious underprivileged really get together, oh boy! That’s going to add up to something bigger than your privileges! Then I don’t know what you’ll do! Sail away to a desert island probably and lord it over the monkeys!
User Loser said,
I think it’s a little late to worry about America being given away I think it is far past that time. Last I looked the Treasury is being supported by the Chinese the same people who have 10 trillion dollars just laying around in Beijing which just happens to be about how big our deficit is… Republicans like to blame Democrats but really it’s both of em. I’ve felt for years that there are sinister forces trying to rend the United States into the not so United States and they are doing a good job. It will be interesting to watch it fall apart if somewhat scary but I fear the process is to far along to stop.
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