straight talk

How Did We Get Here?



Posted: Monday, December 12, 2005

by straight talk

Today we hear consistently the barrage in our news that so and so is an ultra Liberal or someone is an Ultra conservative. You see the fighting between Republican or Democrat and your perception of our government is that - quite frankly - it is lousy. In fact it is so lousy many don’t even bother to vote anymore, except for those who can be sold there is a real difference or they love the party program. You may even be open to suggestion that a change has to be made but you don't know what and you are probably so conditioned that the current system needs to be replaced that you will except anything that comes along. Regretfully, the bottom line is our political leadership are all joined in any number of ways, and for the greater number, they are all the same. Think not, then let's examine this opinion.

First, assume we are going on a trip from Tampa Florida to New York City. We all know there are many ways to get to that destination. Some will take longer and some will be quick. However, the bottom line is we will all get to that destination. So where is this leading me? Well another scenario to ponder starts with a simple assumption. Let's say that we are in positions where we can make change. Let’s assume that we all belong to most of the same power broker organizations and social scene. These are places where the powerful and elite communicate and exchange ideas. They are political, business and other high leaders in society. Let’s also assume we're all in just about the same economic class or higher and we all come from the same think tank types of schools and know each other fairly well. We would probably be safe in saying that if we all belonged to that grouping, for the most part, we would think somewhat closely on many topics and in many cases almost the same on most if not exactly on some matters. So why would it be a shock that this group might have a common goal? Lets say an ideal that everyone strives for and can buy into. To say this might imply conspiracy. I say certainly not for that would be paranoia. Yet, I believe many have heard that old saying "great men think alike".

What I am trying to say is that people who are similar have a tendency to accept something if it sounds plausible and they will buy into the success of the endeavor when their perceptions and ideas are similar. Certainly wealthy people like ways to become even more wealthy. Poor people like ways to become wealthy and everyone likes a tax break. Perhaps differences would be only in the timing, approach, or actions taken. If this theory is correct then you do not have any real differences, but only in the method and approach to achieve such. So my opinion is that a majority of our politicians have, for the most part, bought into a concept that supercedes all other issues, and that they all work toward the success of that idea, but with a different views as to how to achieve that end and when. However, the real drawback in this entire theory is that there is no counter thinking or alternative view or diversity of ideas for consideration. If Congress continues to be the domain of the rich, then we should certainly expect laws will be created which are favorable to their way of thinking and concepts.

What does that say to the average person? It says rather distinctly that some have to sacrifice for the overall good. So when you ask- "why don’t they", or "I can’t understand", or "how can that happen", or "how can they allow that", you must understand that only the things that support or might impact the goal will be acted on. Why do I have this opinion? Take a look at how woefully unprepared the government was when Katrina struck. This was a major catastrophe in the making for years, yet the results of the government response shocked the nation. Their inability to execute a plan, or for that matter even have an effective plan, has placed a major impact on the economy of this nation and our governments ability to continue moving forward with anything. Therefore they are being forced to address the matter as urgently as possible to get back on course. In place of a gradual rise in fuel prices the prices jumped overnight. They had to take immediate action to stop this major impact to the goal. However, the cost for damage and associated aspects will go into the billions and we the people will be paying for it for years. It is the old monkey wrench!

We can look at the consistent rise in the costs of everything, the eradication of good jobs which are replaced by low paying jobs, corruption, discrimination, hiring practice and laying off of older workers. We can look at family issues that impact the average Americans situation and you could bring up issue after issue. Just look at the debate surrounding Iraq and you see everything I am talking about rolled into just one topic. The majority at one point all agreed we should invade but "when" was always a question. The "how" became the next item - boycott, invade, continue economic sanctions or not? This was not a difference of if we should have, because it made good sense in Global aspects. That leads us to consider it was poor planning, a lack of planning, or was it right on plan?

Could it be that these people that lead us are that totally inept, and that is the entire crew- Republican or Democrat? I must say that while I have always had my own reservations about "higher education", you do have to admit they must have some thought processes in order to pass their tests. Then I ask rhetorically is it faulty teaching, ability, or that there is some other reason for the incompetence, or could it be right on target? I don't know but in my opinion I sense we all agree the entire aspect was not fully thought out [read my article on crisis management].

Quite sadly for us middle Americans until we the people start to look deeper at what is being said and vote in people who have our interests first, [if there are any average people we can vote in who still have values]. If we continue to remain inactive with an I don't care response, then we will continue with the same old story line and we will continue asking the same old tired questions until we arrive at their desired destination and you ask one more final question

- "how did we get here"?

Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2005 Robert Melaccio



Robert Melaccio Sr. has worked in the computer industry for 40 plus years in a diversified business and managerial environments. He enjoys freelance writing, giving seminars for young adults and teen groups as well as being an accomplished award winning poet of published poetry. He has worked teaching and as a youth minister. He is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

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