In Judaism, there used to be a ritual where a goat, symbolically burdened with the sins of man, would be sent off to perish in the wilderness during Yom Kippur. This is the beginning of the scapegoat. I’m reminded of this with recent events in our economic recession where people have expressed their frustrations and anger in the scapegoating of entities like AIG and Bernie Madoff. It’s not that I disapprove of the scapegoating or that I feel the selected parties should not be blamed, but I want to point out the side effects of mass media and politics. The public needs someone to blame for this mess that we’re in. The wealthy members of society are often blamed in times of crises so why should this situation be any different? The media often doesn’t help the situation especially when headlines are meant to be sensationalistic and drive sales/viewership/clicks. In regards to the uproar over AIG bonuses, there are ways to curb AIG executive bonus payouts, but let’s remember that some people actually did their job correctly and are trying to get paid. I do see a need to curb some bonuses that are just due to greed and not compensatory for services performed, but bonuses are an integral part of many employee pay schemes in many industries. It seems like some people I talk to don’t realize this. As for Bernie Madoff, I think we can all say he’s guilty. However, he should be punished for the crime he did and not be the scapegoat for all the sins of wall street. We are a civilized society. Let’s act like one.
politics economy
this pic basically says it all.
big three bailout
politics bailout, big three
yes we did
Click here for a free sticker from moveon.org. Hey, I’m all abouts free stuff. Guess that makes me a socialist welfare crack addict.
politics free, obama
repocrats
So after this election, after the joys, after the celebrations, after the parties, what are we left with? A big void until the inauguration in January. The hope and momentum of the Obama campaign will slowly die down in the next couple of weeks while the anger and frustration of the disenfranchised Republicans will probably last the next 4 to 8 years. Right now, everyone is just wondering what will happen next. Will Obama be able to bring about the change he promised? Will he be able to fix the economy? Will he bring the troops back from Iraq, just to send them right back to Afghanistan?
Everyone has ideas of what they think Obama will bring and honestly, that is because so many people have been waiting for a moment like this. The liberals weren’t too happy with Clinton as he left office, and I don’t think I have to talk about how half the country felt cheated with the Bush/Gore election of 2000. Then there was the resounding defeat of Kerry by Bush in 2004 which many just could not believe happened. The left has waited a long time for this election. However, that long wait has just exacerbated what they think they “need” in this Obama administration.
I guarantee some people will be disappointed. I don’t say that because I think Obama will make mistakes (but he’s just a normal guy like you and me, so yea, he’s gotta make a few). I say that because it’s just impossible for him to meet the demands and dreams of every citizen in this country. I’m curious myself to see how much “change” he can bring about. I’d like to see something done about the economy. I’d like to see something being done about the large special interest groups having the power that they do in Washington. I’d like to see something being done about the War on Terror and the War on Drugs. I’d like to see a lot of things. Do I think I’ll see anything? Yea, I do. But I’m optimistic. Always have been. That’s partially the reason I supported Obama. I do believe in bringing about practical change. If anything, I do think he has changed the landscape for elections and political organizing on the national level for years to come. I don’t want this idealistic “change” that the nay-sayers keep throwing out in their petulent arguments (eg. ”socialism!” “mandatory government service!” etc.) All I want is some “change” I can believe in. And I think Obama will do his best to do it.
politics change, democrat, election, obama
YES WE CAN! YES WE DID! Thank you to everyone for not being stupid! I was really worried about living in a country full of idiots, but I now have some hope =) Let’s just hope Obama actually does something now. Let’s see what “change” he can actually produce.
politics 2008, election, obama, yes we can
If you have no idea what the keating five scandal is, then you should watch this video. Don’t ever believe anything you read on the internet without researching it yourself. This is something that you will find if you have actually done your homework on candidates.
politics keating, mccain, scandal
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/16/9641/62473/762/599278
Quick list of facts to commonly asked questions republicans will ask democrats. I’ll try and find one for mccain too so that we provide for both sides of the aisle here.
politics obama, politics
you know what makes me a sad panda? when i look around and see the current polarization of the democratic party against itself. now, i support obama and all… but i don’t think i have anything in common with the rabid obamaniacs out there now spewing their nonsensical attacks on clinton which really just irks me. it makes the obama campaign seem like a gang of idiots. there are some clintonites out there too that attack obama incessantly and without class. meanwhile, mccain and his supporters are just sitting on the sidelines feeding each camp some juicy morsels every now and then, biding their time until the general election campaign when they finally know who their real opponent is. the point i’m trying to make is that if you’re trying to convince me to vote for your candidate via attacks on the other candidates, i’m going to label you an idiot and just nod my head while thinking of how i’m going to escape your dreaded hate sermon. honestly, if the only arguments you can come up with to vote for your candidate are statements that try to generate fear in the person you’re talking to, you need to be shot. we are living in a civilized society. let’s start behaving like one.
politics clinton, democrats, mccain, obama, politics
