Since the 2008 presidential election I’ve tuned into talk radio more frequently, watched cable news (both liberal and conservative viewpoints) and come to the realization that we’re teetering on becoming the Unglued States of America. The media is certainly fanning the flames for both extreme liberals and extreme conservatives but there is undoubtedly a real grassroots movement in nearly every community of America, who are raising concerns about expanding roles of government and excessive spending. These are people fed up with congress, the president and politicians in general. They feel the Constitution is being trampled on and/or ignored and they want to take America back to its founding principles. Of course, it’s always debatable what our Founding Fathers truly envisioned.
A group in Decatur was recently spotlighted on local radio personality Brian Byers’ talk show this morning. The group also has a rather extensive Web site promoting their viewpoint. www.roc-usa.net. Their basic beliefs are in : Limited Government, Fiscal Responsibility, Personal Responsibility, The Rule of Law, and National Sovereignty. I can’t argue with those viewpoints but I remain skeptical as to their true intentions. It’s hard to believe that they are truly non-partisan though I think many Independents are jumping on their bandwagon.
What exactly is all the fuss about? Well, congressmen who don’t listen to their constituents, a ballooning national deficit, rising unemployment numbers, fears about health care changes, and toss in some irrational, unfounded fears being spawned on the Internet, talk radio and cable news and you got yourself a movement. America’s role in world politics is declining. The value of the dollar has fallen in recent years. Our trade deficit is nightmarish. The middle-class is shrinking. I think that last point is the straw breaking the camel’s back. It’s middle-class and former middle-class folks who are getting rowdy out town hall meetings and attending organized tea parties. If people feel secure in their job, have decent health care coverage and a nest egg to retire on, they’re going to be pretty complacent. When all of that dries up, the tea bags begin being tossed from the ship and the pitchforks and garden rakes come out.
Discussions/debates SHOULD be happening – not charges of “death panels” and pictures of Obama as Hitler NOR should there be pretending on the left that the concern and outrage is all “Astro-turf”. Both sides need to be less disrespectful and a bit more intelligent!!
President Obama is dealing with far left and a far right neither of whom see any room for compromise. I hope he stamps on them both. It is my personal belief that Obama is more pragmatist than liberal. I base that on reading his books and watching just who he is willing to try and forge bonds with and why. And just who supported him in the election and who he put in his team. In my opinion his actions both now and in the past has backed up his words. Part of my strong support for him is his efforts to find common ground and make what we DO agree on happen.
What I see happening now – the left is mad and they are drawing a line in the sand – listen if you can get it to 820 am – wow – they are pounding him for even trying to work with Republicans. And the Republicans have seen some weakness in his numbers and are only interested in taking him down not working with him which only makes the left appear to be correct in ridiculing him for trying. Little to zero real discussion happening…
I’m holding out that Grassley may be saying what he has to say but will continue to work towards a bi-partisan agreement. I’ve always believed “you know them by their fruits” not their words.
What is a real shame – we are talking about a system that could at any time take each and every one of us – no matter how hard working and well intentioned – into bankruptcy and in fact WILL if not changed take us there with long term care expenses unless we are lucky and die quickly.
If those in the middle want a say – well they better speak up and say so cause this sucker is being taken down by the extremes…..
I read Obama’s book – you convinced me last year and I found myself agreeing with him and found him to be a very reasonable and normal guy.
I would like to know what people in the middle are thinking because I find it really hard to believe that the majority of Americans think that the way things are now is acceptable.
I am kind of proud of my candidate John McCain too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2U4wQEF65w People need to remember, it is just politics, after all. People have different philosophies and that’s all. The late Ted Kennedy learned to compromise. That’s just the way politics works.
Actually, I’m optimistic some kind of decent legislation will come out of this. Why? I don’t know!
Good for Senator McCain! I respect him too. I sent his campaign a “thank you” email at the end of the campaign just for that reason. You know, I also sent one to President Bush – I thought he got beat up pretty badly during that election and while I didn’t agree with him on much I do think he believed he was doing the right thing.
Maybe you’re right I hope so. But, it is amazing to me as I look at that audience that most are older folks who are probably on Medicare acting this way… Just what in the world do they think Obama has done that is unconstitutional? I can’t imagine what the lady meant OR why the others cheered like they agreed? Can you explain it?