CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Unlike Michelle Obama, this is not the first time I have been proud of my country. However, I am a lot older than the first lady and it's been quite a few years since I felt good about our government.
The nadir, of course, has been the last eight years.
However, I must concede that in at least one respect, Bush merely epitomized a view held by a large number of Americans. There is a disturbing tendency in this country to equate liberty and freedom with self-indulgence and profligacy. To a great extent, this country is characterized by greed, avarice, gluttony and self-gratification. As Andrew J. Bacevich, a conservative historian and former colonel in the U.S. Army puts it: "For a majority of Americans, the essence of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness centers on a relentless personal quest to acquire, to consume, to indulge and to shed whatever constraints might interfere."
Dec. 18 USNewswire/ -- The Republican Senate
minority today filibustered an omnibus budget bill, setting a modern-day
record for blocking the most legislation during a congressional session. A new report released today by the Campaign for America's Future details the 62 times conservatives have used the filibuster to block legislation (or force modification of bills)!
Also, according to the Wall Street Journal, The Dem Governors Association and the Republican Governors Assoc. issued a joint statement pleading with Congress to "leave partisanship at the door".
It is too bad that too many of us are not lawyers who can rely on the less fortunate for a hearty income.
Let Mr. Zerbe pay the $4- and $5-per gallon for gas! I will just stay at home and help the less fortunate next-door neighbor.
The message itself is a valid one, the messenger makes us wince though.
Hard times, may help kick Americans in their proverbial tushes, to wake up about unnecessary credit card spending or that "buy buy buy - even if you don't have the cash for it" mentality.
Good grief.
Does The Gazette read what these guys write ?
Mr. Zerbe, you may have more than just a few naysayers in the audience, so why don't you start this "hardship" ball rolling, and just give me your money. Yeah, that'll be a start.
If Mr. Zerbe doesn't help barefoot children does that make your apathy justified?
Or to put the question another way, if Mr. Zerbe was a decorated veteran or injured fireman, or donated tonnes of food and clothing, would his message of thrift, compassion, and frugality mean more to you?
I think these difficult economic times are precisely what America needs to get back to our roots of frugality and resourcefulness. I'm not suggesting we live an ascetic lifestyle, but cut back that we only purchase and consume the things that we need or will *truly* make us happy.
I wonder if he uses the same quote to the many drunk drivers that he uses for his own "self-indulgence". "I can't help but think that hard times may be the medicine we need"? Mr. Zerbe, I suggest you find some honor and diginity.
So in today's reality, that any Scrooge-like vision of either the present or future can ever convince the elite that greed is bad is highly doubtful. In the meantime, Mr Zerbe, Cratchit can barely afford to heat his home, much less 4 bucks a gallon for gas!
The only difference in OC's hypothetical is who the CEO's imposing the hardships on the working people are. He and other liberals prefer it to be the government and not the corporations that actually create jobs and pay wages.
So in today's reality, that any Scrooge-like vision of either the present or future can ever convince the elite that greed is bad is highly doubtful. In the meantime, Mr Zerbe, Cratchit can barely afford to heat his home, much less 4 bucks a gallon for gas
Many parallels to today's culture and resultant economic downturn.