Mindful Musings #27

I'm going to have to stay away from political talk shows on T.V., editorials and blogs. It's turning me into a cynic and driving me into the arms of doubt and despair. O.K. So I exaggerate somewhat, but the fact is there is so much negative discussion and so much injustice created by some of our government officials that it is depressing.

Anything President Obama greets with enthusiasm is immediately shot down by the Republicans in Congress. Voting not to increase the debt ceiling is their current tactic. Yet, in the past they have always increased the debt ceiling. The consequences of not raising it will be catastrophic to the world and would create defaults in our own accounts and credit obligations. Chances are they will pass it before the August deadline, however, the angst and discord within the country, in anticipation of the event, creates deep depression (the psychological kind). Anticipation creates stress, and doomsday scenarios predicted by the media. None of which create stability in the job market.

Some economists predict widespread damage to everyone if the Congress refuses to increase the debt-ceiling. Other economists talk of letting it happen as a lesson to the government to not spend more than it can make. This all or nothing attitude, especially from the new Teapot bumble heads is what is destroying the Republican party. There are no moderates who can see the disaster looming. In the meantime, the Democrats continue to drag their feet and the President, who is left-leaning but more centrist and sometimes talks about jobs and ignores the Republican members of Congress. His Bully Pulpit remains silent when many citizens want to hear him push on the Republicans. I continue to think that a kick in the butt and some tough action by the President and the Democrats in Congress will move some members of Congress forward to end this anticipated debt ceiling debate.

Some would argue that debate is part of the American democracy and should be encouraged. I firmly believe healthy debate is good, with both sides speaking in respectful, issued thoughts. Wouldn't it be refreshing to hear the end to ad hominem criticism for a change?

Again, it boils down to the November elections this year and next. Voting the end of this barrier type of governance is the only way to go.