Political Recrimination by Arnie Sherr

Political Recrimination by Arnie Sherr 

Harkening back to childhood days, I vividly remember statements made by those wrongly treated. “I’ll get even!” Yes, then and even now many years hence the human tendency is not only to retaliate but to do it one better. It’s more than “I’ll get even”; it’s “I’ll show him, her, or them. He, she, or they will be sorry they messed with me!” 

Isn’t that what is permeating the news almost minute by minute? One-upmanship has become a political tactic. An example is the slanders targeting Obama’s goal of healthcare reform. Nowhere in the House version does it state anything about paying for abortions or promoting euthanasia; nor about doing away with private sector choices. Yet, from the mouths of many republican Senators and representatives come those very assertions and more, knowing they are mere propaganda. Moments ago on CNN Sarah Palin said, “I fears for my Down syndrome child who may die waiting for and then not receiving quality care if Obama’s plan is passed. Her attacks are horrific examples of recrimination. She is dangerous and her inflammatory comments should be ignored. In a court of law objections would be raised and the “judge” would be mandated to rule “sustained” or “overruled” simply because her attacks have no basis in fact or relevance. However, when these exaggerations and misrepresentations are stated there is no judge from whom such a ruling is forthcoming; only the press, and I am skeptical of their good judgment too. Even though that call themselves “fair and balanced”; meeting their slogan’s meaning is a challenge indeed!

I don’t claim to be any more or less human, but then it is not I who mans the bully pulpit. It doesn’t take a genius to see the growing use of political recrimination; it confuses the American people. In fact, recent political one-upmanship is almost entirely responsible for slanders like “Obama is a socialist and worse; a communist and many will die waiting long times for scheduled surgeries, etc. Certainly, the VA and Medicare health systems prove the reverse. They too are government run healthcare plans and as both a senior and a veteran my healthcare is and always has been exemplary. Obama’s proposal will be no less exemplary; suggestions to the contrary are blatant attempts at political positioning. Over the past two years the Republican Party has lost tremendous traction and its once powerful place in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />America’s political arena. Before they undertake something that will benefit all Americans, they are practicing one-upmanship; sore as they are at the loss of the top seat, control of the house and senate, and more. You see, it’s not about you and me; it is for them about re-election. Supporting that which is good for America will make the opposition look good at the polls even if their looking good is justified. In their immature and feeble minds, supporting agenda that is good for all Americans may cost them their jobs. Of course, the only way they can justify their defiance is by manufacturing and promulgating harmful propaganda.

Don’t get me wrong; during the Bush years and when the right controlled the hill the left practiced the same tactics – one-upmanship. Why is it so important they be re-elected? Maybe it’s the power that comes with the job or more likely the perks and favors they enjoy from special interest groups. Whatever, it’s for sure their reasons have less to do about Main Street than the “Rodeo Drive” on which they reside. Most are so out-of-touch with life on Main Street they will never be able to feel our panic, suffering, and frustration. Oh yes, they say they do; let them live on Main Street with their wives and kids for just one year - no job, $150.00 in the bank, an overdue mortgage and, I almost forgot; no health insurance. Let them experience taking themselves and their kids to emergency rooms, waiting interminably to be treated. Let them stand in line at food banks; let them spend endless hours at the unemployment office searching online job sites; Let them listen as their kids cry at Christmas because the tree has many less presents than before. Remember the movie “Trading Places”?

Where’s the justice.        

Can anyone remember the Democratic and Republican conventions? Has anyone researched the numbers of minorities present at the republican convention as opposed to the democratic? Why do you suppose the percentage of minorities attending the republican convention was fewer than 16 percent? Perhaps researching the average income of those who claim to be republican and comparing it with those who claim to be democrats will shed light on party differences. Do that; I know you’ll find the answer. Few Main Streeters are republican by comparison, which bears out that most including those on the Hill haven’t a clue what its like to be a Main Streeter.

President Obama, I applaud your promise to change the way things are done in Washington; of this promise, I forgive your failure in advance! - Arnie Sherr