As more Americans feel alienated from, disenchanted or downright angry with Washington, the appeal for something wholesome is obvious. The stage is set for the citizen candidate that doesn’t know of (or give a damn about) filibustering rules but can garner the resources to get things done! Someone who wields the power of pardons & clemency for common man and not political favor or financial reward. Someone who cares more about the people than the systems designed to support them. Someone, we think, like us!

Sarah Palin is not Mrs. Smith and the Tea Baggers do not speak for the ‘common man’, not even a tiny fraction of it.

They claim to be libertarians, disenfranchised from the Republican Party. The last part has some truth to it as the reasonable core of GOP wants them out (or to shut up anyway). The Republicans have long realized that their platform has too many deal breakers for broad appeal. Far from the tolerant moderate bunch they claim to be, the Tea movement is a language trick designed to obscure the agenda the religious right has always tried to force on America. It is intolerant, ignorant and hostile – whether they’re serving tea on saucers or moonshine out of a jug.

And what is a Muslim Marxist (seen left)?

They praise Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, idiotically unaware that they are precisely the rabble (225 years later) that crucified Paine over his church views. Tea Baggers are inescapably; the fringe right wing.

Some are even morons (sorry-people of 50-70 IQ). (See right)

The Tea Party has to avoid both ominous labels until the GOP is won over by their populist power; which they have yet to secure. The strategy is based on a myth, the political voodoo that they can deliver an election. This avoids the inexorable truth of the Scott Brown victory (they can’t stop cheering about); that he is a Pro-choice Republican. Drop that qualifier and he’s out of consideration and the GOP knows it. This singular criterion (pro-choice) much as we may not want it as the qualifier; all that’s needed to differentiate, to dispel Republican fears, to re-brand him or any Republican as a moderate – and for that matter; as a maverick.

So while Tea baggers will tell you there’s a gathering storm, a resurgence of common values; the harsh reality is that the end is likely near for the very far right? A Republican without the baggage is already more viable than with it. Provide a 30 to 51% moderate margin against the 10-15% teaflakes and the political choice becomes a no brainer. This is precisely the time in political evolution (not revolution lol) when the far right invariably eats their more moderate young. It’s happened in nearly every western democracy. In Canada, the largest Conservative majority in recent history was abruptly reduced to the political devastation of 2 seats. The emerging smaller ‘right wing’ parties writhed for a few years, recovered a bit, changed measurably and ultimately remarried decades later (without the wing nuts that cost them so dearly).

Which is why The Tea Party needs to put a pretty face to their cause, a common man to trumpet the folksiness of their movement; a distraction: re-enter Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin, in many ways, epitomizes the Tea Party. They beguile with the slick branding of comm’n folk; but they are (as they will always be); flakes. Sarah Palin is a natural leader for this posse of reprobates; they don’t do much homework and don’t need any facts – just like Sarah. Sarah cannot name one Supreme Court decision but interprets them without hesitation. Sarah cannot name a founding father either but (much like her constituents); has no problem speaking for them.

I like some things about Sarah Plain, as a person (and to a point). Sarah Palin is ‘common people’. She’d swear to protect the Constitution and I honestly believe she means every word. She doesn’t understand the constitution and cannot, therefore; uphold it – in letter, spirit or argument. Ultimately, I feel sorry for her.

She lacks the depth of intelligence, the discipline and humility to be any good at this level of public life. Her commitment is genuine, but she’s incapable of realizing she can be a hero, joke and farce all at once. The harder she tries the more support she’ll conjure from people who have no ability to truly help her. It’ll never be enough; she doesn’t have ‘it’, and folksiness alone is no substitute for competence, aptitude or dare we dream; gravitas.

In the end, we’ll see this Tea movement in all its glory and the only real question is how many casualties (apart from Sarah) it will claim along the way. I, for one, hope Sarah will retire to some daytime TV slot where the demands on her charm outweigh those of her intellect.

For the Tea Party, I pray for just a little rain; just enough to wash away the illusion that a felt hat or sun dress can turn political red-necks into libertarians. Tea Baggers may not have formed as a moonshine party – but I’m willing to bet they’ll end up one.

Confidence is an inescapable element of our American character, power and economy. Our kindness is transformed to magnanimity – by the action only confidence can rally, and by the obligation only the truly secure can embrace. No power, save Love has ever reached so far, embraced so many or taken a people so high – with promise left to spare. And yet, as every daughter can tell you – confidence cannot exist without pride. Pride requires accomplishment and recognition; Americans know that well or at least… we did.

Among the many quarters of American achievement, few are as inspiring as those we actually build. Through the trials and misfortunes of life we labor in their shadow and later celebrate in their glory, they stand ever vigil: a testament to and legacy of our endurance.

My grandparents pointed to the Golden Gate Bridge and said ‘we built that’! They, of course, built no part of it – but they paid for it, and it is (unmistakably) theirs. It has outlived them both (and will several fold), and it stands precisely where they placed it; a living witness to their contribution, an effigy to their innovation and limitless source of inestimable pride.

“What will your generation do?” That was their question– and the thinly veiled dare

What will we do?  We have, undoubtedly, done much. In our darkest hours, the ‘times that test men’s souls’; Americans don’t typically freeze on the decisions before them or fixate on the path that led them there. We look to the heavens – and build toward them. Today, I fear we look at our feet.

In addition to dark economic times, the wars, and government paralysis, a succession of missed opportunities and mishandled crisis have us (perhaps appropriately) dithering in self doubt. Katrina is a horrible scar across our landscape and confidence. Not only were lives and homes lost that day, but also the romantic (achievable) notion that our government had some extraordinary capacity.  America, the ‘can do’ nation; now lags behind the rest of the competing world in any substantive measure of progress, including education, environment, national transit (or affordable healthcare). Through such cascade failures; has the Shining City on a Hill become a memory among the ruins?

The question begs again, what will we do? Undoubtedly we will rise, but a reinvigorated America can’t be built on glib arrogance or false promises. We’re shaken as a people and the many Americans fortunate enough to have missed the 60s and 70’s have no frame of reference for overcoming this malaise; no elixir for this communicable form of depression.

But the enormity of American opportunity presents near limitless options. The will, the money, the labor, talent and optimism are all ripe for a generation defining project. Like the Golden Gate of my Grandparents generation, it should be a feat of engineering and make a substantive contribution to our progress (and recovery). It CAN be a step forward in the redemption of the American government and a renewed confidence in what we can achieve.

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what’s right in America”, Bill Clinton.

Mr. President, a few ideas: 

• A High Speed rail Corridor from Richmond, VA. to Manchester, N.H. (reducing  dependence on air travel, balancing real estate accessibility and traffic loads with a significant economic and environmental windfall (aren’t those rare).  
• A Gargantuan Electrical Project (capable of meeting our growing needs) whether it’s hydro, tidal, nuclear or integrated suburban rooftop solar gardens – so long as it has significant impact on our energy production, sustainability and independence. Actually; let’s explore several? 
• Suggestions? (http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/ or comment..)   

The Colossus of Rhodes (shown at the top) toppled at the knees from an earthquake and the remains settled where they fell for over 800 years; a pleasant enough reminder I suppose of glory days… The story says that even in ruins; it was impressive beyond imagination. I can’t see our American future in the ruined aftermath of Katrina or the financial rubble along Wall Street; but I have no trouble spotting the dignity, values and indelible spirit that built our shining city… and will again.

                       Thoughtful comments are encouraged.

Is Harry Reid a racist or does the GOP just like watching the neighbors fight?

The GOP is looking dreadfully petty these days. Irresponsible and melodramatic language married with an impetuous defensiveness that borders – on shifty. Theatrics, an almost childish ‘look at me’ – that doesn’t slow down for double standards or pretense, nor does it fear the brand of insincerity.

Quite unusual for the party of character, values and integrity?

But that was then; and now, pump jockeys and deejays lower the bar till the GOP ‘goes reality’. And why not, your audience is already there?

I’m reminded that only the governing party has the ‘tools of leadership’. While Rahm Emanuel can be the Democratic Party strong-arm for the President, the GOP only has contenders for leadership; all vying for our attention, and deviously willing to misbehave to get it. None are concerned with the Republican brand, and most prefer to shape it in their image.

The difference between opposition and divisiveness is found in the hostility (which isn’t required or welcome), in the fractiousness (taking no conceivable high ground but scorching earth nonetheless), and in the delivery; particularly by renegade malcontents – whose frenzied heresy is never convincing (and is often a little frightening).

The Republican brand has issues. Natural leadership is absent. Common sense (and the refreshing flavor of citizen candidates) was unrealized in Palin? A war; unplanned, deceitfully engaged and with victory prematurely (yet arrogantly) declared – all tarnish GOP credibility – of course! Like poisoned Tylenol; Republicans have some rebuilding to do.

The War on Terror is off limits (grow TF up). Anyone suggesting publically that we’re not ‘safe’ is a fear monger. There is simply no rational basis for such a bloated and hysterical claim (we are at greater mathematical risk from our spouses) and, (here it is); it gives aid and comfort to the enemy!  It also gives them the illusion of victory or the possibility of one. Republicans should be natural leaders in unity (at least on terrorism) but failing that they can learn to shut up and support the President (as so very many Democrats and Moderates did for Little Bush). This is not brand optional!

And if there is any remaining illusion that Republicans are the exclusive, or natural guardians of peace, reason, security and law; I’d remind the GOP of a recurring behavior with power and privacy. It was after all Vice President Cheney’s office publically released the name of an undercover spy. This act (if committed by anyone else) is called treason, and is punishable by death. I remain mystified as to why Cheney would even have access to (or interest in) ‘the NOC (non-official cover) list’ but regardless; he and his Republican brethren didn’t keep the information, our spy or us – safe! 

Resistance to health reform is fair game. Concern over stimulus is reasonable (but dangerous since the GOP raided Mommy’s purse and ran her plastic up by several trillion dollars). Republicans can perhaps get traction on economic issues and jobs – without stuttering, in support of the greater confidence and recovery.

If you take the high road – the high ground always comes easier.

There are a few Republicans holding the party (and the opposition) up – and without a lot of help. John McCain is certainly (usually) among them. The true leaders of the Republican Party won’t give rise to an attack on The President’s citizenship or molest Harry Reid on racism. They are secure enough in themselves to recognize The President’s leadership without surrendering to it, able to see and debate his vision without being blinded by rage.

This week, Republican Governor Schwarzenegger (a strong supporter of health reform), came out with details on how the House and Senate proposals would affect California’s budget, explained why he had to withdraw his support and encouraged California’s delegates to follow his regrettable lead.

It may have been political – but it wasn’t cheap. Leadership rarely is!

G2KSHZVUZRKZ

   Like most ‘hot button’ issues; this one offers the opportunity to reframe the entire debate, change the expectations, build alliances and shuffle the seating – for the better.

   Only fanatics are going to make gay marriage a pageant of homosexuality. For most; it’s an issue of respect – not freedom. Let’s face it; in America you can form some pretty exotic unions – this question is about recognition and invariably; rights.

   The Brady Bunch is not a new phenomenon, the nuclear family radiated a while back and by now; the vast majority of American families are unconventional in one form or another whether they have 1, 2, 3 Dads or none.

    In bone fide legal rights however; we’re all stuck in bell bottoms and zipper boots.

    A step Mom can’t easily excuse a child from school (or pick them up). A common law husband can’t claim his dead partner’s body across state lines. A poor and forsaken child of a wealthy biological parent is hard pressed to get school loans. Pensions, honors, entitlements too are reserved for the ‘legitimate coupling channels’ – and gays expect to move directly to the head of that line.

    There still aren’t laws that protect the Brady Bunch and there’s been precious little movement toward recognizing the variety of personal unions we form (and disband) – and providing them common respect under national law…

 …till Gays hijacked the parade.

    As the gay community renews their demand for marriage rights we should expect them to lead not only for their constituents but for rights, recognition and respect for all ‘personal unions’.

   As ‘Gay Marriage Law’ alone it’s political poison, a minority display of vanity and a billboard for a publically uncomfortable lifestyle. As a Family Rights, Respects & Recognition Act; it’s a slam dunk.

I didn’t do it!

In this case I didn’t, but as a child those words swept over my lips more often than I care to admit (and well before I even heard the question). So, before the President leaves an Obama size hole in the wall (svelte as it would be);  Let’s clarify some discontent before anyone cries – it’s not my fault!

 Is this change – really? Mr. President, you weren’t elected Steward of the Republic and your mandate certainly isn’t to negotiate with Democrats. The corner you painted yourself into with all that change talk is that now we expect it. Incremental progress (like let’s get a bill now and reform it later) is not the beat we expected so don’t expect anyone to jump up and dance.

 Why such big bites?

If this were a coalition bill brought together by broad compromise I could understand the packaging but as is; no, I don’t want a Ford with my ScotchGard (thank you)!

And that’s before compromise? We have yet to see the best negotiating Democrats can do with themselves including the inevitable ‘pork’ that will litter this bill. Whatever comes; Health-a-palooza is marketed as a historic event when in all likelihood it’s a concert from which everyone will leave emaciated, filthy and searching desperately for a bathroom. 

What’s in play?

The mere mention that abortion is under some form of review or discussion (particularly among Democrats) is an alarm and outrage to the vast majority of this country (most especially moderates). Be careful, be clear.

What’s not in play?

This bill calls for a massive injection into ‘electronic health’ before we establish (or fully consider) patient privacy or access rights. Before we build a working consortium of healthcare providers capable of designing the electronic medical record (EMR); we shall spend billions constructing it. The coordination of that information (for national tracking and disease control or patient privacy), the billing and transparency are all under-addressed (if mentioned at all).

The ‘patient’s ‘bill of rights’ died in the house and tort reform was ignored. ‘Fee for Service’ (the ludicrous method in which healthcare is billed), ‘Conflict of Interest’ (notably – the perks and payoffs we allow pharmaceuticals to give your doc or school – for sticking your kid on Ritalin) – were never part of this debate. Point of Care reform (is a hospital or doctor the best / cheapest way to triage health issues) and a myriad of other key or important health issues – never came up.

I put my pants on for this?

The universality without a public option is a coalition killer; a no win! For the rest; I’m disappointed at a year (and a colossal opportunity) – squandered.

So before anyone cries; “I didn’t do it” – we already know!

If there’s one thing harder to be in the Middle East – than an American; it’s someone working with Americans. The Yemeni government is – to a large enough degree; one of our partners – a claim few can make (and some abuse). 

The Northwest ‘Undie’ bomber  has Yemeni connections and so does the Ft. Hood shooter. An alarming number of our Guantanamo catches are Yemeni. And? While more than enough cause for the Cheney-ista’s to ‘Cry Havoc!, and let slip the dogs of war’ – I would (respectfully) ask if we really need to rain fire down on these people? 

Yemen is literally dirt poor, the image above is a school (and a UNICEF one at that). Twice the size of Wyoming with about 3% arable land and over 24 million people (only 1/5 of whom have jobs), and a little over 100 million assault weapons. Yemen’s got nearly 2000km of coastline bordering the Gulf of Aden (the route to the Suez), which is itself flanked by none other than Somalia (and patrolled by their pirates).   

So while we can insist on hunting down Al Qaeda in Yemen; it may only take 3 guys, 2 drones, some patience and a carton of Hersheys. It may take more but it certainly won’t require - war!  

Where we have partners we have drones and where we have drones – Americans are not at direct risk during the ‘discovery phase’ so Joe… 

STFU and don’t make it any harder on our Yemeni allies!

Director of the President’s National Economic Council

Arianna Huffington was barely off the Sunday News show circuit when the tweets went out. George Stephanopoulos’s read “Arianna on Summers: ‘Wrong man for the job’”.

Sadly, she’s right.

Summers is unquestionably a respected academic economist. He’s undeniably had a few issues too; including a ‘lack of confidence’ vote by the Harvard faculty, where he also lost a billion dollars trading highly speculative (wait for it… derivatives). He has a few controversial hypotheses too, one as to why women lag behind men in the sciences (cringe) and this little gem …

“I’ve always thought that under-populated countries in Africa are vastly under-polluted” (Summers on exporting waste to the developing world).

It is his communication that is a special and unacceptable burden:

He is sluggish, pedantic and uninspiring – at best. At worst he may very well be the confidence vortex from which hope itself is unlikely to escape. Unless he has some extraordinary skills, some special (unknown) value to the President, unless he’s got some magic filter of economic explanation & debate; I fail to see the allure.

All Presidents struggle with the balance between message, confidence and candor (even without the pressures of recession). His team must finesse that effort, lighten the load – not add to it. Lawrence Summers is a liability to the President (and to an already weak communication team) and a disappointment to recovery and to the greater ‘market confidence’ we all so desperately need. Who’s next on the list?

The man who was once the bridge between the parties has somehow become an obstacle to both and a blockage to their progress. 

So is he, as the resemblance to Senator Palpatine might suggest; a wily agent of chaos or just a plodding agent of paralysis? 

.

   An unprecedented chest of money was recently unlocked to bolster consumer confidence and stimulate economic recovery. Few understand what it can buy; and fewer still are capable of the spending spree.

 Let’s give it a little context: 

• $140 billion is equivalent to the annual budgets for the U.S. Departments of Education, Energy, Justice, Agriculture and NASA… combined.  
• $140 billion would buy a day at Disneyland for every child on earth (and their Moms). Or… 
• 31,000 Predator drones, a fleet to fill the skies everywhere (we have 195 today). 
• It also buys a Dallas Cowboys size stadium (the new one) in every city in America (bigger than Oxnard, California (pop 185,717) 
• $140 billion would buy GM (again) – 230 times. We already did buy it (for about 2 billion), in addition to loaning them another 50 billion. However (since we’re buying companies) …  
• $8.2 billion would buy Bombardier, one of the world’s leading rail and mass transit producers and give GM (and Michigan) another industry instead of more cash? This would move a lot of jobs and segues nicely into another 8 billion the President has slotted for high speed rail. Or perhaps we could put our money into science (or Mega Projects)… 
• 9 billion would buy CERN (including the large hadron collider – the most ambitious and expensive research project in the history of human achievement). Technically, we can afford 15. 

     These examples provide perspective, and they’re fun (Bombardier may even be genius). But more poignant (and relevant to Americans) is that this amount of money translates to about $460 for every American alive. It is equal to $50,000 in mortgage relief for 2.8 million households or it could wipe out the credit card debt of over 17 million families. 

     Whatever we do, these are the terms: 

1)     Help Small Business? 

1. Is it good for small business? The Salt Lake City Olympics (costing 2.3 billion dollars) tied up the city in excruciatingly heavy development for years.  Ask these small business people if unfettered construction was good for them. 
2. Now imagine that ‘construction zone’ on a scale 70 times larger (in communities and cities across America). 

2)    Be Transparent? 

1. What transparency can there be in a rush? What process (this streamlined) is representatively debated and thoughtfully considered. Whose ass is on the line? (Apart from the President’s) 

3)    Help Communities & Create Employment? 

1. Bancroft, Idaho (population 382) requested 22 million worth of stimulus for their 144 households expecting to create 60 jobs (or $372,000 per job). 

4)    Exercise Common Sense? 

1. So are we led by Tarantino’s Mr. Wolfe or Hanna and Barbera’s Joan Jetson? Once inspires confidence, establishes order and cleans up the mess with the resources at hand; the other grabs a wallet and dashes to the mall for shiny plastic things. 

5)    WARNING: Confidence & Risk! 

1. We can’t afford the Stimulus itself going off  like a holy hand grenade in the bunker of American confidence.
2. Reckless or ridiculous spending, favoritism or patronage (all of which are pretty high risks here), or the slightest contrivance, fiat or grift will outrage Jack & Jill Mainstreet, fuse the forces of discontent and shatter any prospects of a consumer driven recovery.

      We have a lot of things in need of attention in America; and nothing would invigorate our spirit more than getting a few done – well!