This will be my last “political” column for the year, promise (cross my fingers and hope you vote).
If you’re listening to the politicians (the shortsighted ones) it’s all about the money (economy). The talking heads on TV are almost at crescendo screamin’ at you, it’s all about the money! They say you’re scared! petrified! terrified! by the current financial crisis. Are you? I’m not.
I’m concerned, worried, maybe? Mostly about how the folks (nominally) in charge will address the problems we face in the economy. But I’m not scared. I’m not petrified or terrified. I’m betting you aren’t either? Americans just don’t scare that easily.
The economy got into this mess over a period of several years of excessive greed. Coupled with a lot of stupidity by the few. Followed like lemmings, by the many, with their investing. It’ll take years, (many) to work our way out of it. Notice that? It’ll take “work”, not “investing”. Not betting and gambling our (your) way to prosperity.
But that’s not my topic for this week, it’s politics. Sorry, but with this election looming in a few weeks, I’ve gotta point out a couple things that are getting little play in the campaigns. Especially the “news” coverage of them.
Sure the election is historic, all presidential elections are. We only elect a new president every four or eight years. But it’s not “the most important” election ever held (they seldom are). Lincoln’s certainly, Franklin Roosevelt’s surely, Reagan’s probably. This one? Not so much.
Contrary to all the talk, our presidents don’t run the show alone. With all the current boisterous economic noise, we’ve lost track of that. Presidents don’t spend a dollar of your money, congress alone does that.
Meanwhile, the president does have other duties to attend to. Besides “recommending” his annual budget, which needs approval from congress. Remember, congress alone collects (taxes) then spends your money.
Once more my gaze is to the future, where history (destiny?) lies. With that in mind, I’ve gotta say, it’s not simply “the economy”, stupid. I didn’t believe that the first time around, either.
Lately, I’ve listened to all I can stomach about how bad the current administration has “handled” the economy. The private sector (and Congress) does that! Recall the first six years under Bush? Economically things went fairly well (considerin’ a costly war was ragin’!) Until just the last coupla years. Then congress went under democratic control, remember? But I digress.
The presidents duties are far ranging in international and domestic areas. He can influence (not control) much of what we (and the world) thinks about. He can offer direction as to what path the world might walk (or wander). Through his actions (or non-action) the safety or political stability of the country (world) may depend.
Can you name his single most important job? Commander in Chief! Read your constitution, my friends (oops, shades of John McCain). The president does not “run” economic policy, though he may influence it. He doesn’t spend a dime of your money, he “recommends” how it be spent.
But he “Commands” the most powerful military on earth. Understand that word, Commands. If you’ve never served in the military, you probably don’t fathom the depth of it’s significance? A “command” is obeyed, it’s not a suggestion. With military principles, there is no equivocation. An order (command) is followed. Oh sure, you’re “allowed” to disobey an “illegal” command (but it’s best not to try it).
As Commander in Chief the president has one paramount duty..., One! Protect America from all enemies (domestic or foreign).
For seven years we’ve been protected! We’ve (you’ve) lost sight of that. No terrorist has killed an American on the soil of this country. But it’s gonna happen. Not if, just when (and how many).
So it’s not “all” the economy, stupid. That will (slowly) heal itself the same way it always has, by Americans working. Sure, the right government and business leadership will help. But it’s in the hands and (more important) the minds of American working people that this will get done.
But that all important “protecting” part? That will be in the hands of our (new) president. Personally I’m still able (barely, but able) to protect myself. But I can’t protect the country. Only our military can do that.
I simply cannot trust command of that military to any person with no leadership experience! In fact, I’ve always believed no one without military experience should be allowed to command that power. But that’s just me?
I Don’t Know About You..., In the long run, I’m afraid this election’s about much more than the economy.
Cal Teeple, sole member of the Observational Cogitation Consortium is often found three stools down. He may be ignored, accosted or contacted there. OR AT: wayneindependent.com/cal.
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This will be my last “political” column for the year, promise (cross my fingers and hope you vote).
If you’re listening to the politicians (the shortsighted ones) it’s all about the money (economy). The talking heads on TV are almost at crescendo screamin’ at you, it’s all about the money! They say you’re scared! petrified! terrified! by the current financial crisis. Are you? I’m not.
I’m concerned, worried, maybe? Mostly about how the folks (nominally) in charge will address the problems we face in the economy. But I’m not scared. I’m not petrified or terrified. I’m betting you aren’t either? Americans just don’t scare that easily.
The economy got into this mess over a period of several years of excessive greed. Coupled with a lot of stupidity by the few. Followed like lemmings, by the many, with their investing. It’ll take years, (many) to work our way out of it. Notice that? It’ll take “work”, not “investing”. Not betting and gambling our (your) way to prosperity.
But that’s not my topic for this week, it’s politics. Sorry, but with this election looming in a few weeks, I’ve gotta point out a couple things that are getting little play in the campaigns. Especially the “news” coverage of them.
Sure the election is historic, all presidential elections are. We only elect a new president every four or eight years. But it’s not “the most important” election ever held (they seldom are). Lincoln’s certainly, Franklin Roosevelt’s surely, Reagan’s probably. This one? Not so much.
Contrary to all the talk, our presidents don’t run the show alone. With all the current boisterous economic noise, we’ve lost track of that. Presidents don’t spend a dollar of your money, congress alone does that.
Meanwhile, the president does have other duties to attend to. Besides “recommending” his annual budget, which needs approval from congress. Remember, congress alone collects (taxes) then spends your money.
Once more my gaze is to the future, where history (destiny?) lies. With that in mind, I’ve gotta say, it’s not simply “the economy”, stupid. I didn’t believe that the first time around, either.
Lately, I’ve listened to all I can stomach about how bad the current administration has “handled” the economy. The private sector (and Congress) does that! Recall the first six years under Bush? Economically things went fairly well (considerin’ a costly war was ragin’!) Until just the last coupla years. Then congress went under democratic control, remember? But I digress.
The presidents duties are far ranging in international and domestic areas. He can influence (not control) much of what we (and the world) thinks about. He can offer direction as to what path the world might walk (or wander). Through his actions (or non-action) the safety or political stability of the country (world) may depend.
Can you name his single most important job? Commander in Chief! Read your constitution, my friends (oops, shades of John McCain). The president does not “run” economic policy, though he may influence it. He doesn’t spend a dime of your money, he “recommends” how it be spent.
But he “Commands” the most powerful military on earth. Understand that word, Commands. If you’ve never served in the military, you probably don’t fathom the depth of it’s significance? A “command” is obeyed, it’s not a suggestion. With military principles, there is no equivocation. An order (command) is followed. Oh sure, you’re “allowed” to disobey an “illegal” command (but it’s best not to try it).
As Commander in Chief the president has one paramount duty..., One! Protect America from all enemies (domestic or foreign).
For seven years we’ve been protected! We’ve (you’ve) lost sight of that. No terrorist has killed an American on the soil of this country. But it’s gonna happen. Not if, just when (and how many).
So it’s not “all” the economy, stupid. That will (slowly) heal itself the same way it always has, by Americans working. Sure, the right government and business leadership will help. But it’s in the hands and (more important) the minds of American working people that this will get done.
But that all important “protecting” part? That will be in the hands of our (new) president. Personally I’m still able (barely, but able) to protect myself. But I can’t protect the country. Only our military can do that.
I simply cannot trust command of that military to any person with no leadership experience! In fact, I’ve always believed no one without military experience should be allowed to command that power. But that’s just me?
I Don’t Know About You..., In the long run, I’m afraid this election’s about much more than the economy.
Cal Teeple, sole member of the Observational Cogitation Consortium is often found three stools down. He may be ignored, accosted or contacted there. OR AT: wayneindependent.com/cal.
