In the historic Fiscal Responsibility Summit, hosted by President Obama and designed for bipartisan input, the President singles out Senator McCain, setting him up honorably. The President spoke of the sincerity of Senator McCain. But instead of actually being sincere and asking a substantive question regarding pressing issues, Senator McCain seemed to want to shame the President, asking him about the proposed presidential helicopter. This was a mistake on many fronts, namely because the President turned what seemed intended as a moment of shame to one of honor and delight.
You gotta love this President! Just maybe he will indeed change the tone in Washington. We hope so.
Showing posts with label Bipartisanship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bipartisanship. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Being Bipartisan II
Senator Judd Gregg withdrew his name from nomination as Commerce Secretary today. I do not buy his reasons for withdrawing for one second. It appears that he has succumbed to Republican pressure in a revolt against the White House and the Democratic Congress.
It's a divide and conquer strategy, a concerted effort to isolate President Obama from the Congress, which has a lower approval rating, and derail his agenda which will lessen his approval rating. Make no mistake about it, this is a fierce fight for 2010 and 2012.
In this regard, where is the love of country in this incredibly difficult times for many Americans? There is surely no love of country and the people of America. Senator Gregg's withdrawal is shameful; it goes beyond embarassment.
It's a divide and conquer strategy, a concerted effort to isolate President Obama from the Congress, which has a lower approval rating, and derail his agenda which will lessen his approval rating. Make no mistake about it, this is a fierce fight for 2010 and 2012.
In this regard, where is the love of country in this incredibly difficult times for many Americans? There is surely no love of country and the people of America. Senator Gregg's withdrawal is shameful; it goes beyond embarassment.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Being Arianna Huffington III
In a post today, Arianna Huffington wrote that President Obama has to chose between "bipartisanship fetishism vs. what's best for America." I could not agree more. I have written a lot here about the necessity of bipartisanship; but after last week I began to wonder if the effort itself was being turned into a political platform to negate the President's plan and to jockey already for 2012.
After adapting a Washington bipartisanship style of "going to the other party, splitting any differences you have, patting each other on the back about how nice and civil you are being, and moving on," it's now time to get down to business. President Obama must lead with the support of the people who have resoundingly voted for change in all branches of the federal government.
Watching the partisanship practiced in Washington last week, I began to feel sickened by the lack of respect for this particular time and the real difficulty that so many Americans now face. It seemed like the hooks were in and a wave was building that had little to do with the matter at hand and more to do with regaining power at the expense of President Obama's desire for bipartisanship. The President wised up quickly. I believe that he will chose what's best for America.
After adapting a Washington bipartisanship style of "going to the other party, splitting any differences you have, patting each other on the back about how nice and civil you are being, and moving on," it's now time to get down to business. President Obama must lead with the support of the people who have resoundingly voted for change in all branches of the federal government.
Watching the partisanship practiced in Washington last week, I began to feel sickened by the lack of respect for this particular time and the real difficulty that so many Americans now face. It seemed like the hooks were in and a wave was building that had little to do with the matter at hand and more to do with regaining power at the expense of President Obama's desire for bipartisanship. The President wised up quickly. I believe that he will chose what's best for America.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Being Olympia Snowe
When women are in the Senate, I usually listen very carefully. While not always being impressed by them, Republicans and Democrats, I have always appreciated Senator Snowe. On this blog I have even asked why she was not the Republican VP choice. She is smart, sharp, bipartisan, and focused.
These are the kind of words and actions that have been impressive. Regarding being in support of the stimulus package, she writes:
"The catalogue of arguments in the Senate have spanned the gamut – from those who believed this bill initially was about the right size and the right balance to those who thought it was far too expensive, providing too little bang for the proverbial buck," Senator Snowe said. "However, through true consensus building, the Senate has rightly been engaged in a vigorous and healthy debate to arrive at this monumental compromise."
She adds:
"Throughout our deliberations this week in the Senate, I have consistently advocated for a package that will truly stimulate this economy, not an omnibus bill bloated with frivolous spending" Senator Snowe continued. "We must be vigilant to ensure this is the right package that will address the urgency of our economic crisis and achieve credibility with the American people."
These are the kind of words and actions that have been impressive. Regarding being in support of the stimulus package, she writes:
"The catalogue of arguments in the Senate have spanned the gamut – from those who believed this bill initially was about the right size and the right balance to those who thought it was far too expensive, providing too little bang for the proverbial buck," Senator Snowe said. "However, through true consensus building, the Senate has rightly been engaged in a vigorous and healthy debate to arrive at this monumental compromise."
She adds:
"Throughout our deliberations this week in the Senate, I have consistently advocated for a package that will truly stimulate this economy, not an omnibus bill bloated with frivolous spending" Senator Snowe continued. "We must be vigilant to ensure this is the right package that will address the urgency of our economic crisis and achieve credibility with the American people."
Being Disruptive
Being disruptive is important and bipartisanship is a great thing. I am for both. But it is also quite clear who the Americans now trust to bring change to Washington via their vote in both the Executive and Legislative branches. It is also quite clear who the American trust to be disruptive to bring this change. Personally, I am less concerned about how many votes are received from either side and more concerned about the policies themselves. The built in partisanship in the various branches has been reduced to mere grandstanding and gaming as opposed to real disruption and change.
It matters less to me what you call yourself; I care more about both how you vote and how you frame your argument. Both are important moving forward. I am also equally aware that Washington is a political place and games will be undoubtedly played. One administration or a few will not change this. BUT one administration, along with the consistent voice of the people, can be disruptive in a system that can begin the change in how we do things. Movement always starts with one step and is followed through by many.
I have noticed President Obama doing small things like trying to humanize the guards who stand as he boards a plane. They always look utterly surprised when he actually speaks to them. Sometimes he has had to prod them into responding. They are so accustomed to standing there and trained to be non-reactionary in the presence of the President; they are trained to be good soldiers in the line of particular duty. I suspect if they were on the battlefield that their reactions would be quite different indeed. I honor them wherever they stand.
We all have a serious disruptive task to bring change to all branches of our government, both locally and nationally. We can do it!
It matters less to me what you call yourself; I care more about both how you vote and how you frame your argument. Both are important moving forward. I am also equally aware that Washington is a political place and games will be undoubtedly played. One administration or a few will not change this. BUT one administration, along with the consistent voice of the people, can be disruptive in a system that can begin the change in how we do things. Movement always starts with one step and is followed through by many.
I have noticed President Obama doing small things like trying to humanize the guards who stand as he boards a plane. They always look utterly surprised when he actually speaks to them. Sometimes he has had to prod them into responding. They are so accustomed to standing there and trained to be non-reactionary in the presence of the President; they are trained to be good soldiers in the line of particular duty. I suspect if they were on the battlefield that their reactions would be quite different indeed. I honor them wherever they stand.
We all have a serious disruptive task to bring change to all branches of our government, both locally and nationally. We can do it!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Being in Black Face III
"Bipartisanship is overrated."
--Michael Steele, Repbulican National Committee Chairman
Need more be said?
--Michael Steele, Repbulican National Committee Chairman
Need more be said?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Being Personally Responsible
If anyone knows me or have read anything that I have ever written, I am all for personal responsibility. I remember getting into big trouble as a consultant with a large city government for insisting that communities be personally responsible for their own neighborhoods. Change begins with each of us on the smallest of levels. Trash in our neighborhoods is not a small thing. As does love, respect begins at home. But when I heard Joe Scarborough and Peggy Noonan this morning on "Morning Joe" talking about personal responsibility it had a particular divisive and partisan ring.
"Barack Obama is going to be talking about Republican themes of personal responsibility and cleaning up the vacant lot next door," said Joe. Are democrats not personally responsible? Who lives among vacant lots? Peggy Noonan chimed in some time later with the same pejorative buzz word, as if either of them actually knows what President-elect Obama will say, "Yes, he's going to talk about personal responsibility, like cleaning up those vacant lots in your own neighborhood."
By then I was livid. There is no doubt that this disparaging "vacant lot" had not only a derogative anti-Democratic tone, but was used pejoratively to indicate African Americans. Such words are incredibly disheartening especially considering the past eight years where vacant lots in and of themselves did not add to the financial crisis currently rocking America. What about President Reagan's notion of laissez-faire economics that many believe has brought us to our current financial crisis? What about those who bankrupted banks and mortgage companies escaping in golden parachutes that landed in pristine gated communities? The financial crisis had more to do with these and less to do with vacant lots. Who will be held personally responsible for these things?
Financial institutions received welfare the likes that vacant lots will never see in thousands of lifetimes. Vacant lots had nothing to do with water boarding. Many Americans are asking that the current Republican president take personal responsibility for torture. Many are insisting that the incoming president charge him with war crimes. (I am not.) Yes, we all need to take personal responsibility but divisive partisan buzz words and tones will not unify us and will not get to the heart of what's needed to turn this country around. We need bi-partisanship and personal responsibility from everyone with respect for differences. Derogative buzz words strike the absolute wrong chord in this difficult time America now faces.
"Barack Obama is going to be talking about Republican themes of personal responsibility and cleaning up the vacant lot next door," said Joe. Are democrats not personally responsible? Who lives among vacant lots? Peggy Noonan chimed in some time later with the same pejorative buzz word, as if either of them actually knows what President-elect Obama will say, "Yes, he's going to talk about personal responsibility, like cleaning up those vacant lots in your own neighborhood."
By then I was livid. There is no doubt that this disparaging "vacant lot" had not only a derogative anti-Democratic tone, but was used pejoratively to indicate African Americans. Such words are incredibly disheartening especially considering the past eight years where vacant lots in and of themselves did not add to the financial crisis currently rocking America. What about President Reagan's notion of laissez-faire economics that many believe has brought us to our current financial crisis? What about those who bankrupted banks and mortgage companies escaping in golden parachutes that landed in pristine gated communities? The financial crisis had more to do with these and less to do with vacant lots. Who will be held personally responsible for these things?
Financial institutions received welfare the likes that vacant lots will never see in thousands of lifetimes. Vacant lots had nothing to do with water boarding. Many Americans are asking that the current Republican president take personal responsibility for torture. Many are insisting that the incoming president charge him with war crimes. (I am not.) Yes, we all need to take personal responsibility but divisive partisan buzz words and tones will not unify us and will not get to the heart of what's needed to turn this country around. We need bi-partisanship and personal responsibility from everyone with respect for differences. Derogative buzz words strike the absolute wrong chord in this difficult time America now faces.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Being Bipartisan
"Black abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass was an early critic of President Lincoln. Douglass became an admirer of President Lincoln after the Emancipation Proclamation and helped the Union Army recruit black troops. In August of 1863, Douglass went to President Lincoln to urge equal pay for black soldiers.
"Nearly a year later on August 19, 1864, Douglass returned to the White House at the President's request. Douglass was impressed that President Lincoln prolonged their conversation despite the arrival of Connecticut Governor William A. Cunningham.
"Douglass recalled: "Mr. Lincoln said, 'tell Governor Buckingham to wait, for I want to have a long talk with my friend Frederick Douglass.'" Douglass commented: "This was probably the first time in the history of this Republic when its chief magistrate found occasion or disposition to exercise such an act of impartiality between persons so widely different in their positions and supposed claims upon his attention. From the manner of the governor, when he was finally admitted, I inferred that he was as well satisfied with what Mr. Lincoln had done, or had omitted to do, as I was."
(The full story can be read at Mr. Lincolin's White House)
"Nearly a year later on August 19, 1864, Douglass returned to the White House at the President's request. Douglass was impressed that President Lincoln prolonged their conversation despite the arrival of Connecticut Governor William A. Cunningham.
"Douglass recalled: "Mr. Lincoln said, 'tell Governor Buckingham to wait, for I want to have a long talk with my friend Frederick Douglass.'" Douglass commented: "This was probably the first time in the history of this Republic when its chief magistrate found occasion or disposition to exercise such an act of impartiality between persons so widely different in their positions and supposed claims upon his attention. From the manner of the governor, when he was finally admitted, I inferred that he was as well satisfied with what Mr. Lincoln had done, or had omitted to do, as I was."
(The full story can be read at Mr. Lincolin's White House)
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