Last Wednesday, after another edition of the newspaper had been completed, my better half and I embarked on our weekly ritual of going to lunch.
As we settled in for our meal, which usually does not occur until well past 12, our conversation turned toward current events and politics, as is often the case. On this day the economy was one of the topics we talked about for a good while.
With numerous businesses continuing to close their doors and with several people losing their jobs on a daily basis, we both agreed the current state of affairs is unlike anything either of us has seen in our lives. While the two of us have not been around for the longest amount of time in the grand scheme of things, it baffles both of us just how the economy could have reached such a sorry state.
The housing market seems to hold a large part of the blame — when it crumbled, the economy began to free fall. However, other factors are certainly playing a role.
Of course, politicians and those who lean toward one side of the political spectrum like to point fingers.
“It’s their fault,” one side will quickly say.
“No, it’s their fault,” the other side will respond in rapid fashion.
Back and forth the bickering goes while more and more businesses, some of which have been open for decades and multiple generations close their doors. Back-and-forth the finger pointing goes while hard working families are suffering with no end in sight.
Personally, I’d like to give them all the finger for their finger pointing and unwillingness to get this situation back on track. So often the working man and working woman are left behind. Families are suffering and all politicians want to do is point fingers and take sides.
The recent stimulus package proposed by Barack Obama is a great example. Not one Republican voted for the bill although it still passed. Now are you telling me that not a single Republican felt there was any merit in that proposal? Are you trying to convince me this was not about taking sides in a political battle? You’ll sooner convince me to buy some ocean front property in Nebraska.
It’s funny how these Republicans didn’t mind voting for the stimulus package and bailouts the previous president proposed, even though taxpayer funds were being used. I guess those were OK since he was a Republican. Give me a break.
Meanwhile, our economy shows no signs of climbing out of its recession (please no more talk from the right-wingers on the radio trying to tell me we are not in a recession) and the working families are still in a major bind. Can the politicians, for once, put the politics behind them and do what is best for the citizens of this country?
I long for a day when there is no voting along party lines. I long for the day when the citizens are put first. If not during these brutal economic times then when?
As we move forward into 2009, we can only hope things will begin to improve. We can also only hope politicians will see beyond party lines and begin to put the American citizens first. Until that time comes, look for more votes like the recent one we had where not one Republican supported the President’s proposal. In a time when families are hurting, now is not the time to be waving a banner for your political party.
Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal. He can be reached at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
One thing he showed during the campaign is that, given enough time, he will work it out and make people see reason. The partisan gibbering is disconcerting, and I don't expect it to subside quickly, but I'm confident that it will do so in plenty of time to keep the country from collapsing.
Senate Republicans have been more open to discussion. There's more "maybe spending isn't so bad if done right," and less of the "Tax cuts!" mantra.
Mike Buffington
Co-Publisher
An opinion column discussing bias might be helpful.
Last I really hope this post survives until at least tomorrow (02/09/09) because last time it only lasted about 2 hours. I wonder who deleted it?
And if the bias were obvious, he wouldn't have asked. Why not specify? Examples are a wonderful way to prove a point.
We welcome all views and will publish your thoughts as Letters to the Editor provide you sign your name. Remember, I stand by my opinion with my name and photo.
Chris Bridges
Editor
Barrow Journal
Sorry Mr. Bridges its not going to happen.
Politicians will NEVER put the citizens first.
Face it; politicians only care about getting re-elected and keeping that cushy job.
[[As we move forward into 2009, we can only hope things will begin to improve. We can also only hope politicians will see beyond party lines and begin to put the American citizens first. Until that time comes, look for more votes like the recent one we had where not one Republican supported the President’s proposal. In a time when families are hurting, now is not the time to be waving a banner for your political party.]]
Your "hope" is laughable Mr. Bridges.
"hope" will solve nothing; only hard work by the American people will pull us out of this government-induced mess.
People with "hope" will be standing in line waiting for a handout.
While the strong people with education and skills will be working at cleaning up this mess.
People need to quit looking for a "savior" to appear and solve all the problems.
Although I respect your right to your opinion,
I find it very naive and utopian.
We as Americans need to quit looking to the political class for solutions to problems they created. We need to stop buying into their slogans, "Change", "hope".
The solution is in the mirror, not in some American Idol President.
Hope offers none.
"The trouble with most people is that they think with their hopes or fears or wishes rather than with their minds".-Will Durant
I thought maybe he had a cogent point buried in there somewhere and just needed another post to bring it out.
then agree with yourself as "anonymous"
typical liberal misinformation