Politics and Me-part 1

Since no one has paid attention when I was innane, maybe it is time to get controversial. After all, as a senior citizen,  I can claim it is dementia that made me say those things you don't agree with. Or, as any good candidate for office I can 1) claim I did not say it, 2) allege I was totally misquoted, 3) Say I got bad advice from a friend, 4) use the Michelle Bachman approach that says it is true, the rest of you don't have the facts ( Paul Revere's ride really was a warning to the British that they(the British) were coming-right) 5) issue an apology that is not an apology ( if I offended someone I did not intend to say that 6) or-heaven forbid, say I made a mistake and take it all back.

The prelude is how I view politics today, like an affront to our intelligence. We want to learn about our candidate to determine who to vote for, but genuine information about who they are, what they believe in, what they will vote for, what they will try to do if elected, who they owe as they get elected, are all masked and covered in glitter. No one is willing to take a real stand on an issue and risk losing two votes. They sugar coat denials and try to be as unclear as possible, leaving us to guess at what they believe in. George Wallace was a bigot for those who remember him, but at least an honest bigot. And when he became more tolerant I seem to recall him saying he had changed. (or is that my memory not being correct)

I pretend to be an independent but should be best described aa a semi-conservative Democrat. The only times when I have caucused it has been with the Democratic Party and those visits have been long ago and not consistent. I was bored then with the posturing and am even less accepting today. Rhetoric in place of substance just seems like a waste of time.I have never been opposed to trade offs and exchange of votes, as long as it is above board and serves a purpose I can at least moderately support. I admired Hubert Humphrey. He was more liberal than I was,  even when young,  but he was clear about his position, was passionate, articulated his position eloquently, and more than anything else, KNEW HOW TO COMPROMISE, without apology. He recognised that sometimes you had to accept half a loaf when it was that or go hungry and wanting. Giving in today did not mean he gave up his vision, he would come back for the other half next year. And he was gracious and respectful of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. And why do they insist on sitting on separate sides anyway?? Are they afraid their thoughts will be contaminated or someone will copy their paper?

I am reading a book entitled "That used to be us" by Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum. I have not read a book for a long time. This one was chosen because 1) I am in Germany and wanted something to read 2) my brief review of the topic on the back cover  told me the topic was of concern to me 3)Thomas Friedman is the nephew of Hy and Bev Rosenbaum of Willmar. The Rosenbaum's were important people in starting West Central Industries, were dear people, and were so proud of Thomas that he came up in many conversations through the years I knew them. If they loved him he was special and smart; they would have been polite if he were a dunderhead, not effusive. That personal connection made me pick the book off the shelf. I have read Thomas as a columnist, knew of his three Pulitzers, and found his views to be well documented and supported, even when I disagreed with his conclusions.

The book does not seem particularly partisan or slanted, slamming and supporting members of both major political parties. They did not quote Humbert so far, even though Tom mentions him in the preface, but they are clear in saying the extreme ideological positions of our two major  parties are killing our country as it slips from excellence.  Leaders of both are pushing our fingers off the ledge we are holding on to with their lack of progress on addressing the challenges of America. I could not agree more. Read the book and decide for yourself. It is timely and clearly written. I have said often that if most employees (and remember - they are employees we pay) did their work at the last minute, in secret without telling their bosses what they are doing, and argued at length with co-workers, I would likely fire them. We should. If only there were qualified workers, with different dispositions, at our door.

Let me be clear. I voted for Barack Obama and still support him. Every time he speaks I am proud that he is bright and understands the topic(s)  and any subsequent questions, when the latter are allowed. The passion of his opponents in opposition confound me. Disagree yes, but some of the inflamed comments I hear just disturb me as an American. Libya kills leaders, in our country only very ill people try to do so. I hope the economy recovers for our sake, each and every one of us, but if it does not the opportunity for re-election weakens. I do believe he has the wisdom and courage to do the right thing, even if it means he will not will re-election.

Now, do I agree with everything he stands for - nope. I was slow to accept his ideas during his first campaign. I disagree with him about extending unemployment. I thought the car company bailout was not needed, even though I concede it was largely successful and far less costly than projected. Health care reform may work or not, the effects will not be fully realised on his watch, even if he is re-elected. I do believe that the hew and cry about the socialistic nature of the plan is too emotional.

Many countries have successfully put together other health systems that work, afford basic care to all, and have controlled the delivery costs. Doctors need to be paid well, we need hospitals, but we do have a system that is out of control and Specialists are paid far too much under our system. I was thouroughly impressed with the care received in Germany with the birth of my grandson. The midwife ( who has a role much like our nurses)  and the doctors truly engaged in meaningful conversations to decide if inducing was needed, treating each other as equals. That same respect and teaming was evident after delivery and as preparations were made for discharge.

Back to politics. The Republicans seem desparate to find the right candidate and so far seem too worried about defeating Obama, rather than finding solutions. Perry's jobs program may be to drill oil wells, since that is why he had success in Texas. We had a scammer in the 70's in Willmar ( I think the timeline is right) who said there was oil in Brooten, but it is not true. The Iron Range has given up all its big deposits, the oil plan will not help MN. So far Rick seems better at being opposed to something than he is in finding specific answers. Just cutting taxes is too simple as a plan. Pawlenty knew how to say no and did so often, he also refused to raise taxes. Job growth did not occur on his watch of two terms. (Read the book - Tom and Mike have more ideas than Rick) And be sure to check their documentation on global warming, they must know different scientists than Rick.

I believe this is sufficiently long to have bored most readers. I will have more to say in future additions.

I hope I stirred the pot enough to at least get one feedback comment.

Reawakening

Summer is busy, life moves fast and no one was paying attention to my blog. Those are my reasons -excuses for no posts since April. Time to dribble a bit.

Since the last post much has happened. Back home in MN for much of the summer months. Some time at the cabin-never enough. The great MN walleye shootout was rainy and some what crimped in style because of weather, but still a success. JC claimed victory and was allowed to get his rights to the name on the trophy, with an asterick behind the recorded title.This guys only adventure has been a totally enjoyable and memorable part of my life.

As this is written I am back in Germany, visiting for the third time. Enjoying Brenna, Parker, who is now 1 year old, and enjoying time with JC as we co-parent ( ok, I am just coasting-he is doing the real work) as his mother and Sandy visit our French daughter Manue'.

We all did Paris for 3 days. What a place. Beautiful architecture, delightful scenery along the river, and food choices that are almost without comparison. Ashley will really have to see the Eiffel Tower in person someday. 50 tons of paint alone on the surface(s)?

I am looking forward to a relatively short time home in MN and then escape to Phoenix for the winter. I do plan to work hard on getting the 49 Ford PU finished before I leave. A lot left, so I don't know if it will happen. 2 more coats of varnish need, then mount the box and finish the headliner/cab interior. Rear fenders and tailgate also not on. It does take more time than most of us plan for or imagine.

 This year is our chance to have our children with us at Christmas time. At this time we are hopeful that all will be able to attend. JC and Ashley need to see if they can repeat the Phoenix version of the MN Polar Plunge. The Green Lake guys would say 62 degree water really does not count, but it ain't for me. I like laying on the floater in 88 degree water with 100 degree real temp and sunshine. I did that in September.

This is it for the moment. Next post may get political.