Politics - As Usual

I’m really not one to talk (or in this case write) about politics. If I do so, it’s because I’m extremely frustrated. Well, guess what? I’m there. Actually, I’m beyond frustrated, I’m mad.

I had hoped I would be wrong about this administration. I wondered if we would really see any hope and change. A popular bumper sticker during the campaign said this: "Change: It’s all you’ll have left." I’m beginning to believe it. I’m sure the slogan "Yes, we can!" didn’t originally mean "Yes, we’re the government and we can tax you on everything!"

I have decided, for my own peace of mind, to stop watching the news. At least for a few days. This whole mess with AIG, Congress, and the Treasury Secretary is just the latest. It stresses and saddens me. I find myself extremely cynical of the government and I don’t want to be.

This past week has been no exception. First, Senator Dodd claims that he had no idea the stimulus package contained a bonus protection clause. Then, the very next day, he admits to writing it himself at the behest of the administration. He also claims that though he was hesitant about it, he didn’t think it would be a big deal. Seriously? Millions of dollars in "retention" bonuses paid to people who no longer work at AIG wouldn’t be a big deal to the country. Oh, please! We’ve already given them billions of dollars that we’ll probably never recoup. Now Congress is trying to cover its backside by taxing the recipients of the bonus. I have mixed feelings about this. I feel it sets a bad precedent. We’ll have to wait and see if the tax is legal. I’m sure tens of lawyers are already on the case.

Instead of watching the news, I will read a book or two. I will write. More importantly I will pray. I will pray for our leaders and our country. I will pray for the people who have lost jobs, suffered salary cutbacks, are concerned with their housing situation, have health coverage worries, and so on. Though I may have lost hope in this administration, I haven’t lost hope in the Lord. He alone can change the hearts of people and give them hope in their situations.

Note: March 23: Here is the link to the article that Loretta mentioned in her comment. For whatever reason, the whole link isn't appearing in the comment box (at least on my end. I'm sure it's an error on my part). http://www.1440wallstreet.com/index.php/site/comments/aig_puts_goldman_sachs_back_in_the_limelight/