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The Wright Perspective℠
Social Commentary from the C-Suite to Main Street℠
A Blog by Gary Wright II
Why politicians suck & FDR's Bill of Rights
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
Let me start by saying I have no allegiance to any political party. As a business owner, I like some Republican ideas. As a worker, I like some Democrat ideas. On some issues, I am conservative, and on other issues I am somewhat liberal. I am much more interested in finding and electing great leaders with good judgement to run our country and every time I vote I am deeply disappointed by my lack of choices. Anyone who clings to a particular political party is never a good choice for a public office. They should examine each issue based on the facts and then make a decision on what is best for our country.
First, it angers me when our leaders refuse to make difficult decisions during "an election year." If their votes won't hold up to public scrutiny, then they should find another line of work. Two recent examples are putting off the vote on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal and the five year plan to end homeless veterans. The "five year plan" conveniently delays the results until after the next election. It gains them public support for a good idea, but then delays the work so they can't be held accountable for the results.
Lately, I've been disgusted by the rhetoric of the Republicans. Why are they speaking out so loudly against President Obama at a time when our country needs to be united? The Iraq and Afghanistan wars weren't Obama's idea - both wars were started by the Republicans. The financial bailout wasn't the work of Obama - it was Bush who created it. The economy didn't collapse when Obama became president - it happened when the Republicans were in control. The illegal immigration problem didn't suddenly start when the president changed - it has been a problem for many years. I could go on forever - but you get my point. I'm not just trying to bash the Republicans - the Democrats have made lots of mistakes too.
The first step forward is removing the corruption from the system that makes these folks so powerful. The proof they are all corrupt is quite simple - who with good judgement would spend millions of dollars to obtain a job that only pays $200,000? It is true that they have to maintain two households; one in Washington and one in their home state. I have a simple fix for that one too: Make them sleep in the same barracks and housing that our soldiers are sleeping in - both groups are serving our country aren't they?
All of this political grandstanding is harmful to all of us. We are facing the most difficult period of our nations history and we need good leaders - not good politicians. Regardless of who is to blame, Obama has a very tough job and he has a huge mess to clean up. To regain control of our country, the Republicans have a lot to lose if Obama is successful in any of his endeavors. It is a shame that they don't realize that if Obama loses - our country loses too. Both parties should be working together - not dividing our country. As Lincoln said, "A house divided can not stand."
During my travels I learned a very important lesson. Wherever you go on our beautiful planet - the people are all the same and we all want the same things. Why can't we all work together to give the dream of health and prosperity to all? Not just for Americans - but to the whole world.
I have a lot in common with Franklin Roosevelt - we are both cripples who are forced to hide our disabilities in order to be successful. I've been thinking about the last State of the Union speech he gave about creating a second Bill of Rights. To hide his health issues, he gave the speech over the radio. After it was over, he invited all of the reporters into his office to record part of the speech for television. Sadly, it wasn't long after the speech that he passed away and our leaders must have forgotten what FDR said:
"In our day, certain economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. A second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all regardless of station, or race, or creed. Among these are the right to a useful and remunerative job, the right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation. The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return that will give him and his family a decent living. The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom - freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad. The right of every family to a decent home, the right to adequate medical care, and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health. The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment. The right to a good education. All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won, we must be prepared to move forward in the implementation of these rights to new goals of human happiness and well-being. For unless there is security here at home, there cannot be lasting peace in the world."
I hope that each of you will vote in the next (and every) election. I don't care who you vote for - but we need to take back control over our government. They will still use dirty tricks to win elections, but by not voting we make it way too easy for them.
Best regards,
-- Gary Wright II