George W. Bush has the distinction of being the most hated political figure in the world right now. No person has taken more criticism for his decisions, more second-guessing, and more flat-out resentment than he.
Type in 'bush' on the Facebook Flair application page and see what you find.
Bush is compared with a monkey. Shoe-throwing is encouraged. His last day is viewed with extreme joy. He is called evil, -----,-----,----(you get the picture). There are numerous games mocking him, a countdown clock to the end of his terms, and even more unmentionable things designed to bash the man who is leading the country.
My question: Is there a point in which we become too critical of a president? Is there a point where we become a nation divided by political parties? Is there a point where 'political humor' becomes unreasonable?
Not that this is a terrible thing; to have political views and freedom is what America is all about.
In fact, I enjoy a good political cartoon as much as the next person. The problem is, when it becomes purely centered on bashing the president, I get a little uncomfortable. Isn't there supposed to be some respect for the people who run this country, whether you agree or disagree?
The presidency is not the easiest job in the world. Again, the presidency is NOT the easiest job in the world. Not only do you bear responsibility for what you do, but also for other things out of your control. You must make decisions based on what you think is best for the country as a whole-you WILL offend someone no matter what you do.
And that's not to say that I agree with everything Bush has done. I'm not real thrilled about his domestic spending and I'm disappointed with some of his middle-of-the-road politics. But let's flip the coin now.
Fast forward to January. President Barack Obama steps up to the podium to deliver his first speech as president. I'm watching. Do I agree with this man? No, not on the majority of issues. Do I think he is the most qualified to run our country? No. Did I vote for him? No. But, in the midst of all this--do I think Obama is 'president evil'? No. Do I think that Obama should be assassinated? No. Do I think Obama's marriage should be discussed in the tabloids? Absolutely not. Do I think that he should be called names that make me blush? No.
He is the president. He deserves respect because of who he is. He is the leader of the country for the next four years. He is the man who will do his best to do what he believes is right for America. No matter what your position, that's what he is. Show some respect.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Bailout
Much has been said and written on the various government bailouts of banks, AIG, and the proposed bailout of the Big Three automakers. I would just simply like to comment on one basic thing--sensible business practice.
In your first business class, what do you learn? That a natural economy has ups and downs. Times when everything is plenty and times when life is tough. In fact, we could dial this down to common sense and simply say that you have to plan for the future.
Ford, GM, and Chrysler clearly did not plan properly for the future, or they might not be in the pickle they are in. It must be difficult to run a multi-billion dollar business--but you command a multi-million dollar salary, too. You have to realize that demand for your product is definitely not going to remain consistent. Tastes change, and needs change. The United States still drives large vehicles, but the demand has shifted to smaller and more fuel efficent cars.
How did the Big Three miss this? Who knows? But the fact is that they did. Should we, the taxpayer, have to bail them out for their mistake? And the fact, is, it was a mistake--nothing more and nothing less. Consider this, over 80% of small businesses fail within the first ten years--due to business practices or ideas that clearly did not work. Should we therefore bail them out too?
The frequent argument is that the Big Three support an industry that utilizes a massive amount of our nation's workforce. If the Big Three go away, what will happen to those jobs. Some will be lost, but the industry will eventually restructure itself into a smarter entity. The people of the United States are not dumb. We can adapt. And it will be tough. I suppose I can say this impassively, seeing as it is unlikely I will be directly affected. But I don't like the idea of paying for these companies for failure.
In your first business class, what do you learn? That a natural economy has ups and downs. Times when everything is plenty and times when life is tough. In fact, we could dial this down to common sense and simply say that you have to plan for the future.
Ford, GM, and Chrysler clearly did not plan properly for the future, or they might not be in the pickle they are in. It must be difficult to run a multi-billion dollar business--but you command a multi-million dollar salary, too. You have to realize that demand for your product is definitely not going to remain consistent. Tastes change, and needs change. The United States still drives large vehicles, but the demand has shifted to smaller and more fuel efficent cars.
How did the Big Three miss this? Who knows? But the fact is that they did. Should we, the taxpayer, have to bail them out for their mistake? And the fact, is, it was a mistake--nothing more and nothing less. Consider this, over 80% of small businesses fail within the first ten years--due to business practices or ideas that clearly did not work. Should we therefore bail them out too?
The frequent argument is that the Big Three support an industry that utilizes a massive amount of our nation's workforce. If the Big Three go away, what will happen to those jobs. Some will be lost, but the industry will eventually restructure itself into a smarter entity. The people of the United States are not dumb. We can adapt. And it will be tough. I suppose I can say this impassively, seeing as it is unlikely I will be directly affected. But I don't like the idea of paying for these companies for failure.
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