New Deal's Legacy...and A Challenge to Our Next President

When Franklin Roosevelt came to office, we had a country who was in despair. He began to turn the country around. Nothing was off the table to get the nation back to work to uplift it from its' state of despair. The Nation Magazine devoted quite a bit to this very subject recently. We are once again at such a turning point. I am going to take up the mantle of talking about the New Deal. We have a lot to learn from the New Deal. I yearn for a government that is compassionate and understands the plight of the under served. Ronald Reagan was wrong when he said Government was the problem. After twelve years of Reagan-Bush (I), Bill Clinton brought that commitment back. Government is not the answer to all the challenges. But, Government can play a constructive role in facilitating a resolution that is fair, just and equitable. The role can begin to be realized if the next President is courageous enough to remember the ordinary faces (like me) who are struggling to survive the tsunami that is coming down their way and not listen to the K-Street types who have a narrow agenda and are truly out of touch with the country.

What a Night!!!!

The General Election to choose the next President of the United States began tonight. John McCain became the presumptive Republican Nominee after he swept the four primaries. The Democrats will have a fight on their hands. Although some believe that McCain has some problems withe Republican base (the so-called Base plus strategy), I think he's smart enough to overcome it. Everyone needs to remember that this guy was written off and everyone anointed Mitt Romney the nominee (and then Giuliani & Thompson, etc.) before they all flamed out. Therefore, anyone who underestimates John McCain does not at his own peril.

As I have noted before, I will not question his patriotism and devotion to this country. His family has been part of the fabric of this country for over 200 years. What I have a problem with is his vision. I disagree with his vision of less taxes, less regulation. I disagree with the fact that we should stay in Iraq "for 100 years". I believe that we have some profound challenges at home. We have a runaway military budget we cannot afford. We have a health care system that needs fixing now. The idea of choice is just not going to fix it. We have yet to adjust to the world economy. I agree with Senator McCain in this regard. We do have to create the future. That time is now. I don't believe, though, that Senator McCain is that man to lead us in that charge.

As for the Democrats, I remember 1992 when Bill Clinton was written off. He fought off Jennifer Flowers, Bill Bradley, Dick Gephardt and others. Everyone wrote him off, but he stayed it and went on to win. Can Hillary do the same? I think she can. But, what I wonder is at what cost to the party....because 2008 is not 1992, and the stakes are higher because of the changes this country has undergone over the last seven years. This is probably the worst seven years of my lifetime, in terms of what the country has gone through. Of course, President Bush does not think so because he thinks that everything is great. But, when Warren Buffet says we are in a recession, then the President better wake up.

The struggle continues......

Super Tuesday...Will it be over?

The Economist dubbed the upcoming election as the "Greatest Show on Earth". Despite the fact that we are about to have the first $ 1 Billion Presidency, at least market forces have a strange way of working itself out. Senator Clinton and Senator Obama are vying for the Democratic Nomination. I think the Democractic Party will be stronger, more united and more progressive as a result of this dialogue. No matter what the pundits have said, Bill Clinton's advocacy of his wife is the right thing to do...and Senator Obama said is as much. I don't understand what folks meant by being "Presidential...".

I was sorry to see John Edwards stop his run for the Presidency. He gave voice for those of us who had no voice. He spoke for me and my aspirations. I trust that the two remaining leading Democractic Candidates will make sure that the aspirations of those of us who are "..faces in the crowd"...will be heard and will be addressed. I do worry about John McCain, though. I read Mark Penn's comments in Senator Clinton's Blog. I think Senator McCain is a formidable opponent and should not be taken lightly at all. I made these comments earlier in Senator Clinton's Campaign Blog to reflect upon this very fact:

"..Super Tuesday is before us....For the sake of our party, I hope that it is settled. In John McCain, we will have a tough and formidable opponent. I realize Mark Penn's view that Senator Clinton can beat Senator McCain. But, whatever one thinks of Senator McCain, his courage, committment to service and his willingness to tell it like it is not in doubt. The issue is one of vision as I see it. It is whether we want a vision of a someone is a neo-con's neo-con, or someone either Senator Clinton or even Senator Obama who want to change the mindset that has caused us to be ridiculed around the world. I was glad to read that Senator Clinton and Senator Obama started this during the latest debate in California....." As noted in : http://connect.hillaryclinton.com/blog/Mikeps-Blog/400017732, Feburary 2, 2008.

I do remain hopeful...but scared....we have some tough and challenging times before us.....

Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness and the Art of the Possible

I saw The Pursuit of Happyness last night. What a powerful movie!!!

Will Smith and his Son gave powerful performances. Beyond that, the story itself is moving and inspiring. What is within the possible is still possible in this country. Whether our political leaders in their infinite wisdom insure that what Bill Clinton once called "the Dream Called America" will endure or not is another question.