Note that I am pleased at President Bush's new concern (finally) over gas prices and the U.S. economy. Please also note that I do not blame Bush or his administration directly for our problems. Many of these economic trends began a long time ago as globalization began. What I am unhappy about is how many of these problems were handled, the alienation of many important allies, the "for us or against us" mentality, the "black and white, good and evil" way of thinking, the breaking down of important barriers between religion and politics (the very barriers our forefathers set up to protect religious freedom and unmuddy political waters), the minimizing of environmental and social problems, the complete refusal to admit to any mistakes (because God has, after all, appointed this administration), and the very un-traditional Republican way of making very quick, very huge decisions without a lot of backing or information.
My Grandfather, WWII veteran, long-time Colonel in the Air Force, fierce public servant and defender of the U.S. and staunch believer in support of our government and military, was very worried about our entrance into Iraq for a war of aggression with a country we knew very little about. Near the end of his life, he was also very concerned that we would try to make war with Iran. He, like I, thought that would be a very foolish move while still embroiled in Iraq and Afghanistan. Furthermore, it's even more foolish considering that we have no concrete reason to invade and still do not understand that region of the world.
Please know that I felt all these things before I knew how my Grandfather felt. After discovering where he stood, I am even more proud to be his Granddaughter.
Now I'm done with the PSA's and will return to the IF world. Thank you.
Monday, May 12, 2008
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4 comments:
Barb, I'm a pretty new reader of your blog, and feel real connection to this post. I also acknowledge and send condolences regarding the death of your beloved grandfather (which I gather was within the last year from reading an earlier entry). Anyway, my husband's father is also a retired Air Force Colonel who served in three wars, and he too has deep concerns about the aggression of the current administration, especially regarding Iraq and possible war with Iran.
You don't even want to get me started on politics these days. I can completely relate to your post. It seems that our current administration's approach to things is that it is either black and white and/or denial. Sometimes I just wish we had a political system with incentives for making real, long-lasting solutions rather than short-term ones.
My biggest frustration right now is that no one seems to want to ADMIT we are heading towards an economic crisis. I mean, COME ON!! We are not idiots!! I just spent $50 filling up the tank of my "economy" car and spent $200 on groceries for two people. I know what's going on!!
Loved your thought seastar. Thanks.
Jen - AMEN TO THAT! :D
Jamie - Boy do I know it. I can't even stand the cost of groceries right now. We try to eat cheaply whenever possible, and it drives my poor DH crazy b/c he's a meat eater. I'm not so much, so I can totally do without, but he feels a bit deprived. :( Poor guy. Between groceries, gas and health insurance increases, our paltry raises were gobbled up and overcome immediately. ugh. The people who seem to think the economy is fine are the people who aren't affected by the lost jobs, low wages and struggle to make it.
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